Christian Bale Drops Out Of Aronofsky's Noah, Michael Fassbender Wanted

Variety reports that Christian Bale has left Darren Aronofsky's Noah, the big budget bible tale. They say that Darren is now looking at Michael Fassbender who is on fire with his summer blockbuster X-Men First Class and his awards bait Shame coming up. Of course Fassbender is one of Hollywood's most sot after actors but will he decide to commit to the rather large film?

Hugh Jackman Talks Wolverine, First Class 2 & X-Men 4

Jackman still has a lot of love for Wolverine even though he's been playing him for ten plus years and soon to be five films. While talking to ThePlaylist he gives the impression he has a couple more films in him and wants to finally get the character right in The Wolverine. Unsurprisingly he states he doesn't believe we'll be seeing an X-Men 4 but doesn't count out showing up in X-Men First Class 2.

“I don’t see it. I can only see one movie ahead,” he said deflating hopes of a 4th “X-Men” film, despite talk in recent years by the producers of making one more. “I’m pretty sure I’m well into the second half of this match. I don’t know exactly when the end is, but I only go one at a time. If this is the last one, fingers crossed, man, I just hope we finally get that hole in one.” 

 So might Jackman pop up in a ‘First Class’ sequel? “If they come up with as good of an idea as last time,” Jackman says with a big smile, “Yeah, I could see it.”

I'm a bit skeptical about how the The Wolverine will turn out without Darren Aronofsky. It's odd that both Lauren Shuler Donner and Hugh Jackman producers on the last film have said they were unhappy with it's outcome. Odd since they made the creative decisions and allowed Fox executives to mettle with the production. I'll wait for the trailer before I start condemning but they have a lot making up to do for Wolverine fans. I'm all for more Wolverine but if they mess up Frank Miller's story they really will have lost me. On the other hand I'd rather see Jackman show up in First Class 2 as a pre-Weapon X Wolverine than watch a mess that X-Men 4 would certainly be. They could erase that magic bullet nonsense with Xavier just wiping his mind. Since the studio has established that First Class has it's own X-Men canon.

Christian Bale In Talks For Darren Aronofsky's Noah's Ark

Vulture reports that Christian Bale is in talks to star in Darren Aronofsky's next film the biblical epic Noah's Ark. Bale might owe Darren his Oscar win  as The Fighter was originally his film before leaving and staying on as a producer. It will be interesting to see Darren finally make a large film so this is one to keep an eye on.

Directors Out Of The Running For The Wolverine?

It looks like Fox has had quite a mess on their hands since Darren Aronofsky exited The Wolverine. The promising film written by Christopher McQuarrie (Usual Suspects, Valkyrie) and based on Frank Miller Japanese saga hasn't had much traction since. The studio still aimed at shooting on location in Japan seems to have been waiting to see how the recovery was going before proceeding with the production. Pausing the production date doesn't seem to be a problem but finding a new director however is. 

Recently it was reported that the studio had a list of hopeful directors that included Duncan Jones (rumored), Jose Padilha (Elite Squad 1-2, Robocop), Doug Liman (Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, All You Need Is Kill), Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Brooklyn's Finest), Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo, Never Let Me Go), Justin Lin (Fast Five, Highlander, Terminator 5), Gavin O’Connor (Warrior), James Mangold (Cop Land, Knight & Day, 3:10 To Yuma, Walk The Line) and Gary Shore.

Mark Romanek, Doug Liman and Antonie Fuqua have seemingly taken themselves out of the running.  Romanek states "That's just one of those stories that floated around. I was on their list, I received the script months ago. It didn't seem like my kind of thing...That script was a terrific version of that kind of thing, but not something I felt really passionate about." While Liman (Luna) and Fuqua (South Paw) are pursing other projects.

Jones had been the most promising name linked and confirmed meeting with the studio out of politeness. Jones has been trying to get money together for Mute and his Blade Runner homage. So it's likely he's been talking with major studios like Fox to get the films financed. Justin Lin is also linked for the film but has a three projects currently in development which includes Terminator 5, Fast Six and Highlander.So it looks like the only current directors in the running are Jose Padilha, Gavin O'Connor, James Mangold and Gary Shore.

Darren Aronofsky's Next Film Could Be Noah's Ark

Darren Aronofsky is a rare type of director as he's able to make his passion projects. It took him a long time to make The Fountain and was even passionate enough about The Fighter to let David O'Russell take it over so it would get made. His last film Black Swan earned him awards/nominations along with a box office take of $300 million. Giving him a lot of cache in Hollywood following projects he wants to do rather than what a studio develops. Recently he dropped out of directing The Wolverine likely to pursue his original projects. One of the them seems to be moving forward with co-finacing offers going out to studios.

Deadline reports that Noah's Ark is currently looking for a studio to come in and co-fiance the $130 million dark biblical epic. There is confirmation that John Logan is doing rewrites on Aronofsky's original script. Logan is no stranger to large films as he wrote Gladiator, The Last Samurai and Bond 23. Darren and artist Nico Henrichon had put together a graphic novel for the film to help their pitch. Some of the artwork made it's way online and it is very impressive. He also previously gave same tidbits about the project.

"Noah was the first person to plant vineyards and drink wine and get drunk. It’s there in the Bible – it was one of the first things he did when he reached land. There was some real survivor’s guilt going on there. He’s a dark, complicated character.


It’s a great script and it’s huge. And we’re starting to feel out talent. And then we’ll probably try and set it up… It’s the end of the world and it’s the second most famous ship after the Titanic. So I’m not sure why any studio won’t want to make it…


I think it’s really timely because it’s about environmental apocalypse which is the biggest theme, for me, right now for what’s going on on this planet. So I think it’s got these big, big themes that connect with us. Noah was the first environmentalist. He’s a really interesting character. Hopefully they’ll let me make it."

Duncan Jones Confirms Talks With Fox To Direct Wolverine

AICN has confirmation from a source that during a Source Code question and answer period the young director confirms talks with the studio to helm The Wolverine. Duncan gave the impression he'd rather make another one of his original science fiction films but took the meeting to weigh his options and to be polite. Currently there are conflicting reports on when The Wolverine will start production. I've heard the film could start shooting as early as July but some trades have mentioned November. They could be confused as the projected release date has been aimed at November 2012.

Jones is having trouble financing his science fiction thriller Mute. Which is set in a futuristic Berlin when a mute bartender's girlfriend is kidnapped. I would assume that if he made a deal with Fox they could end up financing Mute in return for his directing services on The Wolverine. Fox made a similar deal with Darren Aronofsky that I expect is still valid even though he's left Wolverine. A deal with Fox Searchlight could be a great career move for Jones as he would be able to make his original films with the backing of a studio who appreciates independent filmmakers.

Duncan Jones Could Direct The Wolverine

Deadline has a new report that Universal has offered the Huntsman role to Hugh Jackman in Snow White & The Huntsman. The only catch would be that he'd have to choose to do this over The Wolverine. I wouldn't be shocked this being a tactic by Jackman to light a fire under the seat of 20th Century Fox who have yet to pick a director to replace Darren Aronofsky. The article mentions that the studio is currently looking at Duncan Jones (Source Code) and David Slade (30 Days of Night.

Slade seems like a reasonable choice as he was in the initial group of directing candidates but has since been attached to Daredevil. I'm curious to see if he drops Daredevil to focus on The Wolverine which would take up a considerable amount of his time with the projected November 2012 release date. While David has been tagged for directing a Twilight film he's made some awesome films such as Hard Candy and 30 Days of Night. I didn't care for the look of the vampires in 30 Days of Night but it seemed like a faithful film to the comics which should ease reservations of X-Men fans.

Duncan Jones on the other hand might be as creditable as Aronofsky. Jackman previous stated they would be looking at directors similar to Aronofsky. Jones seems like the most applicable to Darren with auteur sensibilities while being able to work on a grand scale with a limited budget. His first film Moon was a stellar homage to work of Ridley Scott but being it's on monster and a great addition to the science fiction genre. Duncan isn't new to being offered big studio genre projects. He previous was in talks for the Superman and Judge Dredd reboots. Along with being a fan favorite to take over directing duties from Jon Favreau on Iron Man 3. Jones has been trying hard to get his speechless thriller Mute made and I'm sure there could be a possibility Fox would fund the film if he directs The Wolverine. I'd personally take Jones over Slade only because I've felt his films have a stronger emotional connection which would be needed for the dramatic script written by Christopher McQuarrie (Jack The Giant Killer, Usual Suspects)

Hugh Jackman Confirms The Wolverine Moving Forward

SuperheroHype and CinemaBlend were able to speak with Hugh Jackman during some early promotion for Real Steel at CinemaCon. The actor/producer of The Wolverine commented on the film and their search for a director. He also gives the impression Fox is currently still looking into when they can start shooting in Japan. The majority of the film is expected to shoot in the country.

"So now we’re out looking for a director. We were pretty much ready to go. The script is fantastic — the best we’ve ever had, which is why it attracted Darren in the first place. His personal situation precludes him from doing it now, and I feel for him. But now we need to find a director.....We’re not going to settle. We’re going to find a director as good as Darren, if not better. Well, as good. Everyone is still pushing forward to getting it done."


"We need to find another director and once we've found that, we'll be able to know. It's too early to call on Japan [where the majority of filming will take place], I'm not sure where they're at, so now we're finding another director....Fox is very anxious to make the movie and we're moving ahead full steam to find another director."

Producer Lauren Shulder Donner also recently commented on the film during her interview with Empire Magazine. Giving the impression it will be a true Wolverine film and there won't be forced mutant cameos.


"It will have depth and a dramatic backbone. And yet there's more action in this one than in any one we've ever done. It's such a good script. We have the great Christopher McQuarrie writing and it's very true to the Japanese saga. This is Logan on his own..."

I think it would be a great boost for the film industry over there to have a production like The Wolverine shot there. Hopefully his talk of a director as good as Aronofsky isn't just lip-service as many fans are under the impression that Darren left over creative issues. If they do look into directors like Matt Reeves and Duncan Jones I'd be happy. The statement of a director as good as Darren would give me the idea that David Fincher or someone on his level could be looked into.

Darren Aronofsky Exits The Wolverine

HollywoodReporter has the official press release from 20th Century Fox concerning director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) leaving the The Wolverine. Darren sited personal reasons as the production would spend close to a year in Japan and away from his son. Even with the disaster over in Japan the studio is still moving forward with the film shooting a majority of it on location there.

It's a testament to the commitment both the studio and Hugh Jackman have to the movie being shoot in Japan. As many studios might be scared off to start new productions there during the recovery effort. It's interesting they haven't named a new director but it would have to be named soon as the production is set for July with a November-December 2012 release date pending. A recent casting call-sheet for the film was released online so they must someone replace Darren.


My choice to take on the film would be Matt Reeves who is best known for Cloverfield and more recently Let Me In. Reeves had been in the running to take the director's chair before Aronofsky was hired. I assume it's very possible as Reeves has yet to announce his next film and seems like he could jump right in if Fox decides to go with him. David Slade who was also a candidate was just selected to direct their Daredevil reboot so he's likely now out of the running. The real wild card would be if Matthew Vaughn is offered the film as Bryan Singer is busy with Jack The Giant Killer. Vaughn has also yet to announce his next film and will be finished with X-Men First Class come July. I'm sure the studio will announce a new director very soon as they must have a backup.

Jose Padilha In Talks With MGM To Direct Robocop Reboot

It doesn't look like we'll ever see Darren Aronofsky's version of Robocop as Deadline reports that MGM is in talks with Brazilian director Jose Padilha to helm the reboot. While I did enjoy Padilha's Elite Squad and I hear great things about the sequel there could be issues. Jose has yet to work in the world of extensive special effects or even the world of science fiction. It's risky but could be one of the more interesting reboots in development. I have mixed feelings on this choice as the prospect of Aronofsky directing is becoming slim.

Mark Heyman Set To Write Age of Rage & Machine Man

HeatVision reports that Black Swan screenwriter Mark Heyman has been set to write Age of Rage for director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, Spider-Man). The project is getting comparisons to a mix between Lord of The Files meets Children of Men. It's set in a post-apocalyptic society where all the adults have died and a group of teens sets about trying to establish a new society.

Heyman is also working on adapting Max Berry's novel Machine Man for Darren Aronofsky. A gadget geek and engineer working at a forward-thinking tech firm decides to systematically replace his weaker fleshy parts with high-end titanium performance upgrades of his own design. But he isn’t the only one with plans for his superior parts. It's likely this will be next film for Aronofsky when completes production on The Wolverine.

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.”

CAST 'EM!: Darren Aronofsky's The Wolverine

 Darren Aronofsky was finally announced as the director of The Wolverine this week. The film based on the Japanese saga from Frank Miller and Chris Claremont has been adapted by screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie. Just a couple of days ago Darren confirmed that he would be casting Japanese actors in the film. Notice he's not hiring Asian-American actors to blanket the roles. There is speculation that the film will even involve subtitles with Japanese spoken which is beyond ballsy for Fox to allow. Since this film will have zero links to other X-Men and will be entirely set in Japan. I've come up with my list of Japanese actors I'd like to see cast in roles. I'm using the character information from both the comics and the character list that leaked.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Kenuichio/Silver Samurai

Chiaki Kuriyama as Yuriko

 Takeshi Kitano as Shingen












Rinko Kikuchi as Mariko

Darren Aronofsky Confirmed For The Wolverine!!

HitFix (via CBM) has confirmation from Darren Aronofsky that he is indeed directing Wolverine 2 now titled just The Wolverine. He goes on to state the film has no ties to the other film (hence no Origins/X-Men in the title) and isn't a straight up sequel. Also there is talk that Darren's longtime cinematographer Matthew Libatique will also be working on the film. Libatique is known for his beyond stylish way of shooting. He's shot such amazing looking films like Pi, Requiem For A Dream, The Fountain, Black Swan, Tigerland, Iron Man 1-2 and Cowboys & Aliens. There is a certain confidence this film along with First Class could help turn around the tarnished X-Men franchises.

"The film that he's directing is officially called "The Wolverine," and there won't be a number attached to it. In our interview, he referred to the movie as a "one-off," and he emphasized that the film isn't a sequel in any conventional sense."

Characters From Wolverine 2 Leak, The Return of Yuriko?

Pajiba has posted character descriptions and plot points for Wolverine 2. While I'm tempted to re-post the spoilers I'm just going to mention the characters from the comics that have made the cut. They list Mariko, Silver Samurai, Viper and The Hand. It shouldn't be long before Fox officially announces the cast. I'm glad they've stuck to their guns and avoided the dreaded overload of mutant cameos so far.

Included is the return of Yuriko who showed up in X2 as Lady Deathstrike. Of course it's not a spoiler to reveal Yuriko worked alongside Logan during his Japanese adventures. I don't expect that she would be referred to Deathstrike since Stryker was the one to give her the adamantium skeleton/nails. Considering they've changed actors with Sabertooth I would assume Yuriko would also get a new actor. The group of female characters does also confirm the previous talk of multiple love stories in the film. Since Logan has romantic history with Mariko, Yuriko and Viper.

Darren Aronofsky Will Direct Wolverine 2

Deadline says that Fox has pretty much given the task of helming Wolverine 2 to Darren Aronofsky. They previously reported that Darren passed on Warner Bros. offer to direct Gangster Squad to instead pursue Wolverine 2 and a decent paycheck. Now they say the studio has agreed to shoot stage scenes in New York to accommodate both Darren and Hugh Jackman's families. The rest of the filming will take place on location in Japan. It sounds like the deal is all but official and it will be the best move by Fox to up the sequel's quality. I'm just hoping that Darren doesn't pull a Matthew Vaughn and jump ship during pre-production. It's not surprising since Darren's working relationship with Fox Searchlight which picked up his last two films The Wrestler and Black Swan. Not to mention his previous experience working with Jackman on The Fountain.

Fox Offers Wolverine 2 To Darren Aronofsky

Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox is aggressively pursuing Darren Aronofsky to direct Wolverine 2. While he hasn't accepted the offer he has been in active talks with the studio and star/producer Hugh Jackman. Darren is the best choice when it comes to directors since the first film was disastrous and the fledgling franchise needs new life. Aronofsky brings a strong understanding of emotion, tension and action. It doesn't hurt that the film is set in Japan when Darren was once attached to direct a remake of Shogun Assassin. The script is written by Christopher McQuarrie (Usual Suspects, Valkyrie) so we shouldn't have to worry about magic memory killing bullets. Fox has really put the effort when it comes to their comic book directors lately. When they were able to hire Matthew Vaughn for X-Men First Class and pursued Robert Rodriguez for Deadpool I started warming up to their projects. If they get Aronofsky they will be one step closer to re-gaining the trust of both fans of the characters and critics of their previous movies.

RUMOR: Natalie Portman Up For Lois Lane?

MovieHole reports that their inside source believes that with Darren Aronofsky in talks to direct Superman. The studio is also interested in actress Natalie Portman to play Lois Lane. Portman was apparently inline for Lois back when they were casting Superman Returns but it never happened. Now if they hire Darren they could get the actress they originally wanted for the role. Natalie is no stranger to comic book films starring in films like V For Vendetta and the upcoming Thor.

Darren Aronofsky Added To List of Possible Superman Directors

While it's still almost two years from it's Christmas 2012 release date. Warner Bros./DC Entertainment and producer Christopher Nolan are hard at work starting up production on their Superman reboot. Previously there had been names like Duncan Jones (Moon), Zack Snyder (Sucker Punch, Watchmen), Matt Reeves (Let Me In), Tony Scott and Jonathan Liebesman (Clash of The Titans 2) listed in the running. Now we have one more candidate, this time one with more awards pedigree. The LATimes reports that Darren has met with the Nolan about the project. As he intensifies his search for a director on the Warner Bros. reboot, Christopher Nolan, who's godfathering the new Superman and producing the David Goyer script, has had discussions with Aronofsky about the job, sources say."


While an interesting prospect I'm sure since his current film Black Swan is getting massive praise and Oscar buzz he's getting lots of offers. Only a couple of weeks go he was connected with possible group of directors to take on Wolverine 2. Darren spoke to MTV during the Toronto International Film Festival giving his thoughts on comic book movies.


"Even though I've been attached to all these comic book [movies], I never really was a comic book kid growing up," he said. "I didn't really have comic books. I didn't really know who Wolverine was until I met Hugh Jackman and got to know it."


"Of course, I grew up with Batman and Superman and Spider-Man a little bit, but I'm not the biggest comic book fan, even though I've been attached to a lot of them," he added. "It would be fun to do one, [but] it's just finding the right situation, the right project."

I'm sort of torn with this news since I had been hoping for Darren to make Wolverine 2 the quality film it should be. Yet I could see him tackling the Superman franchise which has always lacked pathos and real emotion. Elements that his previous films have been brimming with. Darren was attached to direct Batman Begins before Nolan came on board.

Darren Aronofsky To Direct Wolverine 2?

Deadline is reporting that Fox and producer/actor Hugh Jackman have been in talks with several directors to helm Wolverine 2. Now they list Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler) as a possible candidate which is beyond exciting. Aronofsky has been previously developing remakes of both Shogun Assassin and Robocop (which both fell apart). He was also in the running to direct Batman Begins. So it's impossible to predict what he do with a large budgeted Japanese set Wolverine film. If Fox is smart they'll choose talent over box office success and hire Aronofsky who will give the franchise new life. Plus it doesn't hurt that Jackson and Darren have previously worked together. Previously David Slde hs been the frontrunner but Slade doesn't have the body/quality of work Darren has.