Original Cast Members Locked In For Lone Ranger, Other Actors Also Wanted

Deadline reports that Disney has locked in Armie Hammer (Social Network), Johnny Depp (as Tonto) and Ruth Wilson (Jane Eyre, Prisoner, Luther) for the leads in Gore Verbinski's (Pirates 1-3) Lone Ranger. It had been unknown even with Disney agreeing to a lowered budget that the cast would still be able to commit to the movie. The studio is interested in casting Tom Wilkinson as the film's villain. Helena Bonham Carter, James Badge Dale (Departed, The Pacific) and Dwight Yoakum (Crank 1-2) are also wanted for roles.

I'm all for more Disney films from Gore Verbinski but the western genre hasn't been in the best shape lately. Here's hoping that Gore can do for the western he did for the pirate genre. That being said I'm curious to see how much damage Mirror Mirror is going to do to Armie's creditability as a lead actor. As the goofy family film could make audiences cringe when trying to picture him as the masked avenging cowboy.

David Fincher's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Gets A New Writer

Deadline reports that David Ficher's massive take on the classic Jules Verne tale 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea will have another writer. Previously screenwriters such as Scott Z. Burns , Randall Wallace and Michael Chabon were involved in the writing process. Now Andrew Kevin Walker (Sleepy Hollow, The Wolfman) will take a shot at the script. Walker is best known for Se7en but hasn't worked with Fincher since.

Marvel Unwilling To Create Any New X-Men Characters Because Of Fox?

Ever since Marvel Studios started making their own films and subsequently bought by Disney there seems to be tension between between Marvel and other rights holders. Rob Liefeld in an extensive  interview with WordBallon points out that Marvel hasn't created any new X-Men characters and it's not based on laziness. The comic book writer/creator is responsible for giving birth to Cable, Deadpool, Domino, Feral and X-Force. So when he talks X-Men he does have insider information. He's also been in active talks with 20th Century Fox over the Deadpool movie and possibly adding Cable to the X-Men films. 

Liefeld states Marvel/Disney isn't in the business of creating characters only to hand them over to 20th Century Fox for new additions to their films. Currently the studio holds the film rights to all the characters in the X-Men universe (hero and villains) which is an extensive group. I'm not sure if that also means that Fox gains rights to new characters as they are introduced in the comics. It's further pointed out that Marvel holds the toy rights to X-Men First Class but didn't release any over the summer when it was released. Since they would have competed with Captain America and Thor toys which Marvel gets a bigger profit from. He's pointing out Marvel is undercutting Fox's growth of their X-Men franchise where they can.

My take is that Marvel is smart by not helping Fox by handing over new characters bound by an old rights deal. They could feel the deal was unfair since it was drawn up during Marvel's financial troubles during the 90's and might not have predicted the future of the company. Hopefully there will be a way to wiggle the film rights back to Marvel other than cutting a billion dollar cheque which Rob suggests. I feel when the studio uses up all the villains they'll end up selling the rights back. The X-Men universe doesn't have a lot of film-friendly villains which must be annoying for Fox.

Inhumans & Guardians Of The Galaxy Next For Marvel Studios?

Marvel Studios has been mentioning a lot of projects for the future some include Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Ant-Man, Iron Fist, Namor, Luke Cage, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Vision. Expansion into the cosmic universe has been mentioned more than once by Marvel in the past.

EW's recent issue includes confirmation of sorts that Inhumans and Guardians Of The Galaxy are also in development. Previously the two projects had been rumored but Marvel's Kevin Feige confirms them to the magazine. TwitchFilm provided the first news about Guardians and BadassDigest picked up the news on Inhumans.

INHUMANS: Created in 1965 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Inhumans are a race of evolutionary advanced beings who are the result of experiments performed on humans by an alien species called the Kree. The intention was to create super soldiers that the Kree could use to fight the Skrulls, but the test subjects were eventually abandoned to their own galactic kingdom. An Inhumans film could very well setup the events prior to Avengers 2 which could lead to the Kree-Skrull war coming to Earth. If that's not the case in the new film. Feige told EW that Inhumans could be an X-Men-style/Avengers ensemble. This very well could be Marvel Studios' chance to make their version of the X-Men.


GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Created in 1969, the comic was originally set in the 31st century. The relaunch in 2008 is seemly a better group including better costume/character designs, powers, along with stronger lineup adding Adam Warlock and Quasar.

Star-Lord decides to form a team of interstellar heroes that will be proactive in protecting the galaxy, rather than reacting to crises as they happen. To this end, he recruits Adam Warlock, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Phyla-Vell (the new Quasar), Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, with Mantis as support staff. On the recommendation of ally Nova, the group establishes a base of operations at the space station Knowhere, which possesses a teleportation system with near-universal range. An intelligent, super-powered dog called Cosmo acts as Knowhere’s chief of security and works closely with the new team. After an initial clash with the revitalised Universal Church of Truth, the team’s investigation of a mass of “Limbo ice” reveals a semi-amnesiac man who identifies himself as Vance Astro – Major Victory of the original Guardians of the Galaxy. Astro’s declaration inspires the as-yet-unnamed team to adopt the “Guardians of the Galaxy” name for their own.

A Better Look At Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye Costume In Avengers

Damon Lindelof Tapped To Write Sci-Fi Project For Disney

Damon Lindelof (Lost, Prometheus, Star Trek) is becoming a go to writer for science fiction films. Deadline now reports he's been hired buy Disney write an unknown science fiction film for the studio. The project with the working title 1952 has zero details but I have a few ideas. While it very well could be an original concept there are two big sci-fi projects currently in development at Disney.

First there has been a Tomorrowland film being planned since 2008 based on the park attraction. 1952 could be referring to the year that Walt Disney Imagineering was created, the group that created many of the attractions at the theme parks. SlashFilm had word that Dwayne Johnson was attached to the film with Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (Hangover) handling the script. This seems unlikely as Disney is shelling out seven figures to land Lindelof, a little expensive for just a rewrite.

Another science fiction project that has been developing at Disney is Alien Legion. The comic book series was nabbed by the studio not too long ago. Lindelof isn't a stranger to adapting comic books since contributed to the script for Jon Faverau's Cowboys & Aliens. The premise is similar to Green Lantern meets the dreggs of Star Wars. Yet that project also has writers Derek Haas and Michael Brandt (Wanted, A-Team) attached.

Disney Could Look To Burton, Raimi, & Cuarón To Direct Pirates 5

CinemaBlend has word that Disney is eager to start developing Pirates 5 and are looking for a director. Not surprising as the fourth film is already north of $640 million. While they have a script in place from Terry Rossio as reported by HollywoodReporter. The curious thing is that Rob Marshall hasn't officially signed on to direct, yet is still wanted by the studio (just lip-service?). While successful financially the fourth film got only average reviews from critics. Blend has word that Disney is looking at Tim Burton, Sam Raimi, Shawn Levy, Alfonso Cuarón and Chris Weitz for the fifth installment.

Burton had been looked at for Pirates 4 but never signed on. He's becoming a studio stable with Alice In Wonderland, Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and his Sleeping Beauty project Maleficent. I like the idea of Burton entering the world of Pirates but I'm not sure he would deliver a film any better than the previous ones.

Sam Raimi is directing the studio's next big fairy tale picture Oz, The Great & Powerful the Oz prequel which focuses on a young wizard. Raimi seems like the safest choice out of the bunch and could give audiences a fun film if given breathing room. My only concern is that he also had been working on pre-production for Warcraft which is likely his next film.

Alfonso Cuarón is the director that should be turning heads. His wonderful film Children of Men proved he's got the visual and storytelling chops that most directors inspired to have. Giving audiences family friendly entertainment with The Prisoner of Azkaban while keeping his dark style. Alfonso also has the promise of pumping the new blood needed to keep the franchise going. Unlike Raimi and Burton, Cuarón isn't deep in development on other large projects.

The filler choices seem to be Shawn Levy (Date Night, Real Steel) and Chris Weitz (Golden Compass) neither directors of garnered praise or success for their previous films as of yet. Levy is set to direct a remake of The Fantastic Voyage for producer James Cameron. There have also been talk of other projects with Hugh Jackman including a Real Steel sequel. Weitz seems an odd choice and left field when compared to the other candidates.

FIRST LOOK: Pixar's Brave

Disney/Pixar have released the first rendered image from their film Brave that will be released June 15th 2012. The film set in Scotland follows the wild redhead Merida the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. The Royal family rules generously and peacefully, at least until Merida mucks it all up when she runs afoul violating a sacred custom of the land. She, along with three goofy Lords, set out to make things right, but in order to do so, they must first find a wise old woman who offers more than her petitioners bargain for. Pixar also released some interesting concept artwork not too long ago which got me excited for this. I'm not easily won over by contemporary animated films but Brave looks like it could end up being more like How To Train Your Dragon than Cars 2.

Michelle Williams Confirmed As Glinda In Sam Raimi's OZ

 It's been confirmed by Variety that Michelle Williams will play Glinda the good witch in Oz, The Great & Powerful. She will star alongside James Franco, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis in the Disney film directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Evil Dead).

Rachel Weisz In Talks For Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful

HeatVision confirms that Rachel Weisz is in talks to play evil witch Evanora in Oz, The Great & Powerful. She is one of three sisters who wants to rule Oz using dark magic. Michelle Williams, Hilary Swank and Blake Lively are likely to be still in contentions for the role of Glinda. James Franco (Wizard) and Mila Kunis (Theadora) are currently the only other cast members in the Sam Raimi film.

Armie Hammer In Talks To Join Johnny Depp In Lone Ranger

Deadline reports that Armie Hammer (Social Network) is in early talks to join Gore Verbinski's (Pirates 1-3) The Lone Ranger alongside Johnny Depp.

Marvel Confirms Cobie Smulders, Tom Hiddleston & Stellan Skarsgård For Avengers

In a press release attached to the first set photo for Avengers we also get a short synopsis and confirmation on a few actors. Previously Marvel hadn't officially announced Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill it was only confirmed by the trades. They also go on that Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Stellan Skarsgård (Professor Erik Selvig) from Thor will also be in the film. The synopsis while interesting doesn't give us the big picture which will likely either leak out or be featured at Comic-Con in July.

Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” and “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers” is the super hero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.  

Avengers Starts Production & Marvel Releases First Teaser Image From The Set

Joss Whedon recently revealed that The Avengers just started production on Monday and now Marvel has just posted a teaser image from the set. We should expect more tidbits like these during the production as the shoot moves forward. Hopefully we end up with a group shot of the in camera heroes.

Disney Wants Michelle Williams For Oz

Vulture reports that Disney is trying to cast the rest of the roles for Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. They say that Raimi is championing Hilary Swank for the role of the elder witch while Disney wants Michelle Williams. I believe most of the time a director is right on the money but Sam has a trend of hiring plain-Jane actresses for his leads. From what I know about the synopsis the witches are supposed to be beyond gorgeous while Swank can be pretty at times she isn't as stunning as say Mila Kunis, Blake Lively or Michelle Williams. I have to side with Disney as Michelle is coming off some impressive roles in Shutter Island and Blue Valentine the latter earned her second Oscar nomination.

It's unknown if Blake Lively is still involved with the film as she just joined Oliver Stone's Savages. Vulture also reported that John C. Rilley was in talks to play the Wizard's (Franco) sidekick but is expected to get an offer for a role in Hunger Games instead. To be honest I'd rather see Rilley in Oz but let's hope Disney continues to give us a solid cast.

Taylor Kitsch Has Seen A Trailer For John Carter Of Mars, Will It Be Attached To Thor?

During press for Bang Bang Club Taylor Kitsch confirms to MTV that he has seen a trailer for John Carter of Mars. He doesn't tell us when it will be released but I have to assume that it might be attached to Thor as it's also a Disney film. Considering they're both rather large science fiction fantasy films it would make sense to pair the two. I have to expect it will a teaser trailer as the film is a year away with a March 9th 2012 release date and it's unknown where they are with the post-production.

CAST EM'!: Edgar Wright's Ant-Man

With the second draft of Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright's script for Ant-Man complete I figured I go over some updated casting ideas for the Marvel Studios film. I've come up with a list of my favorites for the roles of Hank and Janet.

Previously we've seen actors like Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Adrien Brody rumored for the role of Hank. Along with online campaigns for Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Pegg. Pegg suggesting he'd rather play the film's villain rather than Ant-Man himself. I like some of the names being mentioned but I have my own ideas as well.



DR HANK PYM - ANTMAN

Joel Edgerton: Joel is similar to Tom Hardy and Jeremy Renner as he's slowly building up a decent resume of badass roles. He seems like the gruff type of Hank that you could seriously and be threatened by. Depending on how their take on Pym if they want to get a future action star for the part Joel could be their man. (The Thing, Animal Kingdom, King Aurthur, Smokin' Aces, Star Wars: Episode II & III)


 



Jamie Bell: Jamie is an excellent young actor. I've been fascinated with his career as he's been able to go from child actor to slowly developing into an action star. Being the only solid thing about Jumpers and also being able to hold his own in Defiance alongside Daniel Craig. Bell was also involved with the Spider-Man talks so it's likely he's open to a comic book role. If I had to choose a favorite it would be Bell. Not to mention he's already had plenty of motion capture experience with Tintin which could be an asset. It's expected Ant-Man will be mostly motion capture. (King Kong, Tintin, The Eagle, Defiance, Flags of Our Fathers, Hallam Foe)





JANET VAN DYNE - WASP

Mila Kunis: Mila is best known for her television work but has become known for her adaptability taking on many different types of films. She's able to play almost any sort of role dramatic, action, comedic or otherwise. She had been linked for the Lois Lane role with many other actresses but seemed at the time the best choice. As Janet is characterized as a petite woman Kunis' stature fits that aspect along with her bubbling personality which Janet is known for. (Oz, Book of Eli, Sarah Marshall, Black Swan)







Mary Elizabeth Winstead: Winstead on the other hand has more action film roots as a majority of her films have tended to go in that direction. She also has been rumored/linked to being involved with talks for Superman, Spider-Man and The Avengers. It seems she wants to do a comic book film and is on the radar of Marvel Studios as MEW was a possible candidate for Maria Hill. (Death Proof, Die Hard 4, Scott Pilgrim, The Thing, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter)







WHO WOULD YOU CAST IN THE LEAD ROLES? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Ryan Gosling Could Join Johnny Depp As The Lone Ranger

Deadline reports that Ryan Gosling along with others are being courted for the role of the Lone Ranger. It had been mentioned that George Clooney and Timothy Olyphant were being looked at. Gosling recently attached himself to Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson) Logan's Run remake and it also involved with talks for Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) Gangster Squad. Johnny Depp is locked in the role of Tonto which the film will be told from his character's perspective.

I'm not sure how likely it is that Disney would be able to wrangle Ryan as he's been avoiding franchise projects like this one. He however didn't rule out The Flash and Wonder Woman.

Blake Lively Could Play Glinda In Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful

Also in the Variety article that focuses on Blake Lively is another project she could be involved with. Blake is also up for a major role in Disney's Oz, The Great & Powerful. She would play Glinda the witch in the Sam Raimi film that focuses on the arrival of the Wizard (James Franco) via hot air balloon to the land of Oz. Mila Kunis (Black Swan) previously joined the film playing Theodora the sister of Glinda and eventually becomes an evil witch.

Patrick Dempsey Wants To Play Doctor Strange

With big announcements concerning Iron Man 3 and Avengers there hasn't been talk about the films in development. We know that Kevin Feige has officially confirmed that Iron Fist, Black Panther and Doctor Strange were all in the works. Fist and Strange are in the process of having scripts written. HeroComplex caught up with Patrick Dempsey who is lobbying to play Strange in either a film or television series.

Mila Kunis WIll Play Theodora In Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful

Variety has official news that Mila Kunis (Book of Eli, Black Swan) has landed the role of good witch turned evil Theodora in Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. The Disney film which stars James Franco as a young Wizard who is a sexually charged snake oil salesman/illusionist. They also name Glinda and Evanora as the other witch roles which should be cast soon.