Is There 8 Minutes Of R-Rated Test Footage For Deadpool?

There hasn't been much development concerning Fox's reboot of the character Wade Wilson better known as Deadpool. BleedingCool picked up creator Rob Liefelf stating he may have seen some R-rated test footage Fox could have shot. If this is indeed true it could mean that the studio could be finally figuring out when/how they will shoot. Fox seemed to have been mulling over what to do with the Merc-With-A-Mouth as the script written by the dynamic duo of Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Zombieland, G.I. Joe 2) is clearly for an R-rated movie. There seemed to be some hesitation to pursue that type of rating considering all five X-Men universe films have been PG-13 money makers. X-Men franchise producer Lauren Shulder Donner recently spoke on the subject and even sounded like she was championing decision to go with an R rating. If this does happen this will be Fox's first R-rated Marvel film.

While rating isn't everything these days since Christopher Nolan was able to give us a down and dirty Batman film with the Dark Knight even if it was PG-13. Some might say the censors turned a blind-eye to a few scenes. However, when it comes to Deadpool the mercenary character needs to live in a hostile environment which he contributes to with a massive body count. He's also mentally unstable and unpredictable so explicit language is necessity. Here's hoping Fox comes to their senses and moves forward with this film soon. At one point it looked like Ryan Reynolds was going to walk from the project. Luckily, Green Lantern bombed and it doesn't look like that sequel will sweep him away.

"They’ve got a great director on the movie, they’ve got a great script. I may or may have not seen some sort of test of footage that would blow your mind if you saw it and go holy crap and that’s Deadpool in costume. Katana swords, guns, shooting people’s faces off and making me laugh. And I may or may not have seen something that looks just like that. And you’ve got what would amount to the first R Rated X-Men movie. Because that script is R Rated. 


 They may or may not have wanted to shoot eight minutes to see how it would play. And all I can tell you, it’s close. It’s closer that it’s even been to going, or going Naaah, that’s too scary a proposition to make a R Rated Deadpool movie.”

Simon Kinberg Writing Sequel To X-Men First Class

It didn't take long for the name of screenwriter of the X-Men First Class sequel to be revealed. Jason Flemyng had just stated 20th Century Fox was developing a script for the sequel. However, there was no official word from the studio or Matthew Vaughn.

SuperHeroHype now reports that Simon Kinberg is currently writing First Class 2. Kinberg's writing credits includes X3, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. And Mrs. Smith, This Means War and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He's also producing Neill Blomkamp's next science fiction epic Elysium. There is no word if original screenwriters Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz will be contributing. It's assumed if director Matthew Vaughn returns he and writing partner Jane Goldman would do their own re-writes.

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.

Lauren Shuler Donner Talks Deadpool, The Wolverine & First Class 2

If Kevin Feige is the face of Marvel Studios then producer Lauren Shuler Donner is the face of Fox's X-Men franchise. Lauren is responsible for producing X-Men 1-3, X-Men Origins and First Class. I have to commend her on finally giving us a solid X-Men film (First Class) after such a long wait since X2. Fox and Lauren finally took the material somewhat seriously and delivered a solid film rather than a cash-in mutant cameo orgy. She's been making the rounds talking up future projects which includes Deadpool, The Wolverine and a sequel to X-Men First Class.

First Lauren talks to CinemaBlend and TotalFilm about an R-rated Deadpool and director Tim Miller.

"If we make the movie it needs to be a rated R film. Otherwise you can’t make it. As for Tim, most of the advertisements for the games you play, everybody plays, he does those. He’s just…it would give it a very different look, a very different feel, which would be totally appropriate for Deadpool. Again, I don’t want people to feel like they’ve seen these movies before. Every movie has to have its own identity, and he will bring a whole different visual style to it. Very different visual style. And he’s funny! He fits right into that world. He fits right in. He’s perfect." 

"We have a few more things to do. And then it’s up to the studio to decide whether we’re going to go forward or not… But I’m pretty excited. We have a good script and a good director [Tim Miller].....Yes he was treated totally wrong in the Wolverine film and yes we will redeem him."
 
She also talked to CinemaBlend and HitFix about director James Mangold who recently landed the gig for The Wolverine. The film has been rumored to have been pushed back to a Spring/Summer 2012 shoot to work around Hugh Jackman's other films.

"I really liked Walk The Line and I really liked Girl Interrupted and I really liked 3:10 To Yuma. For me there’s three things that I look for. One thing is performance, because really it’s all about characters, even in action movies. Two is a look, you know, visual, because we have to have a style. Three is the ability to handle action and certainly with 3:10 To Yuma you could see that and he’s very experienced. I think we lucked out."

"[We want] to distinguish it from the other one… It’s much more of a standalone [movie]… I’m not sure when we’ll start. Maybe summer 2012 we’ll start shooting. It’s based on Hugh’s schedule, frankly. When he’s available, we’ll film. …He’s doing ‘Les Miserables’, and then he has to come and train for us. So it’s all dependent on him."

Talking to CraveOnline Donner also gives a couple updates on a First Class sequel. Along with her response via HomeMediaMagazine about bringing in Cyclops and Jean Grey for the next film.

"Well, if we were going to sequelize this and keep on going, we would stay in the next [time] period. Probably we’d go to the 70’s."

[on Cyclops and Jean for First Class 2]..."Maybe. Let's just say, I hope so."

"Yes. I mean that movie was a very strenuous movie so Matthew and everybody took some time off. Now we’re back and regrouping and kicking around some ideas. I think we just need to come up with a really good story and see where that leads us. If we could, great, if not, I think the story itself is what is most important."
 

Bryan Singer & Matthew Vaughn Talk First Class Sequel, Trilogy In The Works?

While we've heard Bryan Singer giving hints on sequel to X-Men First Class before. It's the first time we've heard him talk details and even director Matthew Vaughn weighs in his opinion. The two talked to TotalFilm revealing some decade settings they've discussed. Vaughn wants to stick with the late 60's. As the first film is set during 1962 and the rest of the decade could be explored. It also makes sense as you can't really age the characters too fast if the actors are expected to return. Singer also mentions visiting the 70's and 80's giving the impression that if successful they are willing to make at least a trilogy.

A trilogy would work best as Cyclops, Jean and Storm have yet to be included in the films. I would also guess that characters like Gambit, Psylocke and other underused X-Men characters could be given solid screen time in future films.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE A FIRST CLASS TRILOGY? WHAT CHARACTERS SHOULD BE IN THE SEQUELS?

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.

Fox Hires Director For Deadpool!

Deadline reports that 20th Century Fox and producer Lauren Shuler Donner have chosen a director for Deadpool. They've hired first time director Tim Miller with Ryan Reynolds still attached to star. Miller is an interesting choice as he is best known as a visual effects director working on comic book films such as X-Men 1-2 and Scott Pilgrim. It's not that terrible of an idea as the film would have a similar "look" as the first two X-Men films while being it's own thing. Neill Blomkamp had a similar background as Miller before making District 9 and working on the effects himself cutting down the post-production costs. Eventually making a 30-40 million dollar film look like it was done for $100-150 million. This could be a tactic used by Fox to make a large scale R-rated film like District 9 without spending the money they would on a PG-13 comic book film.

It's unknown when this could start production as Fox is still looking for a director to take over The Wolverine for Darren Aronofsky. I wouldn't be shocked to see Deadpool move forward sooner than expected with a script and director now in place. Ryan is also attached but not committed to R.I.P.D. which Zach Galifianakis just dropped out and is set for summer production start. I'd like to think Reynolds would be more committed to making Deadpool first as he's been involved with it since day one.

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.

Lauren Shulder Donner Talks Deadpool, Will Be Faithful R-Rated Comedy & Renyolds Still In

X-Men producer Lauren Shulder Donner also talked to Empire about their spin-off Deadpool. She confirms that they are currently looking for a director. Also the film is an R-rated comedy that will be a complete reboot and could take shots at the fan-hated version seen in Wolverine. This confirms previous statements made by Daredevil director David Slade that Fox was looking for comedy directors to make Deadpool. Lauren gives the impression that the studio is willing to wait for Ryan Reynolds and he's very involved with the film's script.

"We're looking for a director, yes. He’s very involved, Ryan. He’s working with the writers on the screenplay and it is as much as it is ours....mindful of Reynolds' ever-growing logjam of work, added that the film would shoot in the next year or so."

"We’re either going to pretend that didn’t happen or mock it, which he could. It’s insane, it’s definitely comedy, but it’s an R script, it’s really irreverent and violent. Right away, we’re out of the X-Men world...I'm tellin' ya, it's true to the comic. You’ll see all of them. You’ll see Wade Wilson, the good-looking Ryan Reynolds! You’ll see Deadpool in his costume and you’ll see the cancer-scarred face."

Lauren Shulder Donner Confirms Treatments For X4 & X5

It looks like 20th Century Fox is pushing their X-Men franchise into high gear. As producer Lauren Shulder Donner confirms to Empire that the studio loved their treatment for X4 and X5. Giving the impression the two films are connected as they lead into each other and would likely be a package deal.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Bryan Singer return for another shot at the X-Men franchise. He's already been talking up returning and previously had regrets for not doing X3/First Class. If Singer does come on board I wouldn't be shocked to see X4 and X5 shot back to back as it would be a . It would make sense for Fox to wait until both Bryan Singer and Hugh Jackman are finished with their other projects. The earliest production could start seems like late summer or fall of next year. Currently there isn't an announced writer working on either film's script.

Could Bryan Singer Direct X-Men 4, New Mutants Or Deadpool?

HeroComplex had an extensive interview with cast, director Matthew Vaughn and producer Bryan Singer from X-Men First Class. While they were doing damage control over the bad cast photo which leaked. Singer praised the new cast and is aiming to direct another film in the near future. Previously producer Lauren Shuler Donner confirmed Singer's interest in directing X4.

Singer had been attached to make First Class but ultimately had to give it over to Matthew Vaughn. So he could focus on his Warner Bros. production of Jack The Giant Killer. While it's still uncertain if First Class will be successful in the long run. It's doubtful Singer would make a sequel now that the prequel is very much a Matthew Vaughn thing.

Whatever fans think about Singer he is the reason we have the first two films. I believe that Bryan Singer is the only person that could fix all the problems X3 created. Even if X4 ends up the last film in the series a fourth film very well could be a way for both the director and Fox to make it up to the loyal fans. The only problem would be being able to wrangle Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Anna Paquin and Ellen Page back for the fourth film.

The other film could be New Mutants which Shuler Donner had confirmed to be in development along with X4 but hadn't been pitched to Fox. I'm sure if New Mutants had Singer attached it could go next. It would be an easy way to avoid the landmines left from X3.

Stephen Lang (Avatar, Conan) could take on the role of Cable who is the leader of the group and is one of the most popular characters in the X-Men universe. Lang caught wind of the fan casting and is up for it. I wouldn't doubt Fox would like to see the Avatar actor in a pivotal role in a new film.

The least likely of the bunch would be Deadpool but if you think about it could work. Singer would more than likely have to take on a film with an existing script and it's the only project in development that has a completed one. While having the likes of Robert Rodriguez or Quentin Tarantino direct are almost unlikely at this point.

Singer could bring something interesting to the Merc With A Mouth. Considering his experience in the world of thieves and mercenaries with The Usual Suspects. My only problem would be his ability to convey the humor that Deadpool spouts along with breaking the fourth wall. If they ever were going to make an X-Force film based on the more recent comics it would be another great project for him to direct.





Which Future X-Men Film Would You Like To See Singer Make? Should He Even Return To The Franchise He Helped Create? Leave Your Comments!

Deadpool Details From New York Comic-Con

BleedingCool is reporting on some story and character details from the Deadpool film. We haven't heard much about the film's story or characters. It will be unknown until the film starts casting if these tidbits are real so I'll treat them as rumors for now. Hopefully this means if people are talking story it's closer to going into production. Robert Rodriguez has yet to sign the offer to direct and the film has yet to be greenlit.

They reveal a possible love interest which could be Vanessa Carlysle better known as Copycat. It's unknown if she'll even be mutant in the film. Her powers in the comics were shape-shifting like Mystique but is also able to mimic powers. I had assumed we would end up seeing Domino but I guess they could be saving her for future X-Men films.

Weapon-X will have a strong presence in the film characters like Wyre, Ajax, Sluggo and Garrison Kane will appear in the film. The site also assumes we'll see more members featured. I feel this will be one of our last glimpses of the Weapon-X program so they might as well use all the characters. It makes sense considering they didn't really explain the "true" origin of Wade Wilson to Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Now comes inclusion of an X-Men member. While I thought it would be Wolverine they say it will be Piotr Rasputin better known as Colossus. It's unknown if Daniel Cudmore who played Piotr twice will be returning to the role. Personally I think it's decent a hero to choose from. My assumption with both the inclusion of the Weapon-X program and Colossus we could be seeing Omega Red in the film. Of course there is also the chance that they're using him in X-Men First Class. He's one of the remaining X-Men villains who has yet to make the films.

Producer Lauren Shuler Donner told Empire some of the characters we should expect in film would be Blind Al, Weasel, along with villains like Black Tom and Slayback. BleedingCool confirms Blind Al and the inclusion of barman-come-mercenary dispatcher Patch.