Joe Carnahan Wants Liam Neeson For Nemesis

In the last couple of days it was revealed on Twitter that Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, The Grey) seemed to have replaced Tony Scott as the prospective director of Nemesis. The adaptation of the Mark Millar comic that poses the question "what if Batman was a villain?". There had been rumblings that Denzel Washington and Brad Pitt were wanted for the role of super cop Blake Morrow. Joe during an interview with Collider reveals he'd like to see Liam Neeson take the part. I can't argue with him since Neeson seems perfect for these grizzled action roles. His current movie the Grey is gathering a lot of positive buzz so it could be a great move to see Carnahan take on this comic book project.

"You know it’s funny—and I’ll let this cat out of the bag just for you—Mark Millar and I were talking about Nemesis and I had mentioned that I think a particularly fantastic Blake Morrow would be Liam Neeson."

Jane Goldman And Matthew Vaughn Won't Be Making Kick-Ass 2

Jane Goldman spoke to MTV about the possibility of returning for Kick-Ass 2. Goldman states that she more than likely won't be involved as a writer but as a producer. Matthew Vaughn could end up as a producer too and is currently talking with someone who could end up writing/directing the sequel.

“I think the only thing that is fairly sure is that right now, Matthew doesn’t have any plans to direct it. He and I are not currently talking about writing it either. It may well be that Matthew oversees ['Kick-Ass 2'] in a producer role, and I may also be involved in that capacity. I know that there is somebody that Matthew has been talking to who would be interested in writing and directing that. That would be cool.”

Universal In Talks To Make Mark Millar's War Heroes

HeatVision reports that Universal Pictures is in negotiations to develop Mark Millar's War Heroes into a film. Previously the project had been with Columbia Pictures but the rights lapsed. The studio is in talks with screenwriters Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer who wrote Conan The Barbarian (2011) and recently handed in a script for Doctor Strange to Marvel Studios. The premises is an alternate America where soldiers are given pills to unlock various superpowers to fight the country's enemies.

This is yet another boost for comic writer/creator Mark Millar who is starting to become the next Stan Lee in the world of comic book films. War Heroes will be his 7th comic book turned into a film. Two movies have already been completed [Kick-Ass, Wanted] and six others in development [Wanted 2, Kick-Ass 2, Nemesis, Superior, The Secret Service, Supercrooks]. It will be interesting to see who they'll get to direct the film.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Justin Lin in contention considering Fast Five/Fast Six writer Chris Morgan is producing. Lin has been rumored/attached previously to Terminator 5, Highlander, Oldboy, The Wolverine and Die Hard 5. Robert Schwentke (RED) also seems like a possbility since he walked away from directing RED 2 and is currently helming another high concept comic book adaptation R.I.P.D. (his second comic book film) for the studio.

Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn Writing Script For The Secret Service

HeatVision reports that Matthew Vaughn is indeed developing Mark Millar/Dave Gibbon's future comic release The Secret Service into a film. They also mention that Vaughn along with longtime writing partner Jane Goldman (Woman In Black, The Debt) will be working on the film's script. However, they do say that Vaughn is only supervising the scripwriting on Superior. Goldman and Vaughn have previously worked together on Stardust, Kick-Ass and X-Men First Class. Knowing they'll be writing together again on this project makes me believe that Secret Service could be Vaughn's next film. There has also been talk of Matthew developing Jonathan Ross' comics Golden Age and Turf into films as well, Ross of course is Jane's husband.

Matthew Vaughn Buys Film Rights To Mark Millar's Secret Service

CBM has a press release for a charity auction for Mark Millar's upcoming comic The Secret Service. Similar to Kick Ass and Superior, Millar is giving people who bid the chance to have the characters in the new comic named after them. It's for a great cause so please check it out. Details on the comic are currently unknown but I'm sure they will be announced eventually.

Also, within the press release is the fact that Matthew Vaughn's Marv films have bought the comic's film rights. Vaughn is attached to direct Superior sometime down the line. The legendary comic artist Dave Gibbons will be handling the artwork on Secret Service. Gibbons is best known for his work on Alan Moore's Watchmen and Frank Miller's Martha Washington.

Director Nacho Vigalondo Talks Mark Millar's Supercrooks

Crave was able to talk to Spanish director Nacho Vigalondo (Timecrimes) about his adaptation of Mark Millar's Supercrooks. He gives some insight to how the film will look like compared to other comic book movies. Stating like the Godfather, it would be from the point of view from the villains with the super heroes as background players. It sounds like there could be a power struggle among the villains which could make for an interesting concept. Nacho also mentions there is already a script in place.  

"I’m involved in Supercrooks and Windows. Those are my next projects and it really depends on them what comes first. Those are two projects are in a really advanced situation. I didn’t write them. The scripts are already made so I hope they happen. Supercrooks is not a superhero film. It’s a supervillain film. Mark Millar explained to me that when you watch The Godfather, it’s about criminals all the time. You don’t get to see the cops in those films. It’s always about the mafia. In this case it’s the same. We’re going to show only supervillains and not superheroes. Superheroes are in the background."

Matthew Vaughn Making Mark Millar's Superior Into Movie

CBM has a press release that confirms writer/director Matthew Vaughn (X-Men First Class) has obtained the film rights to Mark Millar's (Wanted, Kick-Ass) comic Superior. Millar had mentioned that he had been in talks with directors and studios but nothing was ever announced. Superior focuses on a young boy multiple sclerosis who is granted his wish to become his favorite superhero by aliens.

It's assumed that Vaughn would direct the film but unknown when it would start production. Matthew is likely getting pressure from 20th Century Fox to deliver a First Class sequel by summer 2013. I would expect that Jane Goldman will also be involved with the script process. Jon Hamm (The Town, Mad Men) has been rumored as the ideal actor for the role of the hero. There had been an online campaign to get Hamm cast as the new Superman in Man of Steel. Hamm opted out stating he was too old for the part. It would make sense to cast Jon in Superior since the hero is a Superman archetype and could be any age.

Universal Hires Writers For Wanted 2

TheWrap confirms Universal is finally moving forward with a Wanted 2. The studio has set Michael Brandt and Derek Haas to return as writers on the script. Originally Universal was intent on making director Timur Bekmambetov bring back Angelina Jolie's character back from the dead. It seemed a writing nightmare and Jolie would eventually walk from the potiential sequel. Now with James McAvoy (Wesley) taking a turn as leading man in this summer's blockbuster X-Men First Class and movement on First Class 2 already in the works. It looks like James won't need Jolie after all to get the movie made.

Fox Hires Screenwriter For Tony Scott's Nemesis

Since Fox is starting to put finishing touches on X-Men First Class and Darren Aronofsky's Wolverine is revving up for production it seems they're moving on to their next comic book film. LatinoReview reveals the studio has hired Matthew Michael Carnahan to write the screenplay for director Tony Scott's Nemesis. Carnahan's credits include State of Play, Lions for Lambs and the long in development World War Z. The film based on the Mark Millar comic series focuses on a Batman-type supervillain who uses his resources for evil instead of good.

Jane Goldman Currently Writing Kick-Ass 2?

TheDailyMail points out that screenwriter Jane Goldman (Stardust, Kick-Ass) is currently working on the script to Kick-Ass 2: Balls To The Wall. I'm not sure how reliable the Mail is but Goldman is finished writing duties on both X-Men First Class and The Woman In Black. It's also the first source outside of Mark Millar stating there is development on the sequel.

Actor & Director For Superior To Be Announced In January

Mark Millar has Tweeted that along with a director to be announced in January an actor has been locked in to star in Superior. The comic focuses on a teen with MS who is transformed into his favorite superhero, think Superman meets Big. It mixes well established comic book mythologies from Superman, Thor to Shazam!. Even more impressive is Millar's statement "highest profiled actor of 2010". That is suggestive as there are lots of names that he could be referring to from Ryan Reynolds to Leonardo DiCaprio. The list of actors I have in my head that would consider this project include Sam Worthington and Tom Hardy. Jon Hamm's name has been tossed around by Millar for the film but didn't have a massive breakout in 2010 besides his role in The Town.

Now comes the director involved. I won't pretend to know what direction the film is going since I don't even know which studio has grabbed the project. If it's Universal or Fox I expect someone like Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In) could very well be lined up. Reeves has been in contention for both Superman and Wolverine 2. He also made my list of possible directors for Iron Man 3. If it's Warner Bros. Guy Ritchie's name had been thrown around during talks for Nemesis before Tony Scott was hired. Yet since this is too similar to Superman I doubt he'll direct this one considering his relationship with both Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment.

Matthew Vaughn on the other hand could be another person to take on the film. He campaigned with Millar for their own pitch for the Superman reboot to Warner Bros. Vaughn also had been attached to direct Thor before Kenneth Branagh came on board. While Matthew has stated he believes the superhero film genre is on it's last legs he went on to direct X-Men First Class and is still interested in making Kick-Ass 2. Superior is a very different take on the whole genre and could interest lots of director, so who knows?

Director For Mark Millar's Superior To Be Announcent In 2011

Mark Millar might run his mouth on a regular basis even more so when it comes to the progress of Kick-Ass 2. Yet he is somewhat reliable when it comes to his comics becoming films. Recently Tony Scott signed on to direct Nemesis which Millar believes should star Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp.

Now there is word from Millar via an interview with TheList that his newest comic Superior is also getting the film treatment. While he doesn't give us a hint who is directing or even the studio. Mark teases an announcement for film's director will be released in January.

A name Mark has thrown around for the lead is Jon Hamm. If Hamm doesn't get the Superman job which is very likely. This could be an excellent consultation prize. The story takes influences from Superman, Thor and Shazam! combining elements of their mythologies.

When Will We See Guy Ritchie's The Real RockNRolla?

 The article on the site that gets the most traffic and comments is the one focusing on Guy Ritchie's The Real RockNRolla. It's been promised ever since the original theatrical release of RockNRolla and it was even teased in the credits. Since then Guy Ritchie has been focused on many other projects. I'm going to run down what those movies are and the prospects of when we could expect Ritchie to start production on the RockNRolla sequel.

When it comes to Ritchie's current project he is shooting Sherlock Holmes 2 with Robert Downey Jr. The now established franchise is giving Guy more commercial success than he's ever had before. I expect like with other dedicated Warner Bros. directors (Nolan, Snyder) he will be rewarded with financing for his original projects. The only setback is that he might want to round out a Holmes trilogy before jumping into anything else. I wouldn't be shocked to see Sherlock Holmes 3 his next film.

Guy's previously attached projects could also become a hold up on The Real RockNRolla. He's been in talks with producer Joel Silver to helm both Lobo and Sgt. Rock which are based on the DC comics.
The studio had filmed test shots for Lobo with Jeffery Dean Morgan (Watchmen) and possibly Clancy Brown (Highlander, Starship Troopers). Sgt. Rock is also in development hell and is being re-tool from being set during WWII to the future. I'm not sure if the productions stopped because of Holmes 2 or the fact the characters were taken from Silver by DC Entertainment.


Ritchie has also been attached to direct remakes of the Dirty Dozen and Excalibur for the studio. From what I understand Dozen got the axe because of Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. I'm sure it will eventually happen but needs time between the Tarantino film.

Excalibur was once part of Bryan Singer's long list of projects in the works. He's been focused on Jack The Giant Killer which made opt out on directing X-Men First Class. Giving Matthew Vaughn the chance to finally show us his version of the X-Men universe. It would be interesting to see Ritchie take on the world of fantasy.


Another dreaded obstacle could be Ritchie signing onto new projects. Mark Millar teased that Ritchie along with Sam Raimi had been interested in making a movie based on his comic Nemesis. The project now has Tony Scott in the director's chair setup at 20th Century Fox. It's not surprising to see his name involved with Millar's projects since Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn is a friend and producer of Guy's films. Vaughn helped produce Lock Stock, Snatch and Swept Away. Millar is now teasing that his new comic Superior will become a film. Superior is a mix of iconic comic book mythology taking influences from Superman, Thor and Shazam!. The comic writer says the director would be announced in January. There is a possibility Guy Ritchie very well could be this name.

A very doubtful but still possible project could be Iron Man 3. It's unlikely because of Guy's current relationship with both DC and Warner Bros. Yet Robert Downey Jr. has director approval and could choose someone he's worked with before.

There could also be other unnamed projects which come up and he signs on. My expectations is that while The Real RockNRolla script is more than likely completed Guy could focus more on his high profile projects first. I wouldn't assume to see it go into production until 2012-2013 at the earliest. While there is enough of a demand from fans of the original he is sort of moving forward with different types of films. You can't blame him for wanting to expand his genres and can respect wanting to try different things.

Millar Will Give Vaughn First Shot At Superior Film

Mark Millar is just about to start releasing the first issue of his new series Superior. The comic follows a teen who has M.S. and has a superhero alter-ego similar to a mix of Superman, Thor and Shazam. Like Nemesis it's already caught the attention of Hollywood. Millar said that he's gotten offers for the film from studios but will give the first crack to friend, director Matthew Vaughn. It's likely since Vaughn hasn't been eager to jump straight into Kick-Ass 2 he could opt-out for the power-based superhero film.

"Sent Superior 1 to some buds last night and two informal offers from studios already. This is looking good."

"I've promised Matthew Vaughn a first pass at Superior though. We're going to talk next week whether it's this, KA2 or something else next."

"Vaughn and I will be doing lots of head-scratching between Superior and Kick-Ass 2 next week."


Abraxas the villain of the series is described by Millar as a mix of Darkseid, Brainiac and Darth Vader.

Kick-Ass 2 Starts Production Next Year?

Creator Mark Millar believes Kick-Ass 2 will start production in nine months. There are teases of a superhero group lead by Hit Girl and Kick-Ass which fights Motherfucker's (Red Mist) group of super villains. The comics haven't been released but this is enough to fuel anyone's demand for the sequel. Matthew Vaughn will be finished with X-Men First Class in June, so that could lead to second film starting production sometime late next year. I wouldn't be surprised if the script is currently being worked on by Vaughn and Jane Goldman.

Pitt & Depp To Star In Nemesis?

Nemesis focuses on the villain rather than the hero of the story. Instead of fighting superheroes he goes up against regular cops with an endless supply of killing skills and weapons. The comic hasn't even fully been released but Tony Scott (Man on Fire, Top Gun) has signed on to direct with the help of 20th Century Fox who will supply the film's budget. Millar offered up to Empire who he'd like to see cast in the film. Mark would like to see Johnny Depp as Nemesis and Brad Pitt as Chief Blake Marrow. Now there is word from Millar that director Tony Scott is actually reaching out to the actors for the roles.


While some might scoff at the idea of getting these two heavy weights together. Pitt's Plan B produced Kick-Ass he's also worked with Tony Scott on True Romance and Spy Games. Depp worked with Angelina Jolie on The Tourist and most likely has been in contact with Pitt. I wouldn't be surprised to see Pitt take the producer's chair again and help sway Depp into joining the film.

Tony Scott Directing Mark Millar's Nemesis

BleedingCool and Deadline report that director Tony Scott (Man On Fire, Domino) is attached to direct the big screen version of Mark Millar's (Wanted, Kick-Ass) newest comic book series Nemesis. They go on to mention that 20th Century Fox has bought the rights to the series. Yet they haven't hired a screenwriter for the project.

Millar Thinks Ritchie Or Raimi Could Helm Nemesis

Comic book writer/creator Mark Millar is no stranger to comic book films. Two of his original comics have been turned into films and more on their way. Millar's newest project Nemesis boasts the interesting concept "What if Bruce Wayne was The Joker?". Similar to Kick-Ass it's already generating film potential before it's release on shelves. On his own site's forums he's been putting out who he'd like to see direct the film.

SAM RAIMI DIRECTING NEMESIS? WTF? Can I just stomp this rumour before it gets any further? This week CAA was approached by an A-list director to buy Nemesis before it goes to auction in March… but I just want to make it clear that Sam is not the guy who contacted my agent. I actually think he’s one of the three best living directors and would be honoured to have him on anything I do, but he’s not the guy who got in touch and the truth is that I’m not taking this out until March as originally planned.

RAIMI DIRECTING NEMESIS MIGHT NOT BE CRAZY AFTER ALL! Things move fast in Hollywoodland. I just woke up to some VERY unexpected emails…

I was actually going to talk to Guy about it in the next couple of weeks, but wondered if a brilliant cop versus brilliant supervillain might be too much like Sherlock Holmes. I’m seeing Matthew this week and will see what he reckons.


I think Guy Ritchie would be perfect for the violent nature of Millar's comic book world. The only issue is the one Millar brings up it could be too similar to his Sherlock Holmes series. While I'd like to see Sam Raimi jump into more comic book films I'm doubtful he could make the film Millar wants to see made. Raimi would more than likely do his version of Millar's material. My personal choice would to see director Matthew Vaughn re-team with Millar for Nemesis. I don't think it would be all that horrible for Millar and Vaughn to keep making films together. Kick-Ass 2 is already in the works but I could see Nemesis coming out before the sequel.