Robert Downey Jr. And Tim Burton Could Make Live-Action Pinocchio Film

HeatVision reports that Tim Burton is interested in directing a live-action version of Pinocchio for Warner Bros. Oddly enough, they mention that Robert Downey Jr. could end up playing Geppetto who is the lead character in the adventure tale. Neither have signed onto the project but Robert seems keen on working with Burton. I'm just glad to hear someone other than Depp is attached to the movie.

New/Old High-Rez Avengers Images From Marvel

Bob Layton Wants The Ghost To Be The Villain In Iron Man 3

While talking to 411Maina Iron Man comic book writer Bob Layton was asked about Iron Man 3 villains. Which Bob replied he'd love to see Ghost be the baddie and is pushing Shane Black to use him. Black is going to have double duties on the film writing and directing.

"I'll let you know when I talk to him. The Ghost is who I want them to go with. It's the villain I want them to use. I'm looking forward to getting the chance to talk to him about it"

Ghost is a rather popular Iron Man villain who is currently a member of the Thunderbolts and has already been introduced to fans in the Iron Man Armored series. He's a cyber terrorist fitted with his "ghost-tech" that allows him to sneak into buildings and hack up a storm without ever being noticed. Along with some interesting weapons to go along with his technology. The espionage angle of the villain seems perfect for the more grounded approached the second sequel is boasting. Since the character has worked for both A.I.M. and the Roxxon Energy Corporation it seems that he could moonlight for anyone. The Roxxon building was shown during the Iron Monger and Iron Man L.A. battle in the first film.

-Previously there had been rumblings of Emily Blunt being considered for the role of Madame Masque.

-Clark Gregg has given fans via his Twitter account the impression that Agent Coulson will return for Iron Man 3.

Shane Black Also Writing Iron Man 3 Afterall?

It wasn't too long ago that Marvel Studios announced that Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) would be directing Iron Man 3. Replacing Jon Favreau and it was expected he would also handle writing duties. So when Drew Pearce was brought in by the studio to write it seemed odd as Black is known as a very successful screenwriter. CinemaBlend is now reporting that Shane is in fact co-writing with Drew.

It's great news as Shane is one of the greatest action genre writers. Creating the Lethal Weapon franchise to writing scripts for The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Last Action Hero and his directorial debut Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He's also working on adaptations of Doc Savage and Death Note.

I recently re-watched Iron Man 2 and one of my biggest issues were the film's action set pieces in Monaco and Stark Mansion. They were big let downs and it wasn't until the very end that we got something fun and visual with the droids, War Machine and Black Widow. Hopefully Black can give us a solid Iron Man adventure and not just a Tony Stark focused soap opera.

Marvel has yet to reveal the plot or villains of the film but they have stated it won't be bloated like Iron Man 2 with all the character cameos and setting up other films. This very well could mean we won't see a big S.H.I.E.L.D presence along with fellow Avengers not making cameos. It's being toted as in the vain of a Tom Clancy novel which gives the impression that The Ten Rings will likely be involved. The Mandarin and Whitney Frost (Madame Masque) have been teased with Emily Blunt being rumored for a role in the film. I would expect there could be casting announcements made at this year's Comic-Con as the release date is set for May 3rd 2013.

Drew Pearce Hired To Write Iron Man 3

Deadline has word that Marvel Studios has found a writer to start working on the script for Iron Man 3. Drew Pearce who had been tapped to write the Runaways for Marvel Studios previously will work on the script. When Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) was announced as the director it was expected he would get double duty as the films writer as well since he created the Lethal Weapon franchise.

Shane Black Confirms Writing & Directing Iron Man 3, No Suited Villain!

When director Shane Black was first linked to Iron Man 3 it wasn't mentioned if the famous screenwriter would also handle writing duties. Now there is word from AICN that Black himself spoke about the third Iron Man during the Omaha Film Festival.

He went on to confirm that Robert Downey Jr. is contributing to the film's story and Black will write the script along with directing. Shane is one of the greatest action/comedy writers creating the Lethal Weapon franchise along with some amazing one-shots with The Last Boy Scout and The Long Kiss Goodnight. Not to mention his directing debut Kiss Kiss Bang Bang which revived Robert Downey Jr.'s acting career.

Black revealed some story elements Stark won't fight another superpowered villain in a suit. As Marvel wasn't happy with how Iron Man 2 turned out and are trying to make it more grounded. Real world villains will be fought and Tom Clancy was sited as inspiration. It sounds like we could end up seeing The Ten Rings or A.I.M. being the baddies in the next film but I wouldn't rule out the Mandarin.

Robert Downey Jr. Takes Interest In Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice

Deadline reports that Robert Downey Jr. is interested in Paul Thomas Anderson's (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) adaptation of the novel Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon. The film follows Larry "Doc" Sportello, a private eye based in Los Angeles in the late 1960s. He's a believer in the psychedelic free-love era, and his case involves an ex-girlfriend, her real estate billionaire boyfriend and a kidnapping.

This news means it's not looking good for Anderson's Scientology drama The Master. That project had some interest from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeremy Renner and Reese Witherspoon. It's likely the touchy subject of Scientology could have been too controversial for Paramount. Anyhow, I'm on board for anything Anderson wants to make. Yet this new project sounds slightly more interesting to me.

While Vice might be next for Anderson, Downey has a few commitments with Marvel first. He'll be shooting Avengers in April and for most of the the summer.  I expect it will be less of a workload than Iron Man 3 which could shoot during or after Avengers. There has been lots of reports of Downey being interested in projects but ending up turning them down. Just a few include Gravity and Oz, The Great & Powerful. It sounds promising seeing these two work together but nothing is for sure yet.

Shane Black In Final Talks To Direct Iron Man 3

Deadline confirms that Shane Black is in final talks to direct Iron Man 3. While there isn't talk of him writing the script he's one of the best action film screenwriters in Hollywood. There is a lot of support from the comic book film fan-base for Black and it looks like Marvel has taken notice. Shane's only directorial effort was Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a cult favorite which is a key reason for Robert Downey Jr.'s carer re-launch and likely the reason for landing the role of Tony Stark. Robert had actually spoken to Shane about how to approach the role for the original film.

I assume with Black's involvement means we will see an Iron Man buddy picture featuring both Stark and Rhodey working as partners. Hopefully we won't need to have appearances from other Marvel heroes or SHIELD Agents. I think having War Machine and Iron Man in one film is enough to fill the hero quota.

Shane Black In Talks To Write & Direct Iron Man 3

HeatVision is reporting that writer/director Shane Black is in talks to take on Iron Man 3. Black has some serious writing skills writing screenplays for Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight, The Last Action Hero and Monster Squad. He also did double duty of writing and directing Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Currently he's been writing an adaptation of Doc Savage with the possibility of directing it.

He's not a sure thing as other people are talking with Marvel Studios to work on the third installment. There had been talk that RDJ has final say on the director and is likely to pick someone he's worked with before.

I had Shane pegged as my favorite to direct the Deadpool film and I believe he's an excellent fit for the Marvel universe. Whoever gets the gig, I hope the third film ends up more Stark/Iron Man focused rather than a venue to introduce new Marvel characters.



Do You Think Shane Black Should Make Iron Man 3? Who Else Could Take On The Franchise? Leave Your Comments!

RDJ Exits Sam Raimi's OZ: The Great & Powerful , Depp To Replace Him?

HeatVision reports that Robert Downey Jr. has left Disney's Oz: The Great & Powerful which is being directed by Sam Raimi (Evil Dead & Spider-Man Trilogies). The site expects Johnny Depp could very well step in to save the production for the studio. It would be a safer choice for Disney as they have a strong relationship with Depp and he's already been involved in a re-imagining of a classic story with Alice In Wonderland.

The only issue would be his availability since he's starting production on Tim Burton's Dark Shadows next. Depp will also be busy starring in three other Disney films with Lone Ranger playing Tonto along with Pirates 5 and Pirates 6. The last two have been rumored to be shooting back to back. The site mentions that Oz is further along than Ranger and could start production in the second half of the year.

First Look: Noomi Rapace In Sherlock Holmes 2

Iron Man 3 Coming May 3rd 2013

Disney, Marvel and Paramount have announced the release date of Iron Man 3. It will hit theaters on May 3rd 2013 and is the first official confirmation of the third film. It's expected we'll see the return of both Robert Downey Jr. and director Jon Favreau. I hope they end up focusing on Stark and not cameos/easter eggs and setups for future films. There has been talk of Emily Blunt taking role in the film since she had been originally cast in the Black Widow role.

Sam Raimi Officially Directing Oz

Deadline reports that director Sam Raimi's next film will be Disney's Oz: The Great & Powerful. The director had been actively working on the Warcraft film for WB/Legendary Pictures but it looks like he'll helm this film first. The prequel has Robert Downey Jr. attached to star as a younger version of the Wizard. David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) has come on board to rewrite the film's script. I expect that the film will start production later next year. Since RDJ is looking to star in both Avengers and Gravity before this project.

Stephen Fry Confirms He Is Playing Mycroft In Holmes 2

British comedian Stephen Fry (Blackadder, V For Vendetta) has confirmed to BBC 5's live radio show (via ThePlayist) he's been cast in Sherlock Holmes 2. Fry will play Holmes' older brother Mycroft in the Guy Ritchie film and should give the sequel another boost of comedy. He'll join returning actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law along with Swedish newcomer Noomi Rapace. It's expected production will start this fall with the release date set for December 16th 2011.

Noomi Rapace Joins Sherlock Holmes 2

The Hollywood Reporter says that Swedish actress Noomi Rapace will take the role of a mysterious French Gypsy in Sherlock Holmes 2. Rapace seems to be on on a Hollywood hot streak after her powerful performance (possible best actress Oscar nomination) in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. She's also in talks to take on roles in Mission Impossible 4, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (alongside Jeremy Renner) and the lead in Ridley Scott's Alien prequels.




There is talk from online sources including ThePlaylist that Professor Moriarty could be played by Daniel Day-Lewis and not Brad Pitt.

Natalie Portman Offered Lead In Gravity

RiskyBusiness reports Natalie Portman has been offered the lead role in Gravity. With her performance in Black Swan wowing critics and creating Oscar buzz. It's no wonder why director Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men) is looking to Natalie to carry his film.

RUMOR: Emily Blunt A Villain In Iron Man 3?

TheDailyMail reports that Marvel Studios is trying to land British star Emily Blunt to play the villain in Iron Man 3. While it's being reported by a gossip magazine from Britain it's not that impossible. Blunt had to jump ship on Iron Man 2 when Fox called up her contract and left the role of Black Widow. Emily has always been vocal on wanting to be involved in the Iron Man/Marvel universe in the future. She also tested for the role of Peggy Carter in Captain America.

Iron Man 3 is on Marvel's to-do-list but it seems like it won't be priority until both Avengers and Runaways are done production. Yet it's expected the studio will move quickly on the third film in the billion dollar franchise. While they don't name the villainous role here is a rundown of possible candidates.




Madame Masque: Whitney Frost (Giulietta Nefaria) the daughter of Avengers super villain Count Nefaria. She often has conflicted loyalties between her father and her lover, Iron Man. Frost seems the the best bet out of the bunch since she's been rumored since Iron Man 2.

Spider-Woman: Jessica Drew is a Hydra assassin who becomes reformed and joins SHIELD, later becoming a member of the Avengers.

Madame Hydra/Viper: Ophelia Sarkissian is one of the leading members of Hydra. While originally a Captain America villain she could be introduced in Iron Man. It's unknown if Fox owns the character since her involvement with the Hellfire Club (X-Men) and being the ex-wife of Wolverine.

Crimson Cowl: Justine Hammer the daughter of Justin Hammer. The least likely of the bunch but Whiplash was used while he was very obscure as well.

Many Actresses In The Running For Gravity Role

LatinoReview and Playlist report that many actresses are testing for the lead role of Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity. The science fiction thriller would have Robert Downey Jr. in a smaller role and would be focused on the female lead for most of the film. Previously it had been reported Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively had been interested in the role. Now that list has been expanded to Rachel Weisz, Rebecca Hall, Marion Colttird, Natalie Portman, Carey Mulligan, Olivia Wilde, Sienna Miller, Abbie Cornish, Sandra Bullock and Naomi Watts. The role seems up for grabs at this point but it's nice to see the level of talent they're looking at varies from newcomers to well-knowns.

Scarlett Johansson Vs. Blake Lively For Gravity Role?

It looks like Scarlett Johansson isn't the only actress interested in co-starring alongside RDJ in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) science fiction thriller Gravity. There is word from the NYDailyNews that Blake Lively (Green Lantern) is also interested in the role.

Scarlett Johansson To Star In Gravity?

NYDailyNews reports Scarlett Johansson is in talks to star opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Alfonso Cuarón's (Children of Men) sci-fi thriller Gravity.