William Monahan Tackling Sin City 2 Script

HollywoodReporter says that things might be moving forward after all on Robert Rodriguez's Sin City 2. Screenwriter William Monahan (Departed, Kingdom of Heaven) has been hired to make a contribution to the film's script which had been originally completed by Frank Miller himself. Robert during press for Spy Kids 4 revealed that the sequel could start shooting as early as the fall. I'm still hesitant for more Sin City films now that six years has past and the high quality of the original. It's hard to believe it could be improved upon or even be as good.

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."

5 Comedy Directors That Should Be Considered For Deadpool

Daredevil director David Slade recently tweeted that Fox is currently looking for "comedy directors" to make the Deadpool film. It's not surprising as the "merc with a mouth" is full of nothing but one liners and quick wit. While they had previously pursued Robert Rodriquez it's likely they're now looking for someone able to balance the high level of comedy with the extreme action of a comic book film. If Ryan Reynolds is committed to doing the film and making sure it's R-rated I have a few names in mind for Fox to consider.



DAVID GORDON GREEN: One of the only people connected with the Apatow crew that I believe could do this right. David's madness of fusing adrenaline fueled action with slapstick comedy was best shown in Pineapple Express. Your Highness looks like it could be just as crazy this time giving the director the chance to work with a bigger budget and special effects. If Fox wants a comic book film that we've never seen before he certainly could deliver one.



JAMES GUNN: On the same level of "what the fuck moments" that Gordon Green has James Gunn could be just as mad when it comes to bringing Deadpool to the screen. His films Slither and the upcoming Super are set in a surreal world that screams Deadpool. Another director who give us an exciting, violent and bizarre ride.



JODY HILL: Jody is best known for his amazing HBO series East Bound & Down along with his dark comedies Fist Foot Way and Observe & Report. His sense of smart quips and dark humor could be great for Deadpool. My only issue with Hill is that he hasn't had much experience with large scale action setups or special effects and could feel overwhelmed by the action scenes.



JOE CORNISH: Currently Joe Cornish is gaining more commercial writing gigs teaming up with Edgar Wright for the Spielberg/Peter Jackson Tintin trilogy along with Marvel's long in development Ant-Man. Edgar has enough on his plate with Baby Driver, Ant-Man and World's End so he's out of the running in my mind. Cornish on the other hand is getting a lot of buzz for his original film Attack The Block which won over a lot of critics over at SXSW this year. I have yet to see the film but if he's able to deliver a film on the cheap for Fox they would seriously consider him.



RUBEN FLEISCHER: The man behind the resurrection of America's love affair with zombies and more than likely helped AMC commit to making Walking Dead. He's currently working on post-production on 30 Minutes Or Less and has mentioned wanting to start filming Zombieland 2 in the near future. The obvious Zombieland connection to Deadpool screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett makes him a excellent choice as Ruben understands how to shoot their scripts properly while also keeping to a minimal budget.



WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD DIRECT DEADPOOL??

Machete Kills Is Written!

Ultimate badass Danny Trejo has confirmed to BloodyDisgusting that Robert Rodriguez has the script for Machete Kills written. It's unlikely Robert will be able to co-direct the next film because of production on Spy Kids 4 and possible commitments to Deadpool or Sin City 2. I'm not sure if this means production will be anytime soon since Robert would be still on as producer and would need to be involved with it's pre-production. This could lead to the amazingly sounding Machete In Space which has been teased, likely Robert would direct that one.

"I asked (Robert Rodriguez) when he was going to write it and he says it's written, so we can get started pretty quick. We went all over the world with that movie and people kept having me sign these Machete action figures, it was a lot of fun. I don't even think Robert Rodriguez even expected that reception and now everyone is waiting for Machete Kills so hurry up Robert Rodriguez!"

FIRST LOOK: Jessica Alba On The Set of Spy Kids 4

WWTDD has some set pictures from Robert Rodriguez's Spy Kids 4. While I can't say I've ever enjoyed Robert's Spy films this reboot could be interesting if done properly. I'm still shocked Rodriguez chose this unnecessary project when Deadpool or Sin City 2 could have been made instead. The pictures feature Jessica Alba in leather catsuit similar to one she wore in Dark Angel.

Robert Rodriguez Teases Sin City 2

During a Facebook Live chat (via ThePlaylist) director Robert Rodriguez commented on his next film which he believe will be Sin City 2. It's looking very doubtful that Rodriguez will be directing Deadpool. He still also has his science fiction action film Nervewracker in the works and could go as well. Yet Robert doesn't call out the backup project by name so there could be still hope for Deadpool. I'm just wondering if Spy Kids 4 is really worth delaying other more interesting projects like Deadpool or Sin City 2? No offense to Rodriguez but I don't think anyone who enjoyed Machete or Planet Terror will ever go see his kiddie flicks.

"Frank Miller and I are working on it," Rodriguez said, with one caveat."It's slated to be the next one, but if the script is not ready, then we'll have to move to the next one," 

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.

Jessica Alba & Joel McHale To Star In Spy Kids 4

Variety reports comedian Joel McHale (Informant, Spidey 2, Community) has been cast in Robert Rodriguez's Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World which is a reboot of the franchise. Joel will star alongside Jessica Alba (Sin City, Machete) in the film. While I'm not a fan of Robert's kids movies I'm interested to see what the vision for the new film will be.


There will also be appearances from the original actors Antonio Banderas, Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega. I wouldn't be surprised to see more Rodriguez regulars added to the cast soon.

Would Tarantino Step In To Direct Deadpool?

While it seems Robert Rodriguez's involvement with Deadpool seems to be questionable at this point as he starts production on his Spy Kids reboot. It's been long suggested that Quentin Tarantino has been on Ryan Renyold's wishlist of directors to helm the unconventional comic book film. Now if Rodriguez, who is an excellent choice in his own right isn't able to do it, could Quentin?


Knowing how Tarantino works he isn't likely to work on something without writing it himself. He also has his plate full of projects which he is currently scripting. The only way I could see this working is that if Fox promises to finance a bunch of his films and allowing him to tweak the script to his liking. Tarantino is a massive fan of comics referencing Superman, Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer and Howling Commandos in his films. While I've been doubting the level of commitment Fox has to their superhero characters. The fact they were able to hire scorned director Matthew Vaughn to take on X-Men First Class and having open discussions with Darren Aronofsky to direct Wolverine 2 shows they are aiming for talented directors. I believe the only person that could actually talk Quentin into doing it is Rodriguez himself. Robert's Troublemaker Studios should handle production no matter who directs. So I wouldn't be surprised if Robert made a pitch to his longtime friend to take up on the unique comic property.


One case to support it being a possiblity is that in 1997 Joel Silver handed Tarantino a script for Sgt. Rock which was written by David Webb Peoples (Blade Runner, 12 Monkeys, Unforgiven) in the hopes he would direct. He was so thrilled about the project he started casting the film before it was even greenlit. This proves if anything if he's excited enough for a project he's willing change his methods. It of course never happened but it's a glimmer of hope.

Robert Rodriguez Mulling Over Directing Deadpool

While Fox is trying to find directors for Wolverine 2 and Fantastic Four they are trying to lock in Robert Rodriguez for Deadpool. The prospect of the action junkie helming the off-the-world comic book film is exciting but it's not set in stone just yet. Deadline reports the comic project could conflict with his Spy Kids reboot. Hopefully if Machete is successful enough for the studio they'll end sweetening the deal to make sure he directs.

Robert Rodriguez In Serious Talks To Direct Deadpool

LA Times reports Robert Rodriguez is in active/serious talks with Fox to direct Deadpool which will star Ryan Reynolds.

New Machete Posters

First Look: Predators' Mr. Black

STYD has posted the first clear images of the new predator which will be seen in Predators.

Fox Offers Deadpool To Robert Rodriguez

The Playlist (via Production Weekly) have another great tidbit of "what if" Marvel news. PW reports that 20th Century Fox has sent out an offer to Robert Rodriguez to direct the Deadpool movie. Ryan Reynolds is expected to start pre-production on the film as soon as he finishes shooting Green Lantern. It's been a pet project for the actor for years and has promised fans a faithful film. The studio came through hiring Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick to pen the film's screenplay. Now if they hire Robert Rodriguez to direct fans should rejoice. I'm curious if this means the film will rated-R.


So why it Robert perfect for Deadpool? I've been hoping the director would come on board but besides my own wishful thinking here are some good pro-points. Sin City is most likely the biggest example of why he is perfect. The film is beyond faithful to the source material to the point of turning the film into a living comic book. It would be the best way to regain the trust of scorned DP fans. What about helming big over the top humor fueled action film? He's got that covered with his El Mariachi trilogy (El Mariachi, Desperado & Once Upon A Time In Mexico) which seems similar to the sense of humor in the comics. Even his new film Machete seems to be borrowing from his fantastic dark sense of humor. The film's budget is another issue while Fox seems likely to spend $100-200 million on both Wolverine 2 and X-Men First Class it's doubtful DP will get that kind of money. It's plausible that the DP's budget could end up in the $40-80 range which is common ground for Rodriguez. Filming and effects being done in house means he can work with small budgets.




Don't hold you're breath he'll take the job. Robert is known for talking up and starting up film projects he never ends up making. Sin City 2 is the perfect example of one of his most anticipated movies but has been stuck in limbo for years. There is also the issue of projects currently in development which include Spy Kids 4, Neverwracker, Red Sonja (producing) and his epic sounding Fire & Ice adaptation. Rodriguez recently was approached by Fox to direct Rise of The Apes which he declined. He had previously developed blockbuster films that didn't workout like Clash of The Titans, The Jetsons and even a remake of Barbarella which had costumes/sets ready to go. So just because an offer has gone out it doesn't mean he'll take it.


This sort of reminds of how Fox was able to wrangle Matthew Vaughn into directing X-Men First Class. They understand to be able to compete with Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment they're going to have hire comic genre-vets to make sure the films are successful. I'm expect they'll be able to come up with an attractive contract which might include future financing for Robert's original films. Unlike Vaughn, Robert has a constructive working relationship with Fox. He recently co-wrote and produced Predators and the studio is distributing his pet project Machete. Troublemaker Studios most likely would handle the film's production since their involvement in every Rodriguez project. Fans could be relieved that the special effects will be done properly not like the messy CGI in Wolverine.

Robert Rodriguez To Make Fire & Ice

Robert Rodriguez just talked with AICN announcing he has acquired the rights to Fire & Ice with the plan to make a live-action film at his Troublemaker Studios. I'm expecting that 20th Century Fox will be backing up the project's distribution since they originally released it and not to mention their new working relationship with Rodriguez. The original was PG yet I could see it develop into more of a Conan style project. I'd love to think this could be his next movie but with the many films he has in development I'm not holding my breathe. Since the Spy Kids reboot, his original sci-fi actioner Nerveracker and Sin City 2 are all in development stages. Yet he did promise the film's lead will be announced shortly.

"The awesome Ralph Bakshi and I have been working it out for a while, and it’s now a TROUBLEMAKER STUDIOS PICTURE. What’s cool is, unlike past projects that I’d get involved with that would get stalled for various reasons, I control the rights to this one. So it’s actually in my power to set it up and get it made, which wasn’t the case on other projects."

Images From The Set of Predators

Finally we have our first look at images from Predators. Thanks to AVPGalaxy for posting the images for us to enjoy. The movie will hit theaters on July 9th so we should be expecting the marketing campaign will start up soon. I'm very impressed by these pictures while they don't give us much insight to what the film will be like. It does however give the impression that they've really tried to make Predators a true companion piece to the original Predator, at least with the predator make up and set pieces.