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.”

FIRST LOOK: Denzel Washington In Safe House

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."
 

Jeff Bridges Confirmed To Join Ryan Reynolds In R.I.P.D

TheWrap reports that Jeff Bridges (Tron Legacy, Big Lebowski, True Grit) has officially signed on to star alongside Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern) in R.I.P.D. The film directed by Robert Schwentke (RED) focuses on recently killed police officer Nick Cruz (Ryan) who joins the Rest In Piece Department in order to try and find his own murderer. Jeff replaced Zach Galifianakis playing a fellow officer named Roy.

Jeff Bridges Could Join Ryan Reynolds In R.I.P.D

Deadline reports that Jeff Bridges is in talks to replace Zach Galifianakis in R.I.P.D after he dropped the project. The film is being directed by Robert Schwentke (RED) and Ryan Reynolds is still attached to star with a summer production start.

The Change-Up Trailer

Michael Clarke Duncan Offered Kilowog Role In Green Lantern

HeatVision confirms that Michael Clarke Duncan has been offered the role of Kilowog in Green Lantern. Duncan would voice the gruff Green Lantern who acts as one of Hal Jordan's instructors. I assume that there will be other actors brought in to voice some of the other lanterns.

Who Is Tim Miller & Why Should We Care He's Directing Deadpool?

It was just announced that visual effects specialist Tim Miller would be directing his first film with 20th Century Fox's Deadpool. Most people seemed to be shocked a first time director would be handling a film linked to the X-Men franchise. Well I've discovered a little something on Mr. Miller that fans of Deadpool might be interested in.

First, Tim has worked on some seriously fine looking comic book films which includes Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, X-Men and X-Men 2. Helping with the impressive visual effects that made some of these the stylish comic book films ever put on screen. He also worked on Daredevil while the costumes and acting was terrible the effects were solid as a rock.








Miller would also be a important part of Blur Studio an up and coming effects house which has been known for some impressive video game cinematics (Mass Effect 2, Halo, X-Men Legends 2, DC Universe, The Force Unleashed 2, Old Republic). If you've enjoyed a video game cinematic in the last five years they are likely the ones behind it. They've also worked on films like Avatar and the David Fincher produced animated film The Goon. They are also involved with Fincher's massive Heavy Metal project which is still in development with shorts being directed by James Cameron, Zack Snyder and Fincher as well. Having Blur Studio working on Deadpool's effects could be nothing but a positive in my opinion.

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.

Screen Grabs From Green Lantern Footage, First Look At Parallax

Geoffrey Rush Will Voice Tomar-Re In The Green Lantern

HeroComplex has the official announcement that Geoffrey Rush (King's Speech) has signed on to Green Lantern. Rush is best known to audiences as Captain Barbarossa in the Pirates of The Caribbean franchise now in it's fourth installment. He will voice Green Lantern Tomar-Re who is another one of Hal Jordon's instructors. Previously there had been word that Michael Clarke Duncan was in talks to voice Kilowog. These won't be the only voice actors added to the cast as there are plenty of Lanterns and aliens that will need a voice.

Justice League & Wonder Woman Films In The Works

Along with the news of a reboot for Batman Warner Bros' Jeff Robinov also spoke out on other DC hero projects. He confirms that script a for a new Justice League film is currently in the works. It's unknown if this a completely new take or a reworking of the previous script for George Miller's Justice League of America that got scrapped. What is known that Christopher Nolan will likely be involved as he is producing both the Superman and Batman reboots. I wouldn't be shocked to see him also producing Justice League and other future DC films. As it sits Ryan Reynolds and Henry Cavill seem like the only actors set for the film.

He also confirms that The Flash and Wonder Woman are still in development.  Last we heard of Wonder Woman there was a version in the works with Joss Whedon directing and Joel Silver producing. It's possible it could be a different take and be reworked to fall in a similar world of the new films. It's great news as fans have reservations of the new Wonder Woman television series which looks like it could end up really bad. Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, Pusher Trilogy, Bronson, Logan's Run) had openly campaigned to direct a gritty Wonder Woman film and now that he's directing Warner Bros' Logan's Run it's strong possibility he could be hired. As for Flash,  script had been delivered to the studio back in December but no director has been announced.

Of course this sounds in line with previous talk of the DC heroes taking over for the Harry Potter franchise. So I expect we could be seeing two DC films a year one in the summer and one during the Christmas season. Not mentioned is the fate of the Green Arrow film Supermax written by David S. Goyer (Superman: Man of Steel, Nolan's Batman Films, Blade) or the rumored Aquaman project. If they are on the road of a Justice League film they really should put Supermax back in development as Green Arrow would be needed to ground the film slightly as he doesn't have superpowers. One thing that grounds the Avengers is the fact that characters like Hawkeye, Black Widow, Maria Hill and Nick Fury don't have superpowers but are still great heroes.

Michael Clarke Duncan In Talks To Voice Kilowog In Green Lantern, Post-Production Problems?

While Warner Bros. is trying to do damage control over the slow post-production that is killing the marketing for Green Lantern. As the second full trailer will have a late showing online at the end of April. Which seems pushing it along with the poster and still campaign being a massive let down. Compared to it's competition of Thor, Captain American, Cowboys & Aliens and even X-Men First Class, they're lagging as the film isn't fresh in people's minds. Even I don't remember the last time I posted exciting news concerning the film.

There is an update from LatinoReview concerning a last minute addition of Michael Clarke Duncan in talks to voice Hal Jordon's alien drill instructor Kilowog. Clarke Duncan has a excellent gruff voice fitting the role perfectly. He was actually was one of the better voice actors in Kung Fu Panda playing the head of the Rhino guards. His addition to the cast would be another step in the right directing as Kilowog would be expected to be featured in the sequels as Warner Bros. is aiming for a trilogy. A script for Green Lantern 2 had been handed into the studio back in December.

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??

More Join Daniel Espinosa's Safe House

Variety reports that a slew of new additions to Daniel Espinosa's (Snabba Cash) Safe House. They include Brendan Gleeson (Green Zone, In Bruges), Liam Cunningham, Sam Shepard (Black Hawk Down) and Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, The Unit). Tanit Phoenix and Ruben Blades (Once Upon A Time In Mexico) have also been reported to be involved. They join Ryan Reynolds, Denzel Washington, Tim McGraw and Nora Arnezeder.

Zach Galifianakis Joining Ryan Reynolds In R.I.P.D.?

LATimes reports that Zach Galifianakis is in talks to join Ryan Reynolds in R.I.P.D. Based on the Dark Horse comic that focuses on a department of dead police officers who patrol the underworld. Zach would take the role of a fellow officer. While the film has a script and Robert Schwentke (RED) set to direct. Ryan has yet to officially commit to the film and might have to choose between this and Deadpool. While it's an interesting concept and could be a great film I'm still holding out the hope that Deadpool gets made first.

Nora Arnezeder & Jeff Bridges In Talks For Safe House

LatinoReview reports French actress Nora is in talks to play Ryan Reynolds' girlfriend in Daniel Espinosa's (Snabba Cash) Safe House. Ryan Reynolds plays a CIA housekeeper who must help rogue ex-agent Denzel Washington escape assassins when their Safe House is hit. The site also mentions that a small role has been offered to Jeff Bridges.

Showreel For Rumored Deadpool Director Adam Berg

Adam Berg has been rumored to be in talks to direct Deadpool for 20th Century Fox. While I was unfamiliar with his work besides the amazing carousel bank robbery commercial he did. MotionBlur has posted Berg's showreel and it's beyond stunning. It reminds me of a mix between David Fincher, Guy Ritchie and Ruben Fleischer. While I've been upset Fox wasn't able to lock in Robert Rodriguez, Berg seems like a decent choice visually. 


Adam Berg Showreel September 2010 from Motion Blur on Vimeo.

McGraw Joins Denzel & Ryan Reynolds In Safe House

CinemaBlend reports that musician turned actor Tim McGraw has joined Daniel Espinosa's American debut film Safe House. The film written by newcomer David Guggenheim which made the 2010 Black List already has snagged Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds as the leads. It centers on a young U.S. intelligence agent who must go on the run with a newly arrived prisoner after his titular safe house comes under attack.

Daniel Espinosa's Snabba Cash is a wonderfully shot movie set in the underworld of Swedish drug trade. There is a lot of expectations for Safe House to be a near perfect film so everyone should keep an eye on it.