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.

Robert Stromberg Will Direct Maleficent For Disney

Disney originally had Tim Burton set to direct Maleficent (a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty) with Angelina Jolie in mind to star as the villain. The project came about during the massive success of Burton's take on Alice In Wonderland. Disney hoped he could bring the same kind of magic for a new live-action Sleeping Beauty film. It's unknown if Jolie will indeed will end up in the role of Maleficent as it hasn't been made official. Deadline reports that Robert Stromberg will replace Burton as the movie's director. Stromberg is mostly known as production designer and apart of visual effects department on some rather large films.

His credits include production designs for Avatar, Alice In Wonderland and Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great And Powerful. Robert also did visual effects on Boardwalk Empire, The Pacific. Tropic Thunder, Pirates: At World's End, Solaris (2002), Bad Boys 2, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Chronicles of Riddick, Pan's Labyrinth and Shutter Island. I have a strong feeling that this film will end up looking gorgeous but ends up more similar to the tone of Snow White And The Huntsmen.

It's interesting to see how Disney handles their live-action tentpoles considering they have to make these films different enough from their Marvel superhero films. Lone Ranger and Oz seem to keep Disney's fantasy tradition intact while staying in their respected genres. I assume like Alice, Maleficent could look unrecognizable from the original animated film.

Seth Grahame-Smith's Unholy Night Bought By Warner Bros.

Seth Grahame-Smith's next novel Unholy Night hasn't even been released yet but it's getting interest from one studio. Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has nabbed the film rights for Seth's next novel for a whopping $2 million. Seth along with writing partner David Kratzenberg will also write the movie's script. This isn't surprising since his two other books Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Pride And Predjudice And Zombies have also been turned into movies. Grahame-Smith has previously worked with the studio writing Tim Burton's Dark Shadows and the sequel to Beetlejuice.

In Grahame-Smith’s telling, the so-called “Three Wise Men” are infamous thieves, led by the dark, murderous Balthazar. After a daring escape from Herod’s prison, they stumble upon the famous manger and its newborn king. The last thing Balthazar needs is to be slowed down by young Joseph, Mary and their infant. But when Herod’s men begin to slaughter the first born in Judea, he has no choice but to help them escape to Egypt.

Empire's Set Images From Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

FIRST LOOK: Cast Of Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Warner Bros. Developing Beetlejuice Sequel?

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is gearing up for a sequel/reboot of Tim Burton's cult classic ghoul comedy Beetlejuice. Seth Grahame-Smith's company Katzsmith is in a development deal with the studio and a script for Beetlejuice 2 is expected to be one of the projects included. Seth Gramhame-Smith is better known as the author of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. Seth has made the jump to screenwriter for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (WB) and Timur Bekmambetov's Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter (Fox).

While Deadline says it's more of "a sequel advancing the story from the original", they don't say if Burton or Michael Keaton would return. I'd love to see a sequel since the world of Beetlejuice didn't really get explored until the campy 90's kids cartoon. Personally I'd want the film to be entirely set in the netherworld since it was one of the most interesting live-action creations from Burton. Tim has been lining up potential projects recently so it's unknown if he'd actually end up directing anytime soon. Keaton on the other hand could jump right in considering the amount of makeup it takes to turn him into Beetlejuice a bit of aging wouldn't hinder the performance a bit.

Disney Could Look To Burton, Raimi, & Cuarón To Direct Pirates 5

CinemaBlend has word that Disney is eager to start developing Pirates 5 and are looking for a director. Not surprising as the fourth film is already north of $640 million. While they have a script in place from Terry Rossio as reported by HollywoodReporter. The curious thing is that Rob Marshall hasn't officially signed on to direct, yet is still wanted by the studio (just lip-service?). While successful financially the fourth film got only average reviews from critics. Blend has word that Disney is looking at Tim Burton, Sam Raimi, Shawn Levy, Alfonso Cuarón and Chris Weitz for the fifth installment.

Burton had been looked at for Pirates 4 but never signed on. He's becoming a studio stable with Alice In Wonderland, Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and his Sleeping Beauty project Maleficent. I like the idea of Burton entering the world of Pirates but I'm not sure he would deliver a film any better than the previous ones.

Sam Raimi is directing the studio's next big fairy tale picture Oz, The Great & Powerful the Oz prequel which focuses on a young wizard. Raimi seems like the safest choice out of the bunch and could give audiences a fun film if given breathing room. My only concern is that he also had been working on pre-production for Warcraft which is likely his next film.

Alfonso Cuarón is the director that should be turning heads. His wonderful film Children of Men proved he's got the visual and storytelling chops that most directors inspired to have. Giving audiences family friendly entertainment with The Prisoner of Azkaban while keeping his dark style. Alfonso also has the promise of pumping the new blood needed to keep the franchise going. Unlike Raimi and Burton, Cuarón isn't deep in development on other large projects.

The filler choices seem to be Shawn Levy (Date Night, Real Steel) and Chris Weitz (Golden Compass) neither directors of garnered praise or success for their previous films as of yet. Levy is set to direct a remake of The Fantastic Voyage for producer James Cameron. There have also been talk of other projects with Hugh Jackman including a Real Steel sequel. Weitz seems an odd choice and left field when compared to the other candidates.

Rufus Sewell Joins Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

TheWrap reports that Rufus Sewell (Dark City) has joined Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He will play Adam the leader of the vampires Abe has to fight.

Chloe Moretz Joins Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Yet another impressive addition to Tim Burton's Dark Shadows which stars Johnny Depp. Deadline reports Chloe Moretz (Hugo Cabret) has joined the film based on the horror soap opera. Chloe is becoming known for taking roles beyond her years as she was previously seen in Kick-Ass and Let Me In. She will play the daughter of Michelle Pfeiffer's character. As the cast grows the more I have to Burton another chance. Even if I feel his last couple of films have been phoned in.

Michael Sheen Could Join Dark Shadows

ThePlaylist has learned that Michael Sheen is interested in taking a role in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows. The film based on the classic horror soap opera already boats a cast that includes Johnny Depp, Jackie Earle Haley, Eva Green, Bella Heathcote, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. 

Alan Tudyk & Robin McLeavy Join Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Alan Tudyk and Robin McLeavy have joined Timur Bekmambetov's (Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Robin had previously been linked to the role of Mary Todd which is being portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Benjamin Walker, Anthony Mackie, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jimmi Simpson had previously been cast in the film.

Trent Reznor Scoring & Acting In Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

It looks like Oscar-winning composer/musician Trent Reznor isn't slowing down his composing duties. He recently re-teamed with David Fincher to score The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and now has another project looking for his eerie sound. BadassDigest reports that Reznor has been hired to score Timur Bekmambetov's (Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He'll also play the vampire that kills Abe's mother setting the story into motion.

Tim Burton Could Direct Josh Brolin In The Hunchback of Notre Dame

HeatVision reports that Warner Bros. is developing a new take on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It would see Josh Brolin in the lead role and act also as the film's producer. Tim Burton could end up directing pending his approval of the script which is currently being written by Kieran and Michele Mulroney. The pair recently wrote the screenplay for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. It would be more faithful to the original novel by Victor Hugo. Which had Quasimodo fighting off troops, love and betrayal, a hanging, a swing off a belltower and bodies and graves galore.

Burton is currently starting production on Dark Shadows along with a bunch of other projects also development. So it's unknown when this project would take place. While I assume post-production on Dark Shadows would be less intensive as Alice In Wonderland I still doubt it would start shooting this year.

Jimmi Simpson Joins Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Variety reports that Jimmi Simpson has joined Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in an unnamed role. Simpson might be best known for his work on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia and villainous role in Date Night. I expect Jimmi could be playing one of the evil vampires Abe has to slay. Ben Walker, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Dominic Cooper have been previously cast in the film directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted).

John August Rewriting Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft?

Empire found some tidbits that could see John August rewriting the comic adaptation of The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft. August is best known for working with Tim Burton on Big Fish, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie. Ron Howard voiced his intentions on directing the film but seems busy with a budding Dark Tower trilogy. I'd rather see someone more based in the world of science fiction or horror take on the film.

Lovecraft is to horror what Philip K. Dick is science fiction or Tolkien to fantasy and it's shocking that Hollywood hasn't mined more of his classic tales. Of course Guillermo del Toro's gestating At The Mountains of Madness could help expose the author to mainstream audiences.

If Jon Favreau wasn't going to make Magic Kingdom I'd love to see him take on a horror project. Of course my favorite to direct this would be Matt Reeves (Let Me In, Cloverfield). With August's possible involvement I wouldn't rule out Tim Burton directing.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead Joins Vampire Hunter

HeatVision reports that Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim, The Thing) has been cast as Mary Todd in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. It was previously reported that Robin McLeavy was in the role but it's not the case. MEW joins Ben Walker (Abe), Dominic Cooper (Henry) and Anthony Mackie (Will). Winstead had been linked to Avengers but it's likely she could focus on Lincoln instead.

Michelle Pfeiffer & Helena Bonham Carter In Talks To Join Dark Shadows

Dark Shadows is looking to be yet another solid film for Warner Bros. as the Tim Burton film is set to start production in April. HeatVision reports that Michelle Pfeiffer is currently in talks to take the role of Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. Michelle and Burton last worked on Batman Returns. Deadline also says that Burton's wife Helena Bonham Carter is interested in the role of psychologist Hoffman. I think if Helena wants a role she'll get it. The impressive cast already includes Johnny Depp, Jackie Earle Haley, Eva Green and Bella Heatcote.

Eva Green Joins Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Deadline reports that Eva Green (Casino Royale) has been cast as Angelique in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows. A powerful witch who was alternately tormented and bewitched by her love-hate relationship with Barnabas Collins (Depp). So it looks like we can forget about those Dark Knight Rises rumors. Depp will star as Barnabas while Jackie Earle Hale and Bella Heathcote are in talks to join.

Jackie Earle Haley & Bella Heathcote In Talks For Dark Shadows

Deadline reports that Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen, Little Children) is in talks for the role of Loomis in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows. Up and coming Australian actress Bella Heathcote is up for the role of Victoria Winters. Heathcote was linked to the lead in Snow White & The Huntsman along with a small role in Cogan's Trade.

Johnny Depp will star as vampire Barnabas Collins and will also produce as it's a passion project for the actor. Setup at Warner Bros., the film is based on the cult horror soap opera. It's script was written by John August (Big Fish) and Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter).

Joaquin Phoenix To Join Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?

Joaquin Phoenix "retired" from acting to focus on his rap career giving material for Casey Affleck's mockumentary I'm Still Here. Deadline reports that Phoenix could return to acting with a supporting role in Timur Bekmambetov's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Previously Joaquin Phoenix had been rumored to be in the running to be the new Bruce Banner in  The Avengers before Mark Ruffalo was cast. He would play Henry Sturges a vampire who trains Abe to kill evil vampires. Benjamin Walker is portraying a young Abe.