Tom Hardy's Al Capone Film Cicero Might Be A Trilogy

TheDailyMail (via BleedingCool) was able to get quotes from Tom Hardy (Dark Knight Rises, Bronson, Inception) on his prep for his role in Cicero. The film would focus on the rise to power of notorious gangster Al Capone. Capone's famous life and the Chicago mafia was the inspiration for Scarface, Untouchables, St. Valentine's Day Massacre , Boardwalk Empire and many others. Back in March, Deadline reported that Harry Potter director David Yates would be directing the project with an old unused script from Walon Green (Wild Bunch, Terminator 2) that was written back in the 70's for a television series.

"I’ve been working with Warner Bros, watching their gangster films — the ones with James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart and Edward G. Robinson. It’s interesting to get them, and a bit of Capone, into the bloodstream. You look at pugnacious James Cagney in The Public Enemy and see how this guy rises up to become a kingpin in Chicago."


"Hardy told me he will play the Depression-era Chicago crime tsar sometime next year and well into 2014, once he has completed work on a series of movies."

I love to hear that Tom is watching the classic gangster films since a majority of the contemporary films in the genre don't seem to match the quality. Tom's quotes could give the impression that the aim is that Cicero would be the first film in a possible trilogy. WB seems to be resurrecting the gangster period genre with Gangster Squad on the horizon that features L.A. hood Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn).

Hardy is about to start production on Mad Max: Fury Road for Warner Bros. and director George Miller which could push back Cicero's start until 2013. Fury has been rumored as the beginning of a new slew of films that could lead to sequels and spin-offs. However, there was talk that Charlize Theron's character could continue the franchise. There has also been talk after the success of Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy the studio behind it is pushing for sequels. I'm not sure how Hardy's character fits in the books but they'd be smart to bring him back.

Wettest County Gets Pushed Back To August

Variety reports the prohibition era gangster flick The Wettest County In The World was originally set for April 20th but has now been pushed back to August 31st. The impressive cast includes Jason Clarke, Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain, Shia LeBeouf, Mia Wasikowska, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Noah Taylor and Dane DeHaan. Based on Matt Boundurant's novel which tells the true story of three bootlegging brothers. The novel was turned into a screenplay by musician Nick Cave who will also score the film.

Feature Trailer For Dark Knight Rises

Chris Prat Could Kill Bin Laden For Kathryn Bigelow

Twitch reports that Chris Prat could join Kathryn Bigelow's Bin Laden movie which focus on Seal-Team Six. If Prat lands the role it very well could be the same career changing part that helped Jeremy Renner blow up and earn two Oscar nominations.

Jeremy Renner before Hurt Locker was known for supporting roles in action films and hadn't been in the spotlight. Chris is currently best known for supporting roles in Parks And Recreation, Wanted, Take Me Home Tonight, Jennifer's Body, Moneyball and the upcoming Five-Year Engagement. If Prat joins the project it's very likely that he'll end up landing leading man roles in all types of films, giving his career a massive boost.

Jason Clarke is currently the only actor locked in for a role. Other names that have been mentioned for the film include Joel Edgerton (likely out), Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce.

Guy Ritchie Gives A Real RockNRolla Update

Guy Ritchie is become a staple director at Warner Bros. handling their Sherlock Holmes franchise and is in talks for their 60's era spy blockbuster The Man From UNCLE. Ritchie talked to MovieLine and revealed the status of his sequel to RockNRolla that had the working title of The Real RockNRolla. The sequel had been teased at the end of the first film and fans have actively waiting for Guy to finally get around to making it. 

"You know, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it! I’ve written a script, I think it’s a great script, and Joel [Silver] wants to pay for me to do it. But up until now we haven’t had the time to do it," Ritchie said. "It’s sitting there and we’d all like to do it, it’s just a question of when we’re going to fit it in. So we’ll wait and see."

Luckily, RockNRolla had been a Warner Bros. film with studio producer Joel Silver also involved. Silver is also working with Ritchie on his Sherlock Holmes franchise. It seems like RDJ is keen on taking a bit of break from Holmes even if the studio is currently writing a third film. So like I've said previously he could end up making two films between Sherlock Holmes 2 and 3. The only thing that could derail The Real RockNRolla is possibly The Man From UNCLE and it's sequels. Also, the cast of the original seems to be blowing up on their own. It might be hard to lock in Gerard Butler, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong and Toby Kebbell for the sequel.

More Dark Knight Rises Images From Empire

A Stellar Cast Being Put Together For Kathryn Bigelow's Next Film

Deadline reports that Kathryn Bigelow next film with the new title of Untitled Commando Film (Kill Bin Laden) could end up with serious talent attached to it. Jason Clarke (Wettest County, Public Enemies) is now confirmed for the lead role and the rest of the names in the mix are equally enticing. Previously Joel Edgerton had been linked to the project but he isn't on this list. He may have passed to focus on other offers.

The names that do appear include Tom Hardy (Warrior), Idris Elba (Prometheus), Guy Pearce (Hurt Locker, Memento), Rooney Mara, Jennifer Ehle (Contagion, King's Speech, Sunshine) and Nina Arianda (Midnight In Paris). A solid cast which won't break the bank allowing a solid thriller to come out and will likely end up in the awards race. Hardy has been on fire in the last couple of month choosing his directors and projects very carefully. Elba is always a great addition to any cast and I'm dying to see him in Prometheus. Rooney of course is gathering a lot of early praise and even Oscar buzz for her upcoming performance in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon tattoo. Jennifer had some really touching and powerful scenes in Steven Sodgerbergh's Contagion, here's hoping this is a larger role for her.

CAST EM': Ridley Scott's Untitled Blade Runner Film

Now that Prometheus is wrapping up and starting post-production Ridley Scott's next film is gathering some steam. The yet Untitled Blade Runner Film is gearing up to be another exciting experiment of Ridley revisiting his past masterpieces. This time focusing on the world of replicants (cyborgs) and blade runners. We have no idea where the story will go or how it will be connected to the original film. My hope is that at the very least still it's as dark and violent as the first movie.

I have a few ideas of actors and actresses who should be considered for roles in the film. I'm using the fact that Prometheus' casting ended up with a majority of actors Ridley hasn't worked with before. The casting of Prometheus is being used to influence how I could see Ridley, Alcon and Warners Bros. could be placing actors in roles. Of course the film is from starting production any time soon with a writer only rumored to be in talks.

RYAN GOSLING: High in demand at the studio Ryan is quickly moving into the leading man role. He's gathered praise for films like Blue Valentine, Lars & The Real Girl and Half Nelson (Oscar Nominated). Along with a lot of buzz for his art house action thriller Drive that could see him earn some awards nominations this year. Gosling is currently shooting Gangster Squad, attached to Nicolas Winding Refn's Logan's Run remake and being considered for Steven Soderbergh's The Man From UNCLE.

TOM HARDY: Hardy is also quickly becoming important to Warner Bros. starring in two large Christopher Nolan films Inception and Dark Knight Rises. He's also seemingly getting his own WB franchise in the making replacing Mel Gibson in Max Mad Fury Road. Warrior could be the breakout film for Hardy as it's getting a lot of awards talk. He's also worked with Ridley previously on Black Hawk Down.

RICHARD ARMITMAGE: Richard (Captain America, Hobbit) is another actor about to explode in the next couple of years. He's mostly known for his work on British television on shows like Spooks, Robin Hood and Strike Back. However, this will all change when the two Hobbit films are released with Richard playing Thorin Oakenshield. Warner Bros. is financing the films and might look to the actor who is almost unrecognizable in his dwarf makeup for future big projects like Blade Runner. 

TOM HIDDLESTON: Tom is another rising star having a breakout commercial role in Marvel's Thor 1-2 and Avengers playing the villain Loki. He's also gathering some praise for upcoming films Deep Blue Sea and Steven Spielberg's War Horse. I'd like to think that he would fit nicely in this world either in the role of hero or villain. I could see Hiddleston becoming the next Michael Fassbender if given the right film projects.

JOEL KINNAMAN: The Swedish actor blew up when he headlined the thriller Snabba Cash. Landing roles in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the acclaimed show The Killing. Joel re-teamed with director Daniel Espinosa for the Denzel Washington/Ryan Reynolds film Safe House. He's currently filming the Snabba Cash sequel and is wanted by Steven Soderbergh for a lead role in The Man From UNCLE. 

ROONEY MARA: David Fincher's muse is going be big after The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is released in December. From the trailers it looks like Rooney might be Oscar bound and could end up with a nomination. Ridley actively pursed Noomi Rapace for Prometheus who played Lisbeth in in the original Swedish film. She has similar qualities being able to give a strong psychical performance.

BELLA HEATHCOTE: Bella is already making a name for herself starring alongside Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt. The Australian actress is likely to explode after she is seen in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (A Warner Bros. Production) and Andrew Dominik's gangster flick Cogan's Trade.

FELICITY JONES: Felicity (The Tempest) is a young actress who is giving interesting performances in smaller films like Cemetery Junction and Like Crazy. She had been in contention to play Snow White in the dark fantasy thriller Snow White & The Huntsman. Jones has a lot of potential and isn't over exposed like many other actresses her age.

GEMMA ARTERTON: Gemma had originally met with Ridley for a role in Prometheus but ultimately didn't get it. Catching his eye with her film The Disappearance of Alice Creed. Where she went from damsel to a lady who can kick some ass. While that didn't work out I think she might be a better fit for this with her sultry look. She's been mostly a background player in large films but is moving more into the spotlight with Alice Creed and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters alongside Jeremy Renner.

RUTH WILSON: I've been vocal on the site recently for Ruth to be put in more films. Ruth is the main reason the BBC series Luther is such a success. She's currently attached to Disney's Lone Ranger along with a role in Joe Wright's (Hanna, Atonement) Anna Karenina. 

REVIEW: Warrior

Warrior, is a sports drama from director Gavin O'Connor starring Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte giving us another triumphant addition to the genre. Joining other impressive sports films such as Million Dollar Baby, The Fighter and Rocky.

The film starts out as a gritty drama showing us the dark sides of both Hardy (Tommy) and Nolte's (Patty) characters. The spotty past of Tommy is slowly revealed and gives another impression of the complex character along with his motives. Brendan (Joel Edgerton) is loosing his house as the money coming in from being a high school teacher isn't paying the bills. Deciding on returning to the ring for the quick cash, even if his wife is against it. The development of both brothers and father makes this a unique entry in the sports drama genre. As the estranged family aspect sets it apart from other sports films. While it did have it's share of nods to the Rocky franchise including a monolith Russian baddie.

Hardy and Nolte are the powerhouses of the film, while Joel Edgerton is getting most of the buzz from critics. I'd be shocked if the male leads don't sweep awards nominations this season. Nolte seemingly being a lock for Best Supporting Actor nomination at this year's Oscars. It's one of best films I've seen so far this year. Do yourself a favor and see Warrior as soon as you can before it exits for other award type films. Don't be shocked if you're close to a good ol' man cry by the end. 

A+

The Dark Knight Rises Teaser

Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy Coming In November

It's been announced that Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy will be released on November 18th. The film stars Gary Oldman (Dark Knight, The Professional), Colin Firth (Kings Speech), Tom Hardy (Inception, Dark Knight Rises, Bronson), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, Kick-Ass), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes, Hobbit), Stephen Graham (Snatch, Public Enemies), Ciarán Hinds (Rome, Munich) and Konstantin Khabenskiy (Night Watch, Wanted). Directed by Tomas Alfredson who gave the us the amazing Let The Right One In.

FIRST LOOK: Tom Hardy As Bane In The Dark Knight Rises!!!

Joesph Gordon-Levitt & Marion Cotillard Confirmed For Dark Knight Rises

Warner Bros. has finally confirmed both Joesph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard for The Dark Knight Rises. The press release also gives us their roles in the film. Joe will play John Blake, a Gotham City beat cop assigned to special duty under the command of Commissioner Gordon. Marion will play Miranda Tate a Wayne Enterprises board member.

Hardy, Bulter, Statham, Oldman & Neeson Being Courted For The Professionals

Deadline reports Lionsgate UK has gained the rights to the British television show The Professionals. It will be an an origin story, showing how ex-Spec Ops mercenary Bodie and counter-terrorism detective Doyle unite to work for covert UK security unit CI5. Currently the studio is looking for a director while they've been talking with Tom Hardy, Gerard Bulter, Jason Statham, Gary Oldman and Liam Neeson for roles.

Juno Temple Confirmed For Dark Knight Rises

Variety has confirmed that Juno Temple (Atonement) has joined The Dark Knight Rises. It's unknown who the up and coming actress will be playing but the role is described as "a street-smart Gotham girl". Previous rumors have suggested Harley Quinn or Robin (Carrie Kelly/Stephanie Brown) but it's likely just a small role. Temple joins Batman newbies Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway and recently confirmed Joesph Gordon-Levitt.

Joesph Gordon-Levitt Confirmed For Dark Knight Rises, Juno Temple Could Also Join

Variety confirms that Joesph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) has been cast in The Dark Knight Rises. His role is unknown at this point but it's been hinted he could be either an ally or enemy of Batman. They also add that Juno Temple (Atonement) is in talks for a supporting role of a street smart Gotham girl. Temple had previously been in the running for the lead in Bryan Singer's Jack The Giant Killer.

George Miller Confirms Mad Max: Fury Road Starts Shooting Next January

Director George Miller has reached out to the DailyTelegraph giving an update on Mad Max: Fury Road. The sequel/reboot of his successful Mad Max franchise which he directed the previous three films with Mel Gibson in the lead role.

Tom Hardy will star as the new Max along with Charlize Theron, Patrick Stewart (X-Men 1-3) , Nicholas Hoult (Jack The Giant Killer, X-Men First Class), Teressa Palmer, Zoe Kravitz (X-Men First Class) and Adelaide Clemens.

“We will restart pre-production later this year and begin early next year—weather permitting,” Miller said acknowledging the year-long delay he and Warner Bros. had agreed on. “We’ve built the vehicles. We’ve designed the movie. The principal cast is locked in. The film is funded. It’s all ready to go. We just wait,”

RUMOR: League of Shadows Returning For Dark Knight Rises?

There is an interesting and more believable rumor circling online today concerning possible plot points of The Dark Knight Rises. This time BadassDigest says that we will be seeing the return of League of Shadows, the mysterious vigilante group that trained Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins. They go on to reveal that Talia al Ghul (Marion Cotillard?), Bane (Tom Hardy) and whoever Joseph Gordon-Levitt is playing will be leading them.

The League was my favorite part of Begins and bringing them back could make for an excellent ending to the trilogy. This rumor seems a lot more plausible than the previous ones as it sounds in line with Nolan's more reality based plots and villains. Having the group exact revenge on Gotham and Wayne for their fallen leader/father (Ras' al Ghul) sounds fitting. Also talk of Nolan globetrotting/scouting locations in Europe, Asia and India could fit with the League of Shadows as they are an international group.

Marion Cotillard In Talks To Join Dark Knight Rises

HollywoodReporter confirms the rumor that actress Marion Cotillard is in talks to join The Dark Knight Rises in a unknown role. Many believe it's Talia al Ghul the daughter of the villain Ra's al Ghul. Yet if the film is taking influences from The Long Halloween I wouldn't be surprised if she's playing Sofia Falcone the daughter of the Gotham Ctiy mobster Carmine Falcone last scene in Batman Begins.








RUNDOWN OF PREVIOUS CASTING ANNOUNCEMENTS/RUMORS:

It would fit perfectly with the rumor that Joseph Gordon-Levitt (currently also in talks) is playing Alberto Falcone who is also the Holiday Killer. The recent New York pickup shots of a snowy Manhattan suggests that the Holiday Killer is likely involved. Now that Sal Maroni is dead it would seem likely someone else would have to run Falcone's crime family. Yet I wouldn't rule out JGL playing Black Mask or Harvey Bullock.



The Falcone family would also fit nicely with Selina Kyle's story as in the comics she's the illegitimate daughter of Carmine Falcone and tries to find a place in the crime family. I'd personally rather see Kyle as a power player in the mob instead of a costumed thief. I still think Nolan's Batman films work because Wayne is the only one in such an elaborate costume.


I'm not sure how Tom Hardy's Bane would fit into this but would make an excellent partner to whoever Joseph is playing. As the pair were amazing together in Inception. If Talia is indeed involved I wouldn't rule out Bane being a member of the League of Shadows.







There is also still hope that Robin Williams could take on the role of Hugo Strange. I think it would the right amount of villains compared to the other movies and Nolan is perfectly comfortable with sizable casts/characters in his films. Strange could make an excellent side villain similar to Dr. Crane in Batman Begins.

Joseph Gordon Levitt In Talks For Dark Knight Rises

Deadline is reporting that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is talks for a role in The Dark Knight Rises. This brings us back to the original rumor that Hardy, JGL and DiCaprio were testing for roles in the film. Hardy is in playing Bane and now Joseph is being linked as well. It's very doubtful we'll see Leonardo involved as he's starting production soon on Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar. They don't name the role but it's likely it could be the long rumored addition of Detective Harvey Bullock, Black Mask or Deadshot.












Should JGL Join The Dark Knight Rises? Who Should He Play? Leave Your Comments!