RUMOR: Bradley Cooper Playing Lex Luthor?

Bradley Cooper has been choosing a lot of odd projects lately which run the gauntlet of comedy, indie, action, blockbuster, genre and drama. Today's big rumor of the day brings Cooper back to the world of comic book roles. CosimicBookNews (via ComicBookMovie) "reports" that now that Paradise Lost's production is on hold Warner Bros. is looking for Cooper to make a cameo in Man of Steel as Lex Luthor.

At the moment this nothing but an interesting rumor but if the studio is really intent on making more Superman films Cooper isn't a bad casting choice for Lex. It had been mentioned a while back the studio might be already working on a sequel to Man of Steel. If true it could end up as brief as Russell Crowe's cameo as Jor-El, Superman's father.

Bradley had been previously rumored for Edgar Wright's Ant-Man. He also had some interest in Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) before being replaced by Ryan Reynolds and Eric Draven in the now dead Crow reboot.

Warner Bros. Looking For Writers To Script Man Of Steel Sequel?

ThinkMcFlyThink reports that Warner Bros. is moving forward with a sequel to Man of Steel the Superman reboot from director Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300). The studio is currently looking at writers to pen a script for the sequel.

The writers in question include Steve Kloves (Akira, Amazing Spider-Man, Harry Potter Series), Travis Beacham (Pacific Rim, Clash of The Titans) and Lawrence Kasdan (Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Paradise Lost).

While I don't know all the legality of the Superman rights dispute the studio could lose the film rights if they don't keep making films. I'm sure they are happy with what Snyder and the excellent cast are delivering but I feel this could be just a way for the studio to keep their lawyers happy. That's of course this is even true as this very well could be just a rumor.

Joel Edgerton In Talks For 300 Battle Of Artemisia

ThePlaylist reports that Joel Edgerton is now in talks for the lead role of Themosticles in 300: Battle of Artemisia. Written/produced by Zack Snyder and based on the work of Frank Miller tells the story ten years prior to the first film. Noam Murro is set to direct with an estimated release date in 2013. Gerard Butler and Lena Headey are rumored to have cameos in the film as well.

FIRST LOOK: Russell Crowe As Jor-El On The Set Of Man Of Steel

Antje Traue Is Playing A Kryptoian Villainess In Superman!

German actress Antje Traue (Pandorum) has been confirmed by Variety and Deadline joining Superman: Man of Steel. They are giving conflicting characters Ursa (seen in Superman 1-2) and Faora both Kryptoian villains but she has joined the film none the less. This very well could be the role that Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds) had been testing for. I haven't seen much of Antje's work but she did a decent job in Pandorum giving one of the better performances in the film. It's expected she will be an ally of General Zod (Michael Shannon).

RUMOR: Daniel Day-Lewis Being Looked At For Superman's Father Jor-El?

In the same article from LatinoReview they claim the rumored involvement of Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood) was not for a villainous role. Instead it was for the iconic role of Jor-El (Superman's father) famously played by Marlon Brando in the original films. They also say that Krypton will be shown along with Superman's biological mother and father. I expect if Jor-El makes the film it would be a cameo and I'd like to think they would quickly move through any origin scenes. As we've been subjected to enough of the origin of Superman and it's unnecessary to re-track the story.

RUMOR: Kryptoian Villain Faora Also In Superman?

LatinoReview is upping their previous rumor of the inclusion of a female Kryptoian villain. They state it's Faora who is an actual character from the comics with ties to Zod. She was the basis for the Richard Donner character Ursa which was featured in Superman II. It was rumored that actresses Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds), Alice Eve and Rosamound Pike were auditioning for the role of a villain and not the role of Lois Lane.

Sean Penn Could Join Christian Bale In The Last Photograph

Deadline reports that Sean Penn is circling the lead role in The Last Photograph which will also star Christian Bale. The film is based on a concept that was developed by Zack Snyder and screenwriter Kurt Johnstad (300, Xerxes) which will be directed by Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo). Zack and his wife Deborah will produce along with Joel Silver moving from Warner Bros. to Dark Castle.

"Bale plays a war correspondent who witnesses and is the only survivor of an attack on a group of Americans. Penn is circling the role of a retired ex-special ops soldier who comes to the scene determined to free a family member who has been kidnapped. The journalist agrees to help identify the kidnappers and travel the rough terrain to find them, in exchange for the story. The road brings them in confrontation with tribal regions of Afghanistan, and none of the diplomats will help."

Michael Shannon Officially Playing Zod In Zack Snyder's Man Of Steel

Warner Bros. has finally announced the villain for Zack Snyder's Superman reboot which is now officially titled Man of Steel. Michael Shannon is set to play General Zod and is likely to steal the show. Shannon has been known as a character actor taking smaller roles but came into his own recently with his performance in the first season of HBO's Boardwalk Empire. It's still unknown if Lex Luthor, General Sam Lane or Metallo will also be involved in the film but at least we know Zod is for sure now. Shannon joins an impressive cast that includes Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane and Kevin Costner.

Sucker Punch Review

"Sucker PUNCHED"

“Sucker Punch” is a fantasy telling of a tormented girl’s quest for freedom from an insane asylum. Cast includes Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Oscar Isaac, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn.

My “Sucker Punch” experience can be best described as a bad trip to an amusement park. A Zack Snyder movie like a theme park; holds high expectations by principal alone. “Sucker Punch” is overflowing with large attractions (action sequences), big flashing lights (explosions) and cotton candy (major sex appeal). But instead of limitless enjoyment audiences are plagued with huge lines (shallow and ineffective exposition), broken rides (disconnected plot) and clown gimmicks (too much special effects and corny one-liners).

“Sucker Punch’s” monster viral campaign lead by ridiculously enticing trailers, propelled worthy hype and basically acquired pre-conceived approval. So, despite its many flaws I tired really hard to like this movie; but by the end I was frustrated and overall let down with only a hand full of exciting moments (sexy cast, badass rocket, snow samurai and germen trenches scenes).

“Sucker Punch” misses its target on several occasions. Despite the lengthy music paced exposition, there's never a real connection made between the audience and the main character. I understood the intent and direction of the film but I don't believe that the average viewer or non-Snyder fan will fully grasp and/or enjoy the films overall concept. I think this film would have benefited greatly from a R rating, lighter special effects budget and about 2 months more pre-production work on the script. Personally, I thought that the fluidity of the film was sporadic, lazy and disconnected.

Random speculation could suggest that the problem is related to the fact that Snyder's recent films were visual marvels (300 & Watchmen) having neither film presenting extensive storytelling obstacles. “The Watchmen” being an acclaimed graphic novel offered the best storyboards ever and “300” was just a fantasy embellished retelling of ancient Greco-Roman mythology with a few additions: doggy style scene, ugly deformed traitor, and an amped, greasy man beast named Gerald Butler. (Also a graphic novel from renowned author Frank Miller) I think the film suffered greatly from Snyder's lack of storytelling practice. He hasn't really faced difficulties in this area, since his directorial debut with the great remake of “Dawn of the Dead”.

If you had high expectations for this film you indeed will be "unprepared" for what you are about to see. “Sucker Punch” is a visually stunning, sometimes self-indulgent, original epic; lead by a variety of sexy subtle talents, through a fragmented, frustrating and pointless plot.

Despite my semi-professional and deeply analytical criticism, I still found enjoyment within the film and will most likely buy it on Blu-ray. A couple insanely visionary action sequences, a few surprisingly well-acted scenes and a strip club atmosphere save this film from total devastation; and round a potential epic, into an average 2 hours. “Sucker Punch” has everything movie goers could dream of, but unfortunately it was all disgustingly mishandled.

C

RUMOR: General Sam Lane & Metallo Villains Of Superman Reboot?

Yet another crop of possible villains have crept online via ComicBookMovie. This time it's General Sam Lane the father of Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and the military created villain Metallo. General Sam Lane sees Superman as a threat to national security and discovers that kryptonite is a powerful resource using it power Metallo's robotic suit. It seems a little too similar to the plot points of The Incredible Hulk but it might be the best way to ground the character giving a limit to his powers.

Previously there had been concept artwork for the J.J. Abrams/Brett Ratner version of Superman before Bryan Singer came in. One piece of the art has what appears to be the Metallo suit firing off missiles possibly containing kryptonite.

Zack Snyder Confirms His Superman & Nolan's Batman Won't Be In Justice League, Will Have It's Own Takes On The Heroes

HeyUGuys was able to ask director Zack Snyder a Justice League question during the UK premiere of Sucker Punch. They asked how his Superman would fit into DC's answer to the Avengers. Zack stated that both his take on Superman and along with Nolan's Batman won't be involved. They will have a separate take on the heroes.

"It doesn’t. Like what Chris Nolan is doing and what I’m doing with Superman, what they’ll do with Justice League will be it’s own thing with it’s own Batman and own Superman. We’ll be over here with our movie and they kinda get to do it twice which is kinda cool."

It's unknown if Ryan Reynolds' Green Lantern will be included or not. This could give a clue on purposed Batman reboot. That it might still be set in the Gotham City Christopher Nolan has created. There is also the possibility that the established cast could stay in the roles.

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.

Amy Adams Will Be Lois Lane In Superman: Man of Steel!

HeroComplex has the exclusive that Amy Adams (The Fighter) will play Lois Lane in Zack Snyder's Superman: Man of Steel. Adams is an interesting choice as the feisty redhead has been Oscar nominated three times. It's a massive step up from the previous Lois who had been played by Kate Bosworth.

It was recently mentioned that Superman could be shooting on location in Chicago in August. There has also been talk from Zack that this could be his most realistic film including Dawn of The Dead. This could mean that this very well could be the most grounded take on Superman we've ever seen. I wouldn't be shocked to see his powers given a limit and the threats more real world.

Michael Shannon In Talks For Villain Role In Superman

Deadline reports that Michael Shannon is in talks for the unnamed villain in Zack Snyder's Superman. Shannon is best known for his role as a prohibition officer in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. He also earned an Oscar nomination for his role in Revolutionary Road.

Snyder Says Xerxes Script Done Might Not Direct, Could Joe Manganiello Join?

MTV caught up with writer/director Zack Snyder at the Sucker Punch premiere and got some updates on Xerxes. He confirms that he and his writing partner Kurt Johnstadt have finished the script but isn't sure if he'll direct. There had been rumors that Guy Ritchie was in talks with Warners Bros. to direct.

Snyder was also asked if Superman runner up Joe Manganiello (True Blood) would be in the film. Zack liked the idea but also said Joe was a busy man. The film would focus on Themistocles which could be a good role for Joe. Gerard Bulter could return as Leonidas if the script allows.

"This one starts off with a quick retelling of the why of the Persian wars. It starts off at the Battle of Marathon and then it goes back to Themistocles finding out that Persians are invading again. And off we go over to learn a little bit about why Xerxes is the way he is."

Viggo Mortensen Not Joining Superman, Could Gerard Butler?

Director Zack Snyder has confirmed to LatinoReview that Viggo Mortensen will not be joining Superman: Man of Steel. It had be reported that Viggo had been up for the role of Zod along with Daniel Day-Lewis. ThePlaylist is hearing "whispers" that Snyder wants to reunite with Gerard Bulter (300, Gamer, RockNRolla) and he could end up in the movie.

Butler is great on screen when there is a decent script and solid director behind him. It would be interesting to see him play Zod or other possible villains. Nothing is confirmed or even mentioned by the trades so it's just wishful thinking at this point.

Kevin Costner Is Officially Pa Kent In Superman: Man of Steel

Warner Bros. has officially announced that Kevin Costner will play Jonathan "Pa" Kent the adopted father of Clark Kent in Zack Snyder's Superman. Costner is third cast member that has joined the superhero reboot. Diane Lane will play his wife Ma Kent and Henry Cavill as Clark/Superman.

Diane Lane Will Play Martha Kent In Zack Snyder's Superman

Deadline has the official press release from Warner Bros. that Diane Lane has been cast as Superman's adopted mother Martha Kent. Lane is the second officially announced cast member with Henry Cavill set in the lead. Kevin Costner has been rumored for the role of Pa Kent.

Viggo Mortensen Could Play The Villain In Superman

HeatVision reports that Viggo Mortensen is a person of interest to play the villain in Zack Snyder's Superman. Viggo is currently in talks to join Snow White & The Huntsman but that deal hasn't been signed just yet. I'll be curious to see if Christopher Nolan and Snyder are able to win him over to take the role. Vision believes the role is of General Zod famously played by Terrence Stamp in Superman II. Henry Cavill is the soul actor that has been cast so far but it's expected as the summer gets closer we'll be hearing more official news.