Posts Tagged ‘Marvel’
Posted by Jesse in Latest News, Movies on January 14th, 2010
Box Office recently spoke with director Joe Johnston (whose The Wolfman opens February 12) about his upcoming projects, namely Marvel Studios’ upcoming The First Avenger: Captain America, set for release July 22, 2011.
“It’s not going to be a Captain America that you expect. It’s something different. It is influenced by the comic book, but it goes off in a completely different direction. It’s the origin story of Captain America. It’s mostly period—there are modern, present-day bookends on it—but it’s basically the story of how Steve Rogers becomes Captain America. The great thing about Captain America is he’s a super hero without any super powers. Which is why this story, among the hundreds of super hero stories, appealed to me the most. He can’t fly, he can’t see through walls, he can’t do any of that stuff. He’s an every man who’s been given this amazing gift of transformation into the perfect specimen—the pinnacle of human perfection. How does that affect him? What does that mean for him emotionally and psychologically? He was this 98-pound weakling, he was this wimp, and he’s transformed instantly into this Adonis. You’d think he got everything he wanted. Well, he didn’t get everything he wanted. The rules change at that point and his life gets even more complicated and dire. For me, that’s the interesting part of the story. It’s got some great action sequences in it and some incredible stuff that we’ve never seen before. But at the heart of it, it’s a story about this kid who all he wants to do is fit in. This thing happens and he still doesn’t fit in. And he has to prove himself a hero—essentially go AWOL to save a friend. Eventually at the very end, I don’t want to give away to much, but he does fit in. But it’s the journey of getting him there that’s interesting. And it’s a lot of fun.”
Of course, being that Johnston helmed the third Jurassic Park, conversation also covered rumors about Jurassic Park IV.
“Well, there is going to be a Jurassic Park IV. And it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve seen. It breaks away from the first three—it’s essentially the beginning of the second Jurassic Park trilogy. It’s going to be done in a completely different way. That’s pretty much all I can tell you… If you think of the first three as a trilogy, number four would be the beginning of a second trilogy.”
Click here to visit Box Office for the full story, as well as the full interview transcript to come!
Posted by Jesse in Latest News on January 12th, 2010
With Spider-Man 4 stalled over at Sony for the last month, it seemed obvious that one of two things was going to happen: either Raimi was going to compromise and work with whatever villain Sony mandated, or, he was going to walk and Sony would find someone new.
Of course, this being Hollywood, there was a third – more unnecessary – option. Chuck the whole thing out!
Personally, I’m not offended by the idea of rebooting Spider-Man, not in theory anyway. There’s so many eras, so many stories, so many characters in the comics, and so many creative, talented filmmakers who would no doubt be attracted to the franchise, that I can see many voices giving Spidey a makeover that’s both inventive and true to the spirit of the piece.
What offends here is the timing. Why do we need a reboot now?
There’s little way to defend this, it’s Hollywood reactionaries at their worst. The Spider-Man films really ushered in the modern Golden Age of comic book movies that we’re currently enjoying; the first film is a solid, perfectly cast and rather touching origin story, the second is an improvement on every front, some of the best popcorn entertainment of the previous decade, and Spider-Man 3, while seriously flawed, is not so far removed from the first two to indicate that a reboot would be necessary. If anyone wants to make the case that 3 has created some sort of Batman and Robin situation, they’re seriously mistaken, both in terms of film quality and in terms of monetary success. (Batman and Robin’s domestic gross was almost $60 million less than the previous entry in its franchise, while Spider-Man 3 dropped only about $30 domestically, not to mention its international was on par with the previous two and its opening the largest of the trilogy).
We’re so inundated with sequels, prequels, spin-offs, remakes and reboots by this point, that we’re almost enured to them. But there are problems here, ones that try to ignore out of fear. The problems are originality and longevity. It’s almost trite to bemoan the lack of originality in Hollywood these days, but how can we not lament – loudly and actively – that we live in a town full of creative, richly diverse people, who are inevitably relegated to serving the visions (re: business needs) of studio heads who don’t even like movies, let alone care about their power? It is unfair and untrue to suggest this is all studio execs; some of whom are brilliant, some of whom are well-versed in cinema, some of whom genuinely care about art at least as much as they care about commerce. But it would be similarly (and dangerously) naive to suggest that these execs are the majority.
Why is this a big deal? “I just want another Spider-Man movie,” “I just want another cool flick to see,” you say. Well, the big deal is longevity.
Remember when there was a sort of grace period in between when Hollywood felt it had made a mistake – let’s take Batman and Robin as a prime example of a Mistake with a capital M – and when it felt comfortable rectifying it? Batman and Robin was released in 1997. The studio mulled over the reaction to it for about a year, entertained sequel ideas, prequel ideas, etc. and eventually just dropped it. Then, two things happened. Firstly, comic book movies came into their own, ushered in tentatively by the sleeper success of Blade, then strongly by X-Men, and then finally defined by Spider-Man’s blockbusting. That film was an event, on par with the 1978 Superman or the 1989 Batman. People talked about it. It was everywhere. It was the perfect film for that time. And so, every comic property was thrown into warp drive, and by the next year you had Daredevil, X2 and Hulk. Warner Bros. decided it was time to explore bringing Batman back, and to do it they hired a creative team headed by people with a genuine passion for, fascination with, and understanding for the character, who decided to redefine him on screen by telling a story we had never seen and presenting him in a fundamentally different way from how we’d previously known him. Batman Begins, thus, is released in 2005, eight years after Batman and Robin.
How has this changed? Hulk was released in 2003 to mixed reactions. The film was by no means a bomb, but it was no Spider-Man. Marvel wanted to rectify this and quick, so by 2008 we’ve got The Incredible Hulk, starring a different cast, made by different people and taking the franchise in a very different reaction, tonally and conceptually. The result? The Incredible Hulk bested Hulk’s gross by… $2 millon dollars. I won’t bother with inflation here.
Established franchises are now rebooting ad nauseum, as horror fans know all too well. Friday the 13th. A Nightmare on Elm Street. James Bond has done it, and very, very well – as has Star Trek. Now Fox wants an origin movie for their X-Men franchise, a well director Brian Singer is happy to dip back into.
Again, why is this a problem?
The Empire Strikes Back didn’t make as much money as Star Wars. What if Fox (let’s forget Lucas owned the rights to the franchise) decided, “Oops, won’t do that again – let’s start over.” What if Warner Bros. has gone through with recasting the Harry Potter kids? What if the next Star Trek film doesn’t make as much as the last, but is wonderful? Will that cast and those filmmakers not be allowed to move forward?
To successfully reboot a character, there has to be a need. And that Sony is unwilling to let Sam Raimi tell the story he wants to tell – a man whose made them, what, three billion dollars? – and would rather just begin again because it’s easier, well, that’s not a need. That’s… a mistake.
Can Jim Henson’s Spider-Babies be good? Hell, it could be great. And I’m hoping it is, because who wouldn’t love a great Spidey movie? No one, that’s who. But this is a disturbing idea, not just from the standpoint of someone willing and ready to watch the franchise overcome a stumble, to continue to watch these characters (hopefully) grow, but from someone who desperately wants to see filmmakers allowed to explore their creative instincts. And for anyone who says that that isn’t a commercial idea in regards to a Spider-Man film, well, you know, a quick perusal of Box Office Mojo should make that complaint moot.
You know what’s great about this though? Sam Raimi is free. I know he wasn’t in bondage or anything, but Drag Me To Hell was fantastic, and it was great to see him cut loose in the genre he loves and made his name in. I seriously hope that he won’t let the film’s rather middling box office stand in the way of doing what he loves to do, whatever that is. If Sam Raimi wants to make a rom-com, I’m there, because if nothing else, it’ll be special – his is a voice so unique and so enjoyed, how could you not want to follow him wherever he goes?
And that is such a big reason that I love going to the movies. To see artists do what they do better than anyone else.
And that is, exactly, what I’m afraid is going away, bit by bit, reboot by reboot.
Sony’s next Spider-Man is set for release Summer, 2012.
The original press release is as follows:
Culver City, CA (January 11, 2010) — Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012.
Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.
The new chapter in the Spider-Man franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.
“A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three Spider-Man films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter’s roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning,” said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
“Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job,” said Sam Raimi.
“We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade. This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else’s hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable,” said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, who has served as the studio’s chief production executive since the beginning of the franchise. “Now everything begins anew, and that’s got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future of Spider-Man and can’t wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012.”
“Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously,” said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. “We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films and as we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen.”
Posted by Jesse in Latest News, Movies on January 11th, 2010
MUST WATCH 2010
TOP 10 GENRE FILMS
2010 has a lot to offer film fans, and we here at Famous Monsters are eager to point out to you, the reader, some of the genre titles we’re most excited about in the coming year. There are loads more films that we are anxious to see, but here’s our top ten Must-Watch Genre Films of 2010:
1. Inception
Release Date: July 16, 2010
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine
Writers: Christopher Nolan
What the hell is this movie about? You know, I have no clue – and I’m absolutely okay with that.
I can’t remember the last time I walked into a movie having no idea what it was really about. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure plenty of Inception will be spoiled by July, but so far I’m in love with the fact that Nolan’s managed to keep so much of this flick a secret. We’re six months away and we don’t even know the basic plot! According to the newest trailer, Paris folds in half, people look serious and beverages break the laws of physics. Oh, and a train finds a quicker route through mid-town.
Color me perplexed and very, very jazzed.
2. Iron Man 2
Release Date: May 7, 2010
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Mickey Roarke, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson
Writers: Justin Theroux
Who needs to be sold on this one?
While Iron Man had its weaknesses (mainly a limp climax and an incongruously hammy villain), everything that needed to be good was, in fact, great. Everything usually lacking in blockbuster action films - complex characters, witty writing and charming performances – was cannily presented under confident direction.
So what can we expect from Iron Man 2? Judging from the trailers, looks like more of the same. And I couldn’t be happier.
With a decidedly more threatening villain (in the form of Mickey Roarke’s vengeful Ivan Vanko, aka Whiplash), higher stakes in the form of added characters (Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, Sam Rockwell’s slippery arms dealer Justin Hammer) and the promise of War Machine (with Don Cheadle stepping in for a departed Terrence Howard) as well as more Nick Fury (a returning Samuel L. Jackson), IM2 looks as bright and shiny as its metal hero.
3. Shutter Island
Release Date: February 19, 2010
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max Von Sydow, Jackie Earle-Haley
Writers: Leata Kalogridis, from the novel by Dennis Lehane
Martin Scorsese directing Leonardo DiCaprio has become a welcome treat every few years, but to have Scorsese direct a mystery thriller from writer Denis Lehane (whose Mystic River and Gone, Baby, Gone have already been adapted into excellent films) is an enticing proposition.
A ’50’s-era thriller which finds DiCaprio’s U.S. Marshall lost amid mad-goings-on in an offshore insane asylum, Shutter Island pays stylistic tribute to the genre thrillers that so influenced Scorsese throughout his career (everything from the works of producer Val Lewton, to Orson Welles’ adaptation of Kafka’s The Trial).
Nothing is quite as splendiferous like Scorsese in his element, and Shutter Island – with its paranoid protagonist trapped in a plot as claustrophobic and labyrinthine as the nut house itself – certainly looks like prime territory for him.
Too cool.
4. The Wolfman
Release Date: February 12, 2010
Director: Joe Johnston
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving
Writers: Andrew Kevin Walker, David Self
Make no mistake, this is one troubled film. But by “troubled,” I by no means infer “doomed.” A director jumping ship prior to shooting, reshoots, two pushed release dates, four editors and multiple, variant test-screenings are not traditionally good signs, but who can argue with the trailers?
In look and tone it feels as though we’re getting a film that may live up to the legend of the original. I’m also comforted by the dedication and respect to the source material so far demonstrated by all concerned (Del Toro’s favorite film is original 1941 The Wolf Man, and this project was a labor of love). Any chance to see Rick Baker tackle the daddy of all werewolves is a must (even if there are unconfirmed reports he’s unhappy with how much CGI has been used to augment his creature).
I’m curious in the extreme, but cautious as well.
5. Kick Ass
Release Date: April 16, 2010
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloe Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Lyndsy Fonseca
Writers: Jane Goldman, based on the graphic novel by Mark Millar
This one’s as big a “no brainer” as they get. Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Stardust) adapts Mark Millar’s (Wanted) gritty, hilariously subversive comic book sensation with style and wit (if we can gauge anything from the, ahem, kick-ass trailers). With great word of mouth from early screenings (including raves from Butt-Numb-A-Thon), and a secret weapon in the form of Chloe Moretz as the foul-mouthed, deadly Hit Girl, and anticipation on this one is riding high.
6. Daybreakers
Release Date: January 8, 2010
Director: Peter and Michael Spierig
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Willem Defoe, Sam Neill
Writer(s): Peter and Michael Spierig
Released by: Lionsgate
Words cannot express how sick I am of vampires. Really. The words have yet to be articulated, written down and canonized in any language, from Catalan to Farci. I don’t care if it’s good (True Blood), bad (The Vampire Diaries) or unspeakable (sorry Twi-Hards), I just don’t have the energy to care anymore.
Enter Daybreakers, with what could be a ridiculous premise (a vampire-run future society must deal with an extinction of the human blood supply), though seemingly classily told (initial word is quite positive) and artfully shot (those trailers look nice). Couple that with an intriguing cast (I’ll watch Sam Neill eat a McRib sandwich. Seriously. Test me.) and a cool marketing campaign (love those striking, eighties-esque posters) and I’m interested, which is an incredible accomplishment, considering the general vampire malaise.
7. Tron Legacy
Release Date: December 17, 2010
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Garrett Hedlund, Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, Michael Sheen, Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett, John Hurt, Daft Punk
Writers: Richard Jefferies, Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis
Is 28 years too long to wait for a sequel? If it’s Tron, I guess not. Legacy finds the son (Gerrett Hudland) of Bridges’ computer hacker Flynn drawn into the program his father created, a program which has apparently evolved into a much larger and more dangerous place. The original film was a groundbreaking exercise in early CGI, and has garnered a healthy cult fan base based off of the stunning look of the film (not to mention the obvious draw for the tech-geek audience), and in that sense Legacy – with decades of digital advancement between the original and now – has a lot to live up to. Judging from the early teaser trailer and test footage screened at Comic-Con, Kosinski might do the original justice yet.
This movie has Bruce Boxleitner in it. What more do you need?
8. Predators
Release Date: July 9, 2010
Director: Nimrod Antal
Cast: Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Danny Trejo, Laurence Fishburne, Alice Brage, Walton Goggins,
Writers: Robert Rodriguez, Alex Litvak, Michael Finch
Based on a treatment Rodriguez penned for Fox some years back, the film is intended to wipe the slate clean on the beloved franchise, giving audiences the Predator sequel we should have had from the beginning.
Danny Glovers and Requiems aside, director Antal (Vacancy, Armored) has assembled a hell of a fine cast for this picture, which – it is rumored – will take us to the Predator home world.
Title and style inspired by James Cameron’s Aliens, we cannot help but be excited for what Rodriguez and company have in store for us.
9. Toy Story 3
Release Date: June 18, 2010
Director: Lee Unkrich
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson, Blake Clark, Timothy Dalton, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, Bonnie Hunt, Jeff Garlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Kristen Schaal
Writers: Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich
I’m tempted to be a little anxious about the prospect of a Toy Story 3…
Both previous Toy Story films were masterful: beautifully designed, emotionally charged, classic family filmmaking. 3 has been gestating for years and now, here at the precipice, I feel like I should be nervous – I mean, what “Part III” has ever lived up to expectations? (Return of the King doesn’t count…)
But, this is Pixar. And, therefore, I have nothing but faith.
With Andy going off to college (the trailer makes it seem like Andy’s been playing with these toys all the way up through high school; is he… okay…?), the toys are left wide open for donation to a local day care center, leaving the toys no choice but to plan a Great Escape-style, well, escape.
Sounds great, and the aforementioned trailer is plenty funny. Pixar’s 10 for 10, and expectations aside, I’d wager Toy Story 3 delivers.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 1
Release Date: November 19, 2010
Director: David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
Writers: Steve Kloves, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling
I have admit, I’m not the biggest Harry Potter devotee – not out of any dislike, but purely from being out of the loop. Call me a Muggle, I guess. I mean, I’ve enjoyed my brief flirtations with Rowling’s books, each of which became more confident, complex and complete with each volume, but my exposure to the Potter universe has been largely through the films. Last years Half-Blood Prince delivered a lot of fury, drama and some crushing blows to young Harry Potter, and while I thought David Yates’ direction perfectly fit the world of the books and his understanding of their coming of age themes dead on, the film felt somewhat rushed.
With any book as lengthy as the late-series Potter’s tended to be, a film adaptation will no doubt leave a lot behind, all while it struggles to cram in as much as it can. One can see the difficulties the filmmaker’s face each time out. So the two-film approach to Deathly Hollows (a book of nearly 800 pages!) makes sense. It will be intriguing to see if the added total length will give the story the breathing room it needs as the story draws to its emotional close.
One thing is for sure, and that’s that the three main players mature (in performance, not just in physicality – I see you looking at Watson like that…) with each picture, and that they feel primed to deliver for the climax of the series. Millions of fans are primed right along with them.
Honorary Mention:
Note – the only reason this title is not included in the Top 10 is because it is yet to be confirmed as a 2010 release. That, and we like to cheat.
Tree of Life
Release Date: 2010 (tentative)
Director: Terence Malick
Cast: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain
Writers: Terence Malick
2 films in five years is, for Terrence Malick, a break-neck speed. For the man who usually spends a decade or so between films this is a pleasant surprise to those of us who are big fans of the man’s work. There may be no more a polarizing director than Malick. To all who see his movies they’re labeled as either ‘brilliant’ or ‘boring’ (I fall into the former). Some call his movies ’slow, others ‘deliberately paced’. But most can agree that no one captures images quite as beautifully or as well-composed as Terrence Malick.
While details are scarce on the film, it seems to be a departure from the normal Malick fare in that there may be some fantasy elements involved. The story surrounds a man’s (Brad Pitt) journey through life as he makes mistakes and tries to find redemption. As normal as that may seem, people from the FX team have discussed prehistoric landscapes that have been designed for the film. Additionally, the tree (a massive, real-life, oak that was transplanted to a field in Texas for the shoot) is said to have magical properties of its own.
While his style is definitely not intended for a wide audience, those of us that are fans will have this one right at the top of our lists. The man has made some of the most brilliant films and each new one is a very welcome addition to our future DVD and Blu-Ray libraries.
Posted by Jesse in Comics, Latest News, Movies on January 6th, 2010
As Sony Pictures and series director Sam Raimi reportedly continue to clash over the fourth film’s villain, sources inside the studio have confirmed that the proposed holiday break for the filmmakers has become a full-fledged hiatus. The February production date is now being postponed.
Reportedly, Alvin Sargent (of Spidey 1 and 2, not to mention the classic Ordinary People) is the screenwriter currently charged with retooling the project. Previously, writers Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit), James Vanderbilt (Zodiac, X-Men Origins: Wolverine), and David Lindsay-Abaire (Robots, Inkheart) had submitted drafts of the superhero sequel.
Raimi has so far been set to return as director, but this is now understandably in question. It’s widely known that Sony and Marvel insisted Raimi inject Venom into Spider-Man 3, a character Raimi had little desire to feature. The resulting film was undoubtably weak compared to the previous two, and Raimi himself has stated he wants to go out on a higher note. Wanting to feature another classic villain, in this case the Vulture (a role rumored to be desired for John Malkovich), Raimi is reportedly being pressured by Sony to choose another villain. Raimi had wanted to feature the Vulture as Spider-Man 3’s 2nd villain, but the studio apparently found the character noncommercial.
Here’s the thing: Sony still has Spider-Man 4 scheduled for a May 6, 2011 release. It’s clear that this date is nigh impossible without quick thinking by all concerned.
Personally, the thought of Raimi returning to Spider-Man is a frustrating thought. Raimi is a passionate filmmaker who displays genius when working with material that really speaks to him. The Evil Dead films are fan favorites, and A Simple Plan is a classic, not to mention gems like The Gift and last years Drag Me To Hell (which, in 10 years, will be a classic). He did wonders for Spidey, but the frustrating development of Spider-Man 3 was evident in the final product, a toneless mishmash of too-many elements, burdened by studio interference and a palpable sense of malaise by most all concerned.
Unless Raimi feels like he wants to go back to the Spidey well, I sure don’t want him to.
Posted by Dominic in Movies on February 20th, 2009
Darkhorizons reports that Marvel Studios has sent out a casting call for the title role of the upcoming THOR movie adaptation to be directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Apparently this means Kevin McKidd (Dog Soldiers, Rome) is out of talks to play the God of Thunder.
Branagh and the producers are apparently looking for a Male in mid to late 20’s, six feet or taller, then adds that the lead needs to be “physically powerful, very handsome, occasionally egotistical, petulant, and wild. A natural warrior with a quick charming wit who must be genuinely and severely humbled before becoming the compassionate, mature hero of our film.”
You gotta love Hollywood. Well good luck to them. I only hope that they make a good movie, seeing as comic book to film adaptations are more often than not mediocre at best.
Filming is scheduled to begin in July and wrap in September.
Posted by dominie in Movies on February 4th, 2009
It’s casting mayhem over at Iron Man 2.
With the recent reports of Samuel L. Jackson threatening to opt out of his Nick Fury role, or previously announced Emily Blunt potentially dropping of her Black Widow role due to scheduling conflicts, at the very least we have one lead in regards to Mickey Rourke rumored to be circling the sequel to play the role of the Crimson Dynamo.
MTV, after speaking with Robert Downey Jr., shot down rumors that Mickey Rourke was being cast as the Crimson Dynamo in Iron Man 2. When asked about the matter, Robert Downey Jr. quickly replied, “That’s actually incorrect.” And when pressed if, instead of Crimson Dynamo, Rourke was up for the role of Whiplash, another potential role bandied about on blogs these days, Downey had a more cryptic response.
“I can neither confirm nor deny that,” said Downey. “Or maybe it’s some semblance of both.
For the complete sit down with RDJ and MTV you can head over here.
Posted by dominie in Latest News, Movies on December 3rd, 2008
IndieLondon caught sight of Lauren Shuler Donner, the producer of all the past and upcoming X-Men films, to bring us some clues on the happenings of the forthcoming X-Men prequels Wolverine and Magneto.
Donner reveals that Wolverine is very much “in the tone of the first X-Men,” noting she is very happy with the result and that her next task is to get crackin’ on Magneto.
“We have a great script on Magneto,” Donner tells IndieLondon. “I’ll tell you the honest truth… I’ve made four movie[s] this year and I was so busy that I didn’t at all talk to the studio while making Magneto because I couldn’t have done it. And David Goyer, who wrote and is going to direct it, also did another movie. So now, he’s done with his and I’m done with two of mine, so when I get back that’s my first order of business to say: ‘Come on, let’s go and make Magneto.’”
In regards to Wolverine, Empire debuted the first look on Taylor Kitsch as Gambit. Of the character, Hugh Jackson told MTV Splashpage, “I can say it. He’s sexy, right? He’s a little bit like a junior Wolverine in a way. He’s a little bit of a wise guy. He’s an outsider. He’s got some issues himself. He’s mischievous. He’s cheeky. He’s a bit of a badass. We have a really great fight sequence. Physically that guy is an animal. He was chucking himself around on the concrete. He has that passion that I remember having when I first did Wolverine. There was no way a stunt double was doing anything for him.”
Still waiting on the images for Deadpool’s character, played by the hot Ryan Reynolds, who also debuts in Wolverine. X-Men Origins: Wolverine arrives in theaters May 1, 2009.
Posted by dominie in Latest News, Movies on November 24th, 2008
If you’ve been following the story behind Terrence Howard’s replacement in Iron Man 2, it appears the official story in Entertainment Weekly (below) is disputable—what a surprise. Another perspective. Screenwriter Just Theroux spoke with MTV news about the role of War Machine in the upcoming sequel found just below the EW story.
Entertainment Weekly cited that Hollywood insiders believe the Howard’s exit stems from his difficult behavior on the set of Iron Man. Those more intimate with the situation however, suggest a more dramatic backstory: Howard was the first actor signed to the film and was also the highest-paid—more than Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Robert Downey Jr. each. As a result, Favreau and screenwriter Justin Theroux found themselves minimizing Howard’s storyline while mapping out the sequel, which led to Marvel adjusting Howard’s offer at an estimated 50-80 percent pay cut.
According to Theroux however, the character of Jim Rhodes was never scaled back for the sequel. He tells MTV, “I can’t really speak to the plot stuff and all the rest of it but Rhodes is completely present in a very strong and big way.” He continues, “All that stuff that was in the ‘EW’ article, I don’t know. I can only tell you what I know which is that from a writing standpoint we didn’t do anything differently [with the character]. It’s not like we were sitting there going, we need less of this or that. We just approached the characters and the story on their own terms.”
If the reason behind the switch is as Marvel states, what purpose would Theroux have to contradict the studio? What’s your take on the writer’s statement?
Posted by dominie in Comics, Latest News, Movies on October 23rd, 2008
The official trailer for Sony Screen Gems’ Underworld: Rise of the Lycans can now be viewed at Apple.com. Directed by FX specialist Patrick Tatopoulos (Angel Hair) and starring Michael Sheen, Rhona Mitra, Bill Nighy, Shane Brolly, Steven MacKintosh, and Kevin Grievoux, the third installment is a prequel to the previous films. Set in the Dark Ages, the story will trace the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires led by Viktor and the werewolf slaves known as the Lycans. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans debuts in theaters January 23, 2009.
Marvel’s search for Thor is still in the works. The studio is rumored to only have a short list of potentials. IESB caught up with Daniel Craig at the press day for Quantum of Solace and managed to sneak in a few questions about another known hero, the upcoming Thor Marvel adaptation. Craig reveals that “[Marvel] did approach him but he turned it down.” He jokes, “It would have bent too much of a power trip, both Bond and Thor, and running around with long hair and a hammer.”
Warner Bros. released a new teaser poster for Zack Snyder’s Watchmen today. The new extended trailer that premiered at the 2008 Scream Awards can also be viewed online here.
Posted by dominie in Movies on October 9th, 2008
Film School Rejects reports that Production Weekly has provided the official synopsis for Marvel’s upcoming The First Avenger: Captain America.
“Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment… Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the “Super-Soldier Serum” and bombarded by “vita-rays.” Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and leader of the Avengers.”
Although the film has still not yet found its director, The First Avengers: Captain America is still looking strong to premiere May 6, 2011, two months prior to The Avengers team-up to hit theaters on July 15, 2011.
Posted by dominie in Movies on October 5th, 2008
The deal signed between Paramount Pictures and Marvel to distribute their studio’s next five self-produced films has announced the latest updates for release.
Iron Man 2 will hit theaters May 7, 2010. Its been rumored that Jon Favreau would like to do Iron Man 2 in IMAX like The Dark Knight or possibly even in 3-D. Paramount and Marvel have not yet come to a decision, but considering Iron Man’s gross at the Box Office, Favreau may very well receive the budget he needs to complete these shots.
Thor will also be released next summer, July 16, 2010 to be exact. According to Variety, Irish actor and director Kenneth Branagh is in talks to direct this big screen adaptation of Marvel Comics’ Thor. If a deal is signed, it will be Branagh’s first action-heavy movie since his 1989 Henry V, portraying the bloody British conquest of France.
For 2011, The First Avenger: Captain America premieres May 6 and The Avengers follows on July 15. The First Avenger, penned by David Self is set in WWII and will lead directly into the The Avenger, screenplay by Zak Penn, so the man cast as Steve Rogers also known as Captain America will be essentially filming both movies simultaneously. First Matthew McConaughey was rumored to play the role and the latest is Will Smith.
Lastly, an Iron Man 3 release date still has not been announced.
Posted by dominie in Latest News, Movies on September 29th, 2008
MGM has slated A Perfect Getaway for release on March 13, 2009, one year after its production began. Written and directed by David Twohy (Pitch Black, The Chronicles of Riddick) for Relativity Media, A Perfect Getaway is the story of a newlywed couple who vacations to Hawaii for their honeymoon “getaway.” Unbeknownst to them, it will be their worst nightmare when they meet two hikers who turn out to be vicious killers. The film stars Timothy Olyphant, Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, and Kiele Sanchez.
According to Variety, arthouse director Kenneth Branagh (Henry V) has been in talks to direct Marvel Comics’ next live-active film, Thor, to be released in summer 2010. Thor follows a disabled medical student Donald Blake, who has an alter ego as the hammer-wielding Norse god Thor. Similar to Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, Thor will be funded by Marvel using their $500 million credit facility through Merrill Lynch. The Iron Man sequel will also go through the same treatment.
