Hangover 2 to be filmed in Thailand: July 21st
Comingsoon.net have confirmed that The Hangover Sequel is headed to Thailand. Production will move there this fall with a script that sees the characters from the 2009 hit comedy traveling to Asia.
Star Trek sequel news: July 20th
TrekMovie.com spoke to Bryan Burkearlier this month about the next installment:
TrekMovie: You have to deliver a movie to Paramount by June 2012, so when do you expect to start shooting?
Bryan Burk: We will be shooting this time next year. Starting early summer or late spring.
TrekMovie: So that puts pre-production starting around December this year or January 2011?
Bryan Burk: I would like to shoot for that, we will see.
Another new Thos picture: July 19th
Cage to return to Ghost Rider 2: July 16th
Nicholas Cage is set to return for the Ghost Rider sequel to be helmed by Neveldine/Taylor, the actor confirmed tonight on "The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson."
"There's gonna be a new one," Cage told Ferguson after the host presented him with a model of a flaming skull, "I just made the deal today."
World War X being developed: July 16th
Warner Bros. Pictures have bought Colin Trevorrow's script World War X and has set it up with Silver Pictures, reports Variety.
The trade says the story is "centered on a man recruited by a team of government agents to stop a terrorist from the future who is using time travel to reshape history."
Joel Silver and Andrew Rona are producing. Chris Bender, JC Spink, Alex Heineman and Jake Weiner are executive producing.
First Image of Reynolds as Green Lantern: July 15th
Ryan Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a cocky test pilot who becomes a ring-wearing intergalactic superhero in this massive sci-fi epic from director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale). Though Reynolds has prior experience in the superhero realm from his role as Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, playing Green Lantern involved some major challenges, like getting hurled through the air on a wire at up to 60 feet per second to create the illusion of flight. “The first time you do it, you’re seriously considering an adult diaper,” Reynolds says. Still, he couldn’t resist the chance to play the beloved DC Comics hero, whose power ring can conjure virtually anything he can dream up. “Will and imagination are his superpowers,” Reynolds says. “We need a circus of Timothy Learys to think of things Hal would invent with his ring.”
Elizabeth Banks to Play Live-Action Tinker Bell: July 15th
Walt Disney Pictures has attached Elizabeth Banks to star in a live-action Tinker Bell movie titled Tink, reports Variety. The romantic comedy will be produced by Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot and McG.
The movie will play with the mischievous nature of Tinker Bell. It was developed by Banks with Max Handelman, who co-runs the actress' production shingle, Brownstone Productions, and Matt Smith of Offspring Entertainment. McG and Mary Viola will produce through their Wonderland Entertainment.
Elizabeth Wright Shapiro, who helped develop the project, along with McG, will write the script.
New Thor photo emerges: July 14th
Brian Cox joins Rise of the Apes: July 13th
According to The Wrap, Cox will play the film's main villain, a cruel and abusive owner of a primate sanctuary.
The Prequel hits theaters on June 24, 2011.
Edward Norton on leaving Bruce Banner: July 12th
Edward Norton posted a message on his Facebook page about the news of him not returning to play Bruce Banner in The Avengers. read it below:
Transformers 3 is last for Michael Bay: July 10th
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura told Comingsoon.net that he thinks Transformers 3 will likely be the last installment at least for him and director Michael Bay, even if that doesn't mean Paramount won't reboot the series with new talent down the line. "It may not be the end of the line of Transformers for Hasbro and Paramount, but I would think so. (For) Michael, I'm sure it is. He's spent a lot of years working on one thing."
Batman 3 to start in April: July 9th
Sir Michael Caine told Digital Spy that shooting for the next batman film will get underway in April for a July 20, 2012 release.
Casting news for X-men First Class: July 8th
Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Beast and Caleb Landry Jones will play Banshee in the Matthew Vaughn directed movie.
The movie charts the epic beginning of the X-men saga. Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-Men.
Saw 3D plot details: July 8th
In the October 22 release, a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw's brutal legacy and a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.
The film was shot on the on the SI-3D digital camera system.
The International trailer for Green Hornet: July 7th
Sony Pictures UK has released this international trailer for The Green Hornet:
Titanic 3D coming in 2012: July 6th
It looks like Cameron talked about the 3D release at the 100th birthday party for Gloria Stuart, who played the older Rose in the film. While it's not a direct quote, the article said:
...said the director, who's converting the blockbuster into 3-D for re-release in April 2012, the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking.
It Looks like they're planing this to be released on the exact dates of the disaster 9 April 14th) or they could put it out the day the ship set sail for New York (April 12th).
Eclipse up to $175.3 million worldwide: July 5th
It started off its six-day extended run by setting a new Wednesday record with $68.5 million (essentially making back its production costs), dropping drastically on Thursday, then adding another estimated $82.5 million over the four-day holiday weekend including estimates for Monday for a six-day total of $175.3 million. $9 million of that gross came from IMAX screenings, while internationally, Eclipse brought in $100.2 million in 42 countries over the three-day weekend.
Andrew Garfield to play Spider-Man! July 2nd
Here's the official press release followed by the announcement photos:
After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.
Today's confirmation culminates what has been one of the most eagerly anticipated casting announcements in recent memory. Bloggers, pop culture speculators, and everyday fans have pored over and analyzed every conceivable online rumor in an attempt to discover the identity of the next actor to play Peter Parker. Garfield will immediately begin preparing for the coveted role.
The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most successful in film history and the three previous motion pictures have collectively grossed more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office.
On selecting Garfield, director Marc Webb said, "Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor's work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker."
Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, President of Columbia Pictures said, "Spider-Man is a classic superhero -- a young man who balances his responsibility to serve humanity and crush evil with the shyness and normalcy of someone struggling to find himself. The role demands an extraordinary actor. You need someone who can magically transform himself from Peter Parker into Spider-Man. An actor who will depict the vulnerability of youth and the strength and confidence of a legendary figure at the same moment. We have found that actor in Andrew Garfield. From the first time we saw him in the upcoming film The Social Network, to his glorious screen test, which floored all of us, we knew that we had found our new Peter Parker."
Producer Avi Arad added, "I'm incredibly excited about Andrew Garfield. In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer. We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future."
Producer Laura Ziskin said, "We are thrilled to have Andrew Garfield for this new incarnation of Spider-Man under Marc Webb’s direction. We were fortunate enough to meet with a group of fantastically talented young men. In the end, we all agreed that in addition to being an extraordinary actor, Andrew had the right mix of humor, youth, and pathos, along with an underlying sense of strength and power necessary to bring Peter Parker and Spider-Man to life on screen."
The selection of Garfield was revealed at a press event in Cancun, Mexico for international journalists attending a media tour promoting upcoming films from Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Garfield is fast becoming one of the most respected and sought-after young actors working in the industry today. In a short career, spanning only five years, he has already been directed by, and starred alongside, some of the greatest names and received a BAFTA for a role that won him international praise.
Garfield most recently worked with director David Fincher on the upcoming film The Social Network. He previously starred for Spike Jonze on his robot love story I'm Here, which premiered at Sundance this year. He plays the lead male opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek's Never Let Me Go, due for release later this year.
Other notable screen credits include Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus playing opposite Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law and the late Heath Ledger, Robert Redford’s Lions For Lambs, where he starred alongside Redford, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep; Revolution Films' "Red Riding Trilogy – 1974" directed by Julian Jarrold, where he lead a stellar cast including Rebecca Hall and David Morrissey, and his unforgettable portrayal of a young ex-con in John Crowley's "Boy A," for which he earned the best actor BAFTA in 2008.
Garfield’s career began in theatre and in 2006 his performances in "Beautiful Thing" (Sound Space/Kit Productions), "The Overwhelming," and "Burn / Chatroom / Citizenship" (Royal National Theatre) won him the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard awards and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Other notable theatre credits include "Romeo and Juliet" (Manchester Royal Exchange) and "Kes" (Manchester Royal Exchange), for which he received the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Manchester Evening News Awards 2004.
More Scream 4 casting news: July 1st
Heat Vision is reporting that Adam Brody, Marley Shelton and Erik Knudsen have joined the cast of Scream 4.
Wes Craven has started directing in Michigan from a Kevin Williamson script. The Dimension Films release stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox Arquette, David Arquette, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin, Nico Tortorella, Anthony Anderson, and Marielle Jaffe.
Brody will play a cop recently graduated from college who was raised on the "CSI" TV series.
Shelton will play a deputy who knew Campbell's character in high school. Lake Bell had been in negotiations for the role.
Knudsen will have a role similar to the one played by Jamie Kennedy in the first two installments, a character who is familiar with horror movie conventions and a provider of comic relief.
Scott Pilgrim director talks Ant-Man: June 29th
Edgar Wright talked a bit more about the Ant-Man movie to Box Office Magazine:
I haven't actually started the second draft yet--I'm not going to be able to until this film [Scott Pilgrim] is out--but what we wrote for the first draft, and what Marvel really liked, is that it's funny, but it's a genre film. It's about the level of comedy that Iron Man has. The idea is to make a high-concept genre film where it's within another genre. His suit and its power is the big gadget and it takes place in the real world. I just wanted to do something that was slightly different than the superhero origin film. I felt that between that and the various mad scientist, crazy doctor films that we've all seen, this would be a way into an origin that was slightly different. I'm not really a multi-tasker--I haven't done anything since Marvel liked our first draft.
Tommy Lee Jones's character in Cap America: June 28th
Marvel Studios has now sent us the official announcement, which confirms the rumors that he'll play Colonel Phillips:
Marvel Studios announced today that Oscar® winning actor Tommy Lee Jones has been cast to star as US Army Colonel Chester Phillips in the studio’s highly anticipated movie CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER opposite Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan and Stanley Tucci. In the early comics, Phillips recruited Steve Rogers to join Project Rebirth, the secret experiment that created the Super Soldier known as Captain America. The character will be updated for the film. Joe Johnston will direct the film penned by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.
Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige will produce CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel, Nigel Gostelow and Louis D’Esposito will executive produce. The film will be released in the US on July 22, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.
Tommy Lee Jones’ will next be seen in THE COMPANY MEN and is well known for starring in NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, the MEN IN BLACK franchise, and THE FUGITIVE for which he won an Academy Award®.
In addition to CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, Marvel Studios most recently released the highly anticipated sequel, IRON MAN 2, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow on May 7, 2010, and will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including THOR on May 6, 2011, and MARVEL STUDIOS’ THE AVENGERS on May 4, 2012.
Tommy Lee Jones is represented by CAA and attorney Bill Jacobson.
Neil Patrick Harris coming back for Harold and Kumar: June 25th
Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that Neil Patrick Harris is set to return to the Harold And Kumar world in A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas.
He'll be joining John Cho and Kal Penn, as well as the new cast member Patton Oswalt in the comedy directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson and written by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg.
Could " Wild Thing" return for another Major League? June 24th
David S. Ward, writer/director of Major League, tells Moviehole: "We're actually talking about doing one right now. I've written, what I see, as 'Major League 3.' We're putting that together as we speak - in fact, next week I'm off to talk to James Robinson at Morgan Creek about it.
"It's 20 years later, and Wild Thing comes out of retirement to work with this 19-year-old player," Ward added. "We've actually got three new characters in the new film. And if the new film is popular, they could carry the franchise on."
Though Ward hopes to get Tom Berenger, Corbin Bernsen and even, Wesley Snipes back for Major League 3, he's so far only spoken to Charlie Sheen about it.
"He's excited to do it if and when it happens," said Ward. "But he can't shoot it this year, because he's back doing 'Two and a Half Men,' but we could potentially shoot it next year - in his hiatus from the show."
Rise Of The Apes casting news! June 23rd
John Lithgow and Freida Pinto have been cast in Rise Of The Apes, the prequel to Planet of the Apes.
The Movie sees James Franco as a scientist researching Alzheimer's who, through his experiments, evolves an ape called Caesar to the point that he begins to lead his species to world domination.
Lithgow will reportedly play Franco's character's father (who suffers from Alzheimer's) while Pinto, the female lead, plays a primatologist who also works in the lab.
Scream 4 brings it back to school: June 22nd
Wes Craven and his production team have descended upon Ann Arbor, Michigan to begin production Scream 4.
Shooting begins in a few weeks and, according to this blog and Michigan's MLive.com, Craven and company will be using the Dearborn-based Woodworth Middle School for a "flashback" sequence in the film.
The school will be outfitted with a new facade, but the production reportedly chose the school because its brickwork was similar to that of the Sonoma Community Center that stood in for Woodsboro High in the original Scream. If you recall, Craven faced an angry school board on the first film because he wanted to shoot at the Santa Rosa High School. The school board declined due to the script's subject matter, so, the Sonoma Community Center was used instead.
Jason Momoa as Conan: June 21st
Photos of The Shire from The Hobbit: June 18th
Check out the images from the set of The Hobbit:
Crank Write/Directo pair talk Ghost Rider sequel: June 17th
Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, the writer/director pair behind both Crank movies are in talks to direct the next Ghost Rider movie.
The film would most likely see Nicolas Cage returning as Johnny Blaze with a story by David Goyer.
For legal reasons, Columbia needs to begin shooting the sequel or risk losing the rights.
The Thing Prequel coming April 29, 2011: June 17th
Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen, the film is a prequel to John Carpenter's 1982 original with the same title. The studio describes the thriller as follows:
Antarctica: an extraordinary continent of awesome beauty. It is also home to an isolated outpost where a discovery full of scientific possibility becomes a mission of survival when an alien is unearthed by a crew of international scientists. The shape-shifting creature, accidentally unleashed at this marooned colony, has the ability to turn itself into a perfect replica of any living being. It can look just like you or me, but inside, it remains inhuman. In the thriller The Thing, paranoia spreads like an epidemic among a group of researchers as they’re infected, one by one, by a mystery from another planet.
Paleontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) has traveled to the desolate region for the expedition of her lifetime. Joining a Norwegian scientific team that has stumbled across an extraterrestrial ship buried in the ice, she discovers an organism that seems to have died in the crash eons ago. But it is about to wake up.
When a simple experiment frees the alien from its frozen prison, Kate must join the crew’s pilot, Carter (Joel Edgerton), to keep it from killing them off one at a time. And in this vast, intense land, a parasite that can mimic anything it touches will pit human against human as it tries to survive and flourish.
Reel Steel photo emerges: June 16th
Opening in theaters on November 18, 2011, the movie stars Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo, Kevin Durand and Anthony Mackie. Here is the synopsis:
A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future, where the sport of boxing has gone hi-tech, "Real Steel" stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.
Megan Fox says Fathom will indeed happen: June 15th
Megan Fox spoke to MTV and said that the movie Fathom will definitely happen. She's been attached to star in the adaptation of the Michael Turner comic, which follows a young woman named Aspen who learns she is a member of a race of aquatic humanoids who possess the ability to control water.
Transformers 3 details: June 11th
Talking about the second film, director Michael Bay said, "I'll take some of the criticism" while standing at a set built to resemble a dilapidated nuclear reactor. "It was very hard to put (the sequel) together that quickly after the writers' strike (of 2007-08)."
Bay said that "This one really builds to a final crescendo. It's not three multiple endings... As a trilogy, it really ends. It could be rebooted again, but I think it has a really killer ending."
"One thing we're getting rid of is what I call the dorky comedy," Bay added. So the twins, "They're basically gone," he said, though John Turturro returns for comic relief.
The newspaper says the new villain will be Shockwave, "the robot cyclops-turned-laser-cannon, who became dictator of their home world of Cybertron after the other Autobots and Decepticons journeyed to Earth."
According to USA Today, "The new film features Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf) taking his first tenuous steps into adulthood while remaining a reluctant human ally of Optimus Prime." "Shia has this great line: 'You know, I've saved the world twice, but I can't get a job,'" producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura said.
Clash Of The Titans sequel may film next January: June 10th
According to the Los Angeles Times, Warner Bros. and production house Legendary Pictures are in talks to start shooting the sequel to Clash Of The Titans as early as next January with director Jonathan Liebesman as one of the frontrunners to take over the directing chores.
The "Clash" sequel will be filmed in 3D rather than converted after-the-fact, but so far, there's been no word whether any of the rest of the surviving cast (or any of the Greek Gods played by Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes et al) will be returning for the sequel.
Rosamund Pike playing X-Men's Emma Frost? June 9thRosamund Pike ( Doom) may be in talks to play Emma Frost.
Pike has been spotted in the offices of director Matthew Vaughn's casting director and also seen carrying Emma Frost comic books. Vaughn is set to direct the next installment of the X-men franchise... X-Men: First Class.
Mintz-Plasse and Tennant Join Fright Night Remake: June 9th
Doctor Who's David Tennant and Superbad's Christopher Mintz-Plasse are set to join the remake of Fright Night.
They will star opposite Anton Yelchin as Charlie, a teen convinced that his new neighbor (Colin Farrell) is a vampire. Toni Collette will play the teen's disbelieving mom, who falls under the vampire’s spell.
Tennant will play Peter Vincent, a character who in the original movie was played by Roddy McDowall as the host of a late-night horror show. In the remake, he’s a Las Vegas magician whose show revolves around horror-movie imagery. Vincent claims to be a vampire expert, but when the teen turns to him for assistance, he’s less than helpful.
Mintz-Plasse is playing Evil Ed, Yelchin's friend who feels slighted that Charlie has left his nerdy past behind and thus joins the vampire's coven.
Final Destination 5 director announced! June 8th
Steven Quale has been hired to direct the next installment of The Final Destination franchise.
Quale was the second unit director for Avatar.
More from Del toro on Hobbit: June 7th
Guillermo del Toro has given an update to his fans regarding his departure from The Hobbit.
So, here I am again. As promised, I am posting a longer message before the week's end.
I have to thank those of you that have supported me from the start as well as those that converted along the way. And even say farewell to those that never did convert or believed.
I will miss Mr. Crere, the faith of Compa and Sir DennisC, the wisdom of Voronwe, the joy of Grammaboodawg, the support of Kangi Ska and so many, many others
Now, Pasi, et al- that is what is quite uncommon even on big films. Pete and co stuck to LOTR for years, I've developed films for years and I have shot many a movie on location... but rarely do you relocate for such massive amount of time specially when you have to do major ironclad agreements to put in deep freeze other contractual obligations with multiple studios.
My commitment to the project demanded enormous sacrifices both in personal and professional terms. The consequences of which will ripple for years. I relocated my entire life and family to New Zealand and first came on board in 2008.
So- while the cited delays, contractual complexities or obstacles, cannot be attributed to a single event or entity - you will simply have to believe that they were of sufficient complexity and severity to lead to the current situation. Trust me on this, Pasi- leaving NZ and the Hobbit crew is extremely painful.
As stated before- a wealth of designs, animatics, boards and sculptures is left behind representing accurately my ideas for Mirkwood, Spiders, Wargs, Stone Trolls, etc, etc and everyone (PJ, FW, PB and myself) has the same goal in mind: to try and ensure the best possible transition of the movie to a new director.
I believe these films will happen. Preproduction continues as we speak. The writing team of PJ,FW,PB and myself will keep moving the screenplays forward.
Perhaps even sooner than we may anticipate we will all look at the finished film and then- I will tear up whenever I recognize a set or a creature or a quirk created under my supervision. Everyone on these boards will get two movies. Me? I will be watching filmic family albums. Photos of my children from far away.
I hope you will understand how delicate the subject is for me.
I will drop by now and then, I will read the boards with interest and do hope to see some of you around at SDCC and many other places.
I am not here, however, to provide a blow-by-blow of what happened, but to assure you, as I have, that it has been the toughest situation of my life.
Beyond that- I am simply no longer an official voice for these projects. Be good, be well- and I invite you all to follow me into the next phase of my filmmaking journey.
Sincerely
GDT
Nolan on Batman and Superman: June 4th
It was recently revealed that he would take on a mentor (or "godfather") role for the Superman movie, but he's not that comfortable with that title. "It's much more specific than that," he explained, "What it is, while David Goyer and myself were putting together the story for another Batman film a few years ago - you know, thrashing out where we might move on from 'The Dark Knight' - we got stuck. We were just sitting there idly chatting and he said, ' By the way, I think I know how you approach Superman,' and he told me his take on it. I thought it was really tremendous. It was the first time I had been able to conceive of how you would address Superman in a modern context. I thought it was a very exciting idea."
Nolan said he took that idea and pitched it to Warner Bros., and the studio got excited, too. "But it's not something for me to direct," he added. "It's something we were just trying to put together a vision for, and then find the right person to take it forward."
What's important to Nolan is finding the core of what makes the character so indelible; he favors the back-to-basics approach. "What you have to remember with both Batman and Superman," he told the magazine, "is that what makes those the best superhero characters there are, the most beloved after all this time, is the essence of who those characters were when they were created and when they were first developed. And you can't ever move too far from that."
He still hasn't officially signed on to direct new Batman movie. "No I haven't. There is a point where you're just being precious about it and people get annoyed, but the God's honest truth is I work on one movie at a time. I'm only capable of doing that, so my head will continue to be firmly in ['Inception'] for another few months."
There are some things, though, that Nolan can confirm. "My brother is working on the screenplay. We came up with a story that we are very excited about. We particularly like where we are taking the characters and what the ending is... There are things for me to be very excited about in addressing the characters again. But ultimately it always comes down to the script, and can we make a great film from this? That's something I will firmly be turning my attention to figuring out fairly soon." It will be, he said, "the finishing of a story rather than infinitely blowing up the balloon and expanding the story."
Empire asked whether the villain could be a returning (and recast) Joker. "No," said Nolan resisting to elaborate, "I just don't feel comfortable about it."
Nolan reiterated that you won't be seeing a Batman/Superman crossover in his movies. "Marvel are doing what they do and people will respond to that really well, or they won't," said Nolan. "It's not something I ever really applied a blanket rule to, but Marvel characters are very different to DC characters, and the key DC characters are very different to the minor DC characters. You've got to go back to that element of, 'What do I see when I close my eyes and think of Batman? What do I see when I close my eyes and think of Superman?' And for me a big part of that is their individuality. They are extraordinary beings in an ordinary world. And the reason I think the two are fascinating is because Superman is very specifically superpowered and obviously otherworldly; Batman is very human and flawed. They're two very different characters, but there's an elemental feeling of power in the iconography of those characters. To me that's originally because they stood alone. I need to hang on to that in my imagining of them."
WB and Mattel join up for Green Lantern: June 4th
Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today a landmark year ahead for DC Comics and master toy licensee Mattel, led by programs in support of summer 2011's Green Lantern from Warner Bros. Pictures. Under the terms of their ongoing strategic alliance, Mattel is granted unprecedented access to the complete breadth and scope of the DC Comics vault of characters, including Green Lantern and thousands of world-famous heroes and villains, such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker and The Riddler. Mattel will also continue its successful lines based on Batman: The Brave and the Bold and DC Super Friends, and is in the process of developing an all-new line to support Young Justice.
"The sheer volume of the DC Comics property portfolio lends itself to an incredible array of consumer offerings," said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "As master licensee, Mattel has consistently created innovative products that are true to the spirit of the DC Comics heroes and villains from which they are inspired. We look forward to seeing the results of the next wave of property collaborations."
Green Lantern is set to light up movie screens around the world in summer 2011. Bringing the enduringly popular DC Super Hero to the big screen for the first time, Green Lantern stars Ryan Reynolds in the title role as the newest member of the Green Lantern Corps. Each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers, but when a new enemy threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate, and the fate of Earth, lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.
"The Green Lantern film has an incredibly wide merchandise appeal," said Donald De Line, Producer, Green Lantern. "The potential is there for amazing toys and merchandise because Green Lantern's ring can create anything the imagination can conjure. From space stations and vehicles to alien action figures, the possibilities are just endless."
Mattel is launching a rich and comprehensive line of products based on the film for both kids and adult fans alike. The multi-category toy line includes Basic and Deluxe Action Figures, Figure/Vehicles, Role Play, Playsets, Games, Puzzles and Vehicles. Additionally, each Action Figure toy comes complete with a Green Lantern ring in order for kids to feel as if they, too, have been "chosen" to be a Green Lantern. The Deluxe Action Figures have a special feature that allows kids to truly replicate the elements in the film, and come with accessories that unfold into completely different items for unlimited hours of play.
"Mattel's Green Lantern toy program is going to introduce Green Lanterns like Hal Jordan and Kilowog to new fans everywhere," said DC Entertainment chief creative officer and Green Lantern co-producer Geoff Johns. "It is going to be amazing to watch the world discover the Green Lantern mythology."
In order to fully realize the potential array of Green Lantern offerings, Mattel is supporting the film across key Mattel Brands such as Hot Wheels®, Tyco® R/C and UNO®. Collectors will also be pleased to discover that Mattel is releasing a Green Lantern "Movie Masters®" line of highly detailed figures based on the film, which are sculpted by the "Four Horseman" design team. Mattel's Green Lantern product lines hit retail in summer 2011.
"We have a fantastic global partnership with WBCP and we're thrilled to be working with them on the release of their next super hero blockbuster film. The beauty of Green Lantern is that he is an inspirational super hero with a rich, unmatched heritage that will appeal to boys of all ages. Adult collectors will be attracted to our highly detailed line of action figures and boys will be attracted to our playsets, role-play toys and vehicles because of the innovation infused throughout the entire line," said Tim Kilpin, general manager, Mattel Brands.
Mattel is also rolling out products inspired by Young Justice, which will premiere on Cartoon Network during the 2010-2011 season. This all-new series is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and is based on characters from DC Comics. Featuring a team of teenage heroes, the show brings the popular comic to the small screen with favorites including Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis. Product offerings from Mattel include figures, playsets and other show-inspired lines.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold fans can prepare for the release of "Total Armor" toys based on the popular Warner Bros. Animation series airing on Cartoon Network. "Total Armor" means Batman and his allies will be equipped with additional, new weaponry and high-tech gadgets. For example, "Magma Armor" Batman will feature a detachable water blaster with storage tanks. "Tank Blaster" Batman comes with industrial armor styling and a massive cannon with multiple projectiles. Even the "Total Armor" Batmobile is getting upgraded with armored plates and two projectile-firing launchers. Additionally, all figures and vehicles will still have sockets in order to increase the customization ability by kids. Mattel will also offer Role Play items including the Telescoping Battle Sword and Batman's Utility Belt. Items in the "Total Armor" line will be available in spring 2011.
Mattel and Fisher-Price are continuing to experience tremendous success with the popular Super Friends line of products created for boys ages three to eight. Building on a successful 2009, Fisher-Price has developed new motorized vehicles, figures and playsets, including the all-new Imaginext® Joker's Fun House and building sets from TrioTM. The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle®– a stationary bike, learning center and arcade game system – will offer Batman and Green Lantern titles. The iXLTM Learning System, a 6-in-1 portable smart device, will feature the Batman: The Brave and the BoldTM software title. These products will be available this fall. Additionally the Power Wheels® brand is in on the Super Friends action with the BatmanTM, Lil'QuadTM and BatmanTM Lights & Sounds Trike ride-on vehicles, which are available now.
New Thor Concept art: June 4th
Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has landed the lead female role in the next Transformers movie.
Huntington-Whiteley has worked with Bay before on his Victoria's Secret "A Thousand Fantasies" ad.
She joins Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Ken Jeong, Patrick Dempsey and Alan Tudyk in the third film scheduled for release on July 1, 2011.
Tom Selleck confirms Three Men Sequel: June 3rd
Tom Selleck confirmed to MTV that another "Three Men" movie is in the works. The actor starred with Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson in the 1987 original Three Men and a Baby which was followed by Three Men and a Little Lady in 1990.
"It is true that Disney checked my availability," Selleck told the site. "And I know they checked Ted's and Steve's, and then had a script written, I think tentatively called 'Three Men and a Bride,' which kind of says it all [about the story]."
Selleck added that he would be willing to reprise the role. "I hope it's a good script, and if it is a good script I hope they do it, because it would be really fun to get back with Ted and Steve."
Captain America concept art! June 2nd
Reboot of The Crow going ahead! June 2nd
The new film will, according to Pressman, be set in both a small Southwest town and a larger city. The action will move from the town to the city and back again.
Though a star is not currently attached, Pressman claims that an offer has gone out to "a major actor".
The new film will attempt to reboot the franchise with a number of alterations. One Pressman talks about is the nature of the actual Crow itself, describing it as "a creature... it's not just a bird. It's got a personality and a character. Not like Godzilla exactly, but it's very different [and has] a more active role in the story."
300 prequel " Xerxes" revealed: June 2nd
Dark Horse comics has just revealed the first art from Frank Miller's upcoming miniseries Xerxes, a prequel to his 1998 graphic novel that was turned into the 2007 feature film 300 by Zack Snyder.
The image, available for sale as a lithograph directly from Dark Horse, depicts the Persian King and reveals the logo for the series which, if the film adaptation follows 300's lead, will presumably match that of the upcoming film version.
The product description includes the following description of the series:
"Xerxes rose to power in fifth-century-BC Persia and became known as 'The King of Kings,' eventually raising and leading a massive army intent on ruthlessly destroying the hated Greeks who killed his father. Xerxes seeks nothing less than to become a god himself -- and achieves his wish!"
The print features art by Frank Miller and coloring by Dave Stewart.
UPDATE: Frank Miller spoke today with the Los Angeles Times regarding the comic book project, revealing a number of specific plot details.
"The time frame begins 10 years before 300," said Miller, "and the story starts with the Battle of Marathon, which was killer to draw, by the way, even if it was a lot of work. The lead character is Themistocles, who became warlord of Greece and built their navy. The story is very different than 300 in that it involves Xerxes' search for godhood. The existence of gods are presupposed in this story and the idea is that he's well on his way to godhood by the end of the story."
Describing Themistocles as "the complete opposite of Leonidas," Miller does promise that the 300 character will make a cameo. While that doesn't guarantee Gerard Butler cameoing in the eventual film version, it does make it likely, as does an appearance by Andrew Tiernan as Ephialtes, the deformed Spartan traitor who Miller promises also places a role in the new story.
"There's an extended scene set in Persepolis," adds Miller, "for instance, where he takes power and there are several scenes where he is going through his transitions and he's shown speaking to his mother and his wife... The new tale climaxes with a massive naval confrontation that is so dense that it is fought like a land war and it ends on the same day as the events of 300."
Sahara Lotti to write The Exes: June 1st
CBS Films has hired Sahara Lotti to write the comedy The Exes, says Risky Business. The film is based on British columnist Jane Moore's 2003 novel "The Ex Files," which is described as follows:
After five years spent maneuvering for Mr. Right, beautiful, feisty Faye Parker has finally snared a sensitive cutie named Mark. So when he pops the question, Faye is fully prepared to step out of the dating rat-race, call the caterer, and don the veil.
Just as soon as she has one last teensy-weensy little fling.
Then comes the dicey issue of the guest list. First there's Nat, Faye's ex—a narcissistic fashion model hell-bent on flaunting his substantial charms in Faye's face, his latest Playboy bunny in tow. Next there's Kate, Mark's ex—a woman so indignant she's not the bride that she's liable to slit Faye's zipper. And, of course, there's Adam, Faye's flamboyant sidekick, milking the chaos for all it's worth while shamelessly ogling Nat's abs. As the rehearsal dinner lurches toward the brink of a spin-the-bottle-fueled imbroglio, Faye must face the fact that marriage means more than a flawlessly executed reception. She's got a serious decision to make—about Mark, about love, and about her own deepest desires.
Wickedly funny, The Ex Files is a sexy, sophisticated caper that offers a brazenly edgy take on the complexities of the modern bride.
