CELLULOID AND CIGARETTE BURNS

FIRST LOOK: Jennifer Lawrence As Mystique On The Set Of X-MEN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

2013-05-20T13:30:00.000-04:00

Game Of Thrones Inspired INHUMANS Film A Candidate For Marvel's Phase Three Lineup?

2013-05-20T12:23:00.001-04:00

It's looking like Marvel is going for broke when it comes to their introduction of the Marvel cosmic universe. They are about to begin production on Guardians of The Galaxy which will be their version of Star Trek/Star Wars. Even more exciting is that it was recently revealed via BleedingCool that Marvel might have plans of taking inspiration from Game of Thrones for their adaptation of Inhumans. A sprawling cosmic fantasy epic centred around feuding royal houses which involves the Kree and the forever anticipated Skrulls. It's expected the film would have different houses pursuing the throne to the Kree Empire. Along with the possible looming threat of all out war with the Skrulls. EW lists the project as a solid contender for Phase Three.

This would be a perfect way to introduce fans to the Inhumans (Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal and others) along with characters such as Ronan, Mar-Vell and Carol Danvers (Ms Marvel/Captain Marvel). The latter heroine has been rumored for ages and recent news suggests Marvel is already at work developing a script for her own film. Plus, Danvers could be similar to Peter Quill/Starlord being the link to Earth. It would be interesting to see her origins first explained in Inhumans before she goes off on her own adventures in the MCU.

SPECULATION: Could Joe Cornish Direct A Federation/Klingon War In STAR TREK 3?

2013-05-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

It's starting to look like J.J. Abrams really won't be coming back to make the third Star Trek. As there is talk via LatinoReview on Twitter that J.J. and Paramount are possibly looking at an up and coming writer/director to direct the third installment. The name they are likely referring to is British comedian turned writer/director Joe Cornish. Joe is best known for his breakout sci-fi comedy Attack The Block and he also co-wrote Marvel's Ant-Man with Edgar Wright.

Details of the third film aren't exactly known but the seeds of a massive war between the Federation and Klingon Empire were planted in this recent installment. I wouldn't be shocked to see The Enterprise given another galaxy saving mission soon but we might not see the crew again until 2016. No word if the writers have started on turning their outline into a full fledged shooting script. If Cornish is indeed the person who takes over the franchise he has the writing chops to put a script together on his own.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers Wanted For STAR WARS EPISODE VII Role?

2013-05-20T09:11:00.001-04:00

LatinoReview's big scoop of the week is that Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Myers (Match Point, MI3, Tudors) is being pursued for a major role in J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII. The two previously worked together on Mission: Impossible 3 which helped resurrect the Tom Cruise franchise. While his role is unknown it's possible he could play either villain or hero (Ben Skywalker?). The new film may focus on the Skywalker kids and a new Jedi Academy. Jonathan is the second new name being linked to the project. When Matthew Vaughn was pitching his vision for the film to Disney/LucasFilm wanted Chloe Moretz for the female lead.

TO BE CONSIDERED: Who Should Play Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver In AVENGERS 2?

2013-05-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

It has been confirmed by Joss Whedon that villain siblings turned heroes Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver will be new additions to Avengers 2. Whedon added they would represent an aspect of the world not entirely thrilled with the Avengers. Nothing says this statement means they'll be straight up villains (Thunderbolts/H.A.M.M.E.R.) but sounds like they'll have their clashes with the team. I assume the brass at S.H.I.E.L.D. and World Governments could be unhappy that they have superheroes running around without leashes. Which might be the seeds of Civil War which has been teased before.

Apparently, Marvel might be using Saoirse Ronan as a possible model for Scarlet Witch. Not sure if that means they'll be looking for an actress her age or someone with a similar mix of action/dramatic roles. Marvel will likely hold off announcing any casting for Avengers 2 and Phase Three's Ant-Man until Comic-Con 2013 in July. Yet, I have a few names that could make the mutant siblings really standout.

SCARLET WITCH (WANDA MAXIMOFF)

RUTH WILSON (Luther, Lone Ranger, The Prisoner, Anna Karenina): Ruth Wilson has some serious Marvel connections playing roles alongside actors Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell. Even actor Ian McKellen who plays her character's would be father Magneto. She had been linked for possible talks for a role in Avengers 2 months back. Disney might be looking to up her profile as Ruth already is the female lead in their Lone Ranger tentpole this Summer.

JESSICA CHASTAIN (Zero Dark Thirty, The Help, Lawless, Mama): Jessica almost played Maya Hensen in Iron Man 3 but ultlmtely took the lead in Zero Dark Thirty instead. While earning an Oscar nomination for ZDT, she did state being open to working with Marvel in the future. She has the talent and popularity to bring enough life to the character.

JESSICA BROWN FINDLAY: Jessica was in the running for a role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and also had a small cameo in Iron Man 3 with her scenes from Downton Abbey playing in the background. Marvel seems to love television actors for new roles and Witch would be a role that would likely become a staple for future Avengers sequels. Similar to hiring Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Findlay could balance out playing baddie and anti-heroine.

QUICKSILVER (PIETRO MAXIMOFF)

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH (Hobbit Trilogy, Star Trek Into Darkness, Fifth Estate, Sherlock): Benedict has long been a fan favorite to play Doctor Strange but his current run of playing villains could make him an excellent Quicksilver. To be honest I could careless about Quicksilver but someone like Ben could really give substantial dimension to him. His turn in Star Trek Into Darkness proved his ruthlessness as a villain which might be needed for the Avengers sequel to be darker than the previous one. Marvel has a history of casting Star Trek alumni with Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Zoe Saldana (Gamora) taking roles. Other cast members such as Chris Pine and Alice Eve had been in the mix for the leads in Captain America: The First Avenger. Even Simon Pegg has stated interest in playing a villain in Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.

RYAN GOSLING (Drive, Place Beyond The Pines, Only God Forgives): Getting Ryan Gosling is a bit of a longshot but I think he could work well with Joss Whedon and the cast. He's a very dedicated actor with dramatic chops but might be harder to lure into a Marvel contract. The fact he's almost entirely sworn off comic book films would be a giant get for the studio. Ryan's got a solid background with stunt training (martial arts, weapons, stunt driving/motorcycling) thanks to his numerous action films such as Drive, Only God Forgives, Gangster Squad and The Place Beyond The Pines.

CHARLIE HUNNAM (Sons Of Anarchy, Pacific Rim, Green Street Hooligans): Charlie is very suitable actor that could work within the Marvel blueprint. While he has Pacific Rim on the horizon this Summer it hasn't made him a household name at this point. Similar to Cumberbatch, Charlie has a massive following thanks to his series S.O.A. Originally, Charlie had been one of the few candidates to play Thor before Chris Hemsworth ended up being cast in the role. He was recently linked for possibly playing The Flash in Justice League but that film is being put on hold until the box office returns for Man of Steel come in. Marvel would be smart to sign Hunnam up before Pacific Rim 2 or Justice League gets a greenlight.

Alicia Vikander Could Join Tom Cruise And Armie Hammer In Guy Ritchie's MAN FROM UNCLE

2013-05-18T19:14:00.001-04:00

THR reports that Swedish actress Alicia Vikander (Anna Karenia, The Seventh Son, The Fifth Estate) is in talks to take the female lead in Guy Ritchie's Man From UNCLE. Tom Cruise and Armie Hammer (Social Network, Lone Ranger) are set to play the lead roles of American agent Napoleon Solo and Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin respectively. Alicia would play a British agent with a thing for cars.

Dwayne Johnson Still Actively Campaigning To Play Marvel's Luke Cage And Could A HEROES FOR HIRE Movie Actually Happen?

2013-05-18T09:58:00.000-04:00

Dwayne Johnson (Pain And Gain, Fast And Furious 5-6, G.I. Joe 2, Hercules) is still pursuing his passion project playing Marvel's street level hero Luke Cage aka Power Man (via Twitter).There had been a movie in the works for years but ultimately was shelved. However, there has been recent rumblings of a possible Heroes For Hire film in development. Which could combine origins for both Power Man (Luke Cage) and Iron Fist (Danny Rand) having the two in one film instead of flat out solo films. Since the studio is backlogged already with numerous new projects having Iron Fist and Luke Cage in one film could help launch the characters sooner than expected. Also, it's possible that Cage could be apart of Avengers 2 as well.

Thank U @marvel President Kevin Feige for the nod. I'll be ready. #RockAsCage #HeroForHire bit.ly/11EJTft twitter.com/TheRock/status…
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 17, 2013

At one point Dwayne's G.I. Joe 2 co-star Ray Park (Snake Eyes, Darth Maul, Toad) had been attached to play Iron Fist because of his extensive martial arts background and previously working relationship with Marvel (playing Toad in X-Men). I wouldn't be shocked to see the film as an action tentpole with Johnson and Park in the leads if the film ever ends up being greenlit.

Joss Whedon Confims Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver For Avengers 2, Saoirse Ronan The Model For Casting Witch?

2013-05-18T09:27:00.000-04:00

What started off as a strong rumor has been confirmed by the man himself. As Joss Whedon confirms the inclusion of brother/sister Avenger members Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver for the upcoming sequel. Speaking to IGN Joss gave some insight into the reason for including them. While nothing is confirmed it's possible the duo could end up replacing Hawkeye and Black Widow. There had been a bit of backlash from including the non-traditional Avengers members since they didn't actually have powers.

“You know, they had a rough beginning. They’re interesting to me because they sort of represent the part of the world that wouldn’t necessarily agree with The Avengers. So they’re not there to make things easier. I’m not putting any characters in the movie that will make things easier.”

Oddly enough, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan is being mentioned (via SuperheroHype) as the blueprint for Scarlet Witch. This could mean that Marvel is looking for an actress in her late teens or early 20's for the part. Ronan is best known for her powerful Oscar nominated role in Atonement (shot by Avengers director of photography Seamus McGarvey) and The Lovely Bones. Not to mention her highly stylized adrenaline fueled action flick Hanna. That latter role almost helped her land the female lead as Elf warrior Tauriel in The Hobbit trilogy. Her name being out there does give large expectations that Ronan herself could walk away with the new role. Factoring in her body of work and past experience with stunt/action sequences. Similar to how past stunt training helped Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista land their roles in Guardians of The Galaxy. It's also possible that both Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver actors could show up in future X-Men films such as X-Men Days of Future Past. Since the rights to the characters are shared between Marvel and Fox. Saorise worked with James McAvoy (who plays the young Charles Xavier) in Atonement, so that connection might come into play as well.

Tobey Kebbell And Enrique Murciano Join DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

2013-05-08T17:08:00.001-04:00

Fox has announced a few new additions to the cast of Dawn of The Planet of The Apes which include Tobey Kebbell (RockNRolla, Dead Man Shoes) and Enrique Murciano (Traffic, Black Hawk Down).

Richard Madden Confirmed For CINDERELLA

2013-05-08T16:56:00.001-04:00

Variety reports that Game of Thrones' Richard Madden has signed on to play Prince Charming in Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella with Lily James playing the title role.

Megan Fox And Will Arnett On The Set Of TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, Plus Official Movie Logo

2013-05-08T16:10:00.001-04:00

JURASSIC PARK 4 Release Date On Hold, Bryce Dallas Howard And David Oyelowo Front-Runners For Leads?

2013-05-08T15:21:00.003-04:00

Variety reports that Universal is putting the June 2014 release date for Jurassic Park currently on hold. The studio is trying to make the film a little bigger than it currently is. They add that Bryce Dallas Howard (50/50, Spider-Man 3) and David Oyelowo (Rise of The Planet of The Apes, Jack Reacher) had meetings and were front-runners for lead roles.

Marvel Has Scripts For MS MARVEL And BLADE Reboot?

2013-05-08T14:52:00.000-04:00

THR recently broke news concerning Marvel's plans for Avengers 3. They also broke the first real confirmation that Marvel is actually pursuing a Ms Marvel (Captain Marvel) film with a script already developed. A new Blade script is mentioned as well. It's a bit of a surprise since the character is best known for being an R-rated genre based franchise. While Thor's Idris Elba (Pacific Rim) has voiced his interest in playing the daywalker in future films. Strange, Black Panther and Iron Fist are still also in development. The former confirmed as a contender for Phase Three alongside Ant-Man and Avengers 3. It's unknown at this point if Panther, Ms Marvel or Iron Fist will end up making the cut, allowing for more sequels. A Guardians sequel and new Hulk film are strong possible candidates for Phase Three as well.

There had been previous talk of the role being linked to Emily Blunt and Ruth Wilson (Lone Ranger, Luther). Along with old rumblings that Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness) might also be in the running.

AVENGERS 2 Contract Issues Leading Marvel To Replace Actors?

2013-05-08T11:08:00.001-04:00

While Marvel is looking to wrangle Robert Downey Jr. into a new contract. The same can't be said about the other actors. New behind the scenes information via Deadline gives the impression that both Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth were almost replaced before their respective sequels went into production. Not to mention the studio has threatened to replace actors. Scarlett Johansson is also sounding off stating she's not willing to take a pay cut either. This isn't a hard request to fill since the last film soared to make $1.5 billion in box office. I wouldn't be shocked if post-Avengers 2 we end up seeing new actors playing Thor, Cap and Widow or even before then.

RDJ is the iconic leader of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it's possible he could be trying to help his fellow cast members get more money or at least fair compensation. I don't see Marvel getting new actors unless they have to but I get the impression that Evans and Hemsworth might end up walking if they can't win them back with their demand rising along with their quotes. It's a sad story since Marvel has been trying develop their own stars but when they find success elsewhere and can't pay them their worth they will loose them.

No word if Jeremy Renner will be back since his name hasn't been mentioned. However, with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver being linked for the sequel it's possible Widow and Hawkeye might be edged out of the sequel. Giving the two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents the bench for superpowered heroes to join the ranks.

New UK Poster For Edgar Wright's WORLD'S END

2013-05-08T10:50:00.000-04:00

Luke Evans Will Be Our Eric Draven In THE CROW Remake

2013-05-08T10:46:00.000-04:00

Deadline reports that British actor Luke Evans is looking like the final name being attached to The Crow remake. A steady stream of others had been linked previously which included Bradley Cooper, Mark Wahlberg, James McAvoy and Tom Hiddleston. Evans' profile will be raised this year as the villain in Fast And Furious 6 and Bard The Bowman in the second Hobbit installment.

Colin Firth Could Play Spy Mentor In Matthew Vaughn's THE SECRET SERVICE

2013-05-08T10:39:00.000-04:00

THR reports that Oscar winning actor Colin Firth has landed a role in the Matthew Vaughn comic book spy flick The Secret Service. Colin would play the uncle of young rough British street tough who is recruited by his uncle to be thought to become a spy. Aaron Johnson was being looked at the for the other role but was too busy. Likely, because of role in Godzilla.

Andrew Garfield And Ken Watanabe Join Martin Scorsese's SILENCE

2013-05-08T10:29:00.003-04:00

Variety (via LatinoReview) reports that Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield and go-to Japanese actor Ken Watanabe have joined Martin Scorsese's long delayed Silence. The film centres around a group of Jesuit priests who travel to Japan which doesn't end well. Andrew will take the lead while Ken will play the priests' translator.

Shane Black To Make DOC SAVAGE Movie Next

2013-05-08T10:26:00.001-04:00

It looks like Iron Man 4 will have to take a backseat while writer/director Shane Back focuses on his next project. Deadline reports that Sony has finally greenlit Black's take on the pulp hero Doc Savage which he'll co-write and direct. Nothing seems set in stone concerning Iron Man 4 being apart of Phase Three so it's possible that Black will end up directing sequels. With the third installment being the biggest of the franchise it's expected Marvel might not be so quick to replace him.

Marvel Looking To Nab Robert Downey Jr. For AVENGERS 2 And AVENGERS 3, His Involvement In IRON MAN 4 Uncertain

2013-05-07T19:59:00.002-04:00

THR reports that Disney/Marvel and Robert Downey Jr. met on Monday to start talks for Robert to sign-on for Avengers 2 and Avengers 3. The former expected to begin production early next year with a May 2015 release. Avengers 3 doesn't have a release date but could be coming in 2017. No word if these talks will end up including Iron Man 4 or Iron Man 5, which director Shane Black has teased. Considering that Iron Man 3 has already reached $700 million worldwide and Avengers hit $1.5 billion last year it's safe to say that Robert will keep audiences coming back for more.

Allison Williams And Michael B. Jordan Linked For FANTASTIC FOUR?

2013-05-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

It looks like some possible new casting information concerning Fox's Fantastic Four reboot have started to rollout. First, Deadline says Girls actress Allison Williams might be in the mix for Susan Storm. While Chronicle's Michael B. Jordan might be a contender for the role of the Human Torch according to TheWrap. It would be interesting to see more color-blind casting when it comes to superhero films and Fantastic Four is a perfect one to implement this. While Sue and Johnny are brother and sister, nothing is stopping Fox from making the Storms a non-traditional family.

Sharlto Copley Reunites With Director Neill Blomkamp For Sci-Fi Comedy CHAPPIE

2013-05-02T10:17:00.001-04:00

EW reports that actor Sharlto Copley will work with writer/director Neill Blomkamp again for a third time on his sci-fi comedy Chappie which is expected to shoot next.

Lee Pace And Ophelia Lovibond Join The Cast Of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

2013-05-02T08:45:00.000-04:00

TheWrap reports that Starlord candidate Lee Pace (The Hobbit Trilogy, The Fall) will be playing the villain of Guardians of The Galaxy. It's unknown who he'll be playing but Thanos, The Controller and The Badoon are possible villains of the film. THR also adds that British actress Ophelia Lovibond (Nowhere Boy, London Boulevard) will have a supporting role as well. She will play an aide to The Collector which hat has yet to be cast. The rest of the cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Michael Rooker and Dave Bautista.

Does Marvel Finally Have A Top Contender To Play BLACK PANTHER?

2013-05-02T08:17:00.001-04:00

LatinoReview is revealing that Marvel Studios finally might have zeroed in on an actor to play Black Panther. That actor is none other than 42 breakout star Chadwick Boseman who plays Jackie Robinson in the film. While a solo film has been in the works for years now there hasn't been an official announcement concerning the King of Wakanda's addition to the Phase Three lineup. It's possible he could end up having a supporting role in either Captain America: The Winter Soldier or Avengers 2 before his first solo outing,

Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver Joining The Lineup For AVENGERS 2?

2013-05-02T08:06:00.001-04:00

EW has a source that is confirming that characters Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are expected to be in Avengers 2. Witch had been linked for Iron Man 2 but was ultimately cut. A similar story concerning Wasp was revealed in the early script phases for the first film so it's not entirely impossible that they might also be removed for pacing or time. That said, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are co-shared characters that both Disney/Marvel and Fox can use in films. Since the twins are just as known for being involved with the Avengers as they are with the X-Men franchise.