Total Film News

Ryan Reynolds drops out of Highlander reboot

George Wales — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:48:00 GMT

Summit’s Highlander reboot has suffered another major blow with the announcement that leading man Ryan Reynolds has dropped out of the project. The Wrap reports that Reynolds will no longer be starring as Connor MacLeod, the immortal Scottish swordsman played by Christopher Lambert in the original film, leaving the production very much back at square one. Reynolds’ departure follows the earlier exit of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, with the director citing creative differences with the studio after having worked on the project for over a year. Producers Neal H. Moritz and Peter Davis will now have to decide whether to try and find a director and leading man to fit into their existing plans, or to start over with a whole new creative vision.
The project has been lingering in limbo for years now, with Justin Lin attached direct as far back as 2009. Just how critical this latest setback will prove remains to be seen…

First pictures and trailer for Disney's Frozen: watch now

Matt Risley — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:22:00 GMT

With Tangled and Wreck-It Ralph, Disney have successfully steered their CGI course into witty, adventurous and decidedly Pixar-threatening waters.

So we're pretty excited for their latest original comedy adventure Frozen, and the first teaser trailer and beautiful pictures (scroll below) suggests they could have another hit on their hands.

The plot finds fearless optimist Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) embarking on an epic journey to find her sister Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

Along the way she teams up with rugged mountain main Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff), his loyal reindeer Sven, and an inept/merrily oblivious snowman called Olaf.

Cue mystical trolls, Everest-like conditions and all manner of magic mayhem.

The teaser trailer below seems to introduce us to Olaf, and the endearingly dog-like Sven.

One thing we definitely know after watching the below?

We want a pet reindeer.

And check out the other images released with the trailer. Purty, non?

Frozen opens in the UK on 6 December 2013.

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For delayed until summer 2014

George Wales — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:05:00 GMT

Fans eagerly awaiting the long-gestating Sin City: A Dame To Kill For will have to wait a little longer, with The Weinstein Company announcing that the film has been put back until 2014.

The sequel had initially been expected to arrive in US cinemas in October 2013, but has now been given a new release date of 22 August 2014.

The announcement doesn’t specify the reason for the delay, only that Robert Rodriguez’s plans of opening two films within weeks of each other has been scuppered.

Machete Kills is still expected to arrive later this year, but the news will come as a blow to those who have been patiently waiting for another Sin City movie since the first one was released in 2005.

Hopefully this will be the last of the delays, and we can look forward to seeing Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Eva Green head up the new-look ensemble in 2014. And at least we'll have that Machete sequel to tide us over in the meantime...

Sony confirms The Amazing Spider-Man 3 and 4

George Wales — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:50:00 GMT

Sony has unveiled long-term plans for the future of one of its prime properties with the announcement that The Amazing Spider-Man 3 and 4 will arrive in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Last year’s series reboot brought the studio a hefty $750 million worldwide, a figure that gave an immediate green light to a first sequel, which Marc Webb is currently shooting.

“Spider-Man is our most important, most successful, and most beloved franchise,” said Jeff Blake, Sony’s Chairman of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, “so we’re thrilled that we are in a position to lock in these prime release dates over the next five years.”

It’s a real statement of intent from Sony, particularly given that the second film is not scheduled to hit cinemas until next summer. The third film has been pencilled in for release on 10 June 2016, with the fourth following on 4 May 2018.

It also would appear to limit the possibility of Spider-Man being included in one of Marvel’s Avengers movies, what with Sony hanging on to the character’s rights and clearly mapping out a big future for the franchise.

In the meantime, we can look forward to the release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which opens in the UK on 18 April 2014.

Fox pushing forward with sequel to Prometheus

George Wales — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:45:00 GMT

The wheels appear to be in motion over at Fox regarding a potential sequel to Prometheus, with the studio reportedly in talks with a new screenwriter to get a script up and running.

Ridley Scott has long been open about his view of the first film as the first part of a new franchise, but this is the first concrete sign that Fox is moving forward with the proposed sequel.

Variety reports that Jack Palgen has been identified by the studio as the man to take the new film forward, and is currently in discussions with Fox over penning the sequel.

Palgen recently finished work on Transcendence, Wally Pfister’s forthcoming sci-fi, and will presumably pick things up with Noomi Rapace’s character heading off to find the homeland of the Engineers.

At present, it’s expected that Rapace and Michael Fassbender would reprise their roles, although nothing is confirmed as yet. We also know that Ridley Scott will produce, although whether he returns to direct or not remains to be seen…

New Kick-Ass 2 trailer brings the pain: watch now

George Wales — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:40:00 GMT

Kick-Ass 2 has released a brand new trailer online, featuring a few new snippets of footage as Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl take on Christopher Mintz Plasse’s self-styled Mother Fucker.

The new trailer shows a little more of the Mother Fucker’s “evil army” and the havoc they wreak, while also reprising Jim Carrey’s memorable introduction as Colonel Stars and Stripes.

There’s not a lot of new info in terms of plot, but the action scenes are fleshed out a little, and look every bit as raw and thrilling as those in the first film.

Take a look, below:

That funeral scene in particular rams home just how far the carnage appears to have escalated second time out. Red Mist is yesterday’s news. This is what the Mother Fucker is all about…

Directed by Jeff Wadlow and co-starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Moretz and Clark Duke, Kick-Ass 2 will open in the UK on 16 August 2013.

Exclusive Hitchcock Blu-ray Extra: Anthony Hopkin's Transformation

Matt Risley — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:52:00 GMT

Helen Mirren and Anthony Hopkins proved a dynamic acting double act in Sacha Gervasi's Hitchcock biopic.

But most stunning of all was Hopkins own transformation into the infamous rotund, jowly auteur.

Our exclusive look at one of the Blu-ray extras takes us behind the behind-the-scenes of the make-up transformation.

Watch it now and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Man Of Steel storms to top of US box office

George Wales — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:09:00 GMT

It looks as though Warner Bros' barrage of promotional material has done its job, as Man Of Steel comfortably topped the box office in both the UK and the US. The film raked in $113 million in the US, taking it to $125 million in total following Thursday night previews. It’s the biggest weekend take for any June on record, topping Toy Story 3’s $110 million back in 2010. Man Of Steel also scored big in the UK, taking $17.1 million of the film’s $71.6 million worldwide non-US haul, well on the way to covering the film's $225 million budget. The film’s commercial success will be a big relief to Warner studio bosses, having already set the wheels in motion for a second film, with Zack Snyder and David S. Goyer set to return. It should also increase the chances of a Justice League movie, particularly if the film continues to perform well. Man Of Steel is out in cinemas now.

John C. Reilly confirmed for Guardians Of The Galaxy

George Wales — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:06:00 GMT

Earlier this year we heard reports that John C. Reilly was in advanced talks to join Guardians Of The Galaxy, and now Deadline has confirmed that the star has officially boarded James Gunn's sci-fi spectacular.

We were beginning to wonder whether there had been a spanner in the works of Reilly's negotiations, particularly since a number of other cast members have been added in the interim, but it seems our fears were happily unfounded.

Reilly will be playing a character named Rhomann Dey, a battle-scarred Nova Corps operative who will work in tandem with Glenn Close's as yet unannounced character..

Reilly's confirmation adds even more talent to an ensemble cast positively groaning with interesting names. It's certainly the most eclectic group we can recall seeing assembled for a superhero movie.

Directed by Gunn and co-starring Chris Pratt, Benicio Del Toro, Zoe Saldana and Lee Pace, Guardians Of The Galaxy will open in the UK on 1 August 2014.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the first trailer for The Wolf Of Wall Street: watch now

George Wales — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:51:00 GMT

The first trailer for Martin Scorsese's The Wolf Of Wall Street has arrived online, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio having more fun than we've seen him have in many a year.

Based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, DiCaprio plays a powerful '90s stockbroker with money to burn and plenty of cars, women and booze to burn it on.

However, not all of said money has been earned legally, and with the FBI sniffing around, it isn't long before Belfort's ill-gotten gains look likely to land him in prison…

Take a look at the new trailer, below…

Given that Belfort's story isn't exactly a happy one, there's a lightness of touch on display here that took us slightly by surprise. If there is a sobering lesson to be learned on the nature of greed, it isn't in evidence in this first trailer…

Directed by Scorsese and co-starring Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey and Jean Dujardin, The Wolf Of Wall Street will open in the US on 15 November 2013, before hitting the UK on 17 January 2014.

Vin Diesel stars in an awesome new poster for Riddick

George Wales — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:30:00 GMT

Vin Diesel has revealed a new poster for Riddick on his official Facebook page, and very pleasing on the eye it is too.

The new poster is a murky red and black affair, with Diesel's titular badass glowering out of the gloom like a particularly well-muscled gargoyle.

The new poster is designed to mark the film's participation at Comic-Con, which runs as usual in San Diego between 18 - 21 July.

As for the film itself, it will pick up with Riddick abandoned on a hostile planet, where trouble takes the form of a race of predatory aliens and a posse of marauding mercenaries looking to cash in on the price on his head.

Directed by David Twohy and co-starring Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff and Dave Bautista, Riddick will open in the US and UK on 6 September 2013.

[Click on the image to view it in hi-res]

Ryan Gosling stars in a stylish new trailer for Only God Forgives: watch now

George Wales — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:16:00 GMT

Only God Forgives has released a brand new trailer online, in which Ryan Gosling smoulders as the Thai boxing club owner looking to avenge his recently murdered brother.

However, since his brother's killer is a brutal Bangkok policeman of legendary repute, it might not be as straightforward as all that, even for a badass like Gosling.

Not that his fearsome mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) will be satisfied by any such excuse, having flown into Thailand specially to see "justice" done.

Take a look at the new trailer, below…

This latest trailer focuses less on the ultraviolence (of which the film is said to contain plenty) and more on the scuzzy, neon-clad atmosphere director Nicolas Winding Refn is such a specialist in creating. If nothing else, it's going to look absolutely gorgeous...

Co-starring Vithaya Pansringarm, Only God Forgives will open in the US on 19 July 2013, before opening in the UK on 2 August 2013.

Robert Redford talks Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Total Film — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:00:00 GMT

In issue 208 of Total Film magazine, we celebrate iconic movie rebels, so it’s only fitting that we chat to Robert Redford for The Total Film Interview.

After building a name as one of the ‘70s most bankable movie stars, Redford helped found the Sundance Film Festival, which revolutionised the landscape of indie filmmaking.

Inside the issue (which is available for the hard-to-resist price of £1.99 on your iPad), we chat to the genuine legend about his lengthy career, from superstar actor to Oscar-winning director. But, here’s a snippet of what he had to say about joining the superhero universe in Marvel’s upcoming 2014 sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier:

“I’ve always liked all kinds of pitches. [Laughs] Curveball, fastball, slowball… But it’s very simple: I’m only doing it because it’s different. It’s not a major part," Redford told us.

“I have other films that I’m going to be doing now too, like A Walk In The Woods [an adaptation of Bill Bryson’s memoir, in which Redford will play the author for director Richard Linklater]. That’ll be Nick Nolte and I as two older guys trying to hike the Appalachian Trail and everything goes wrong. It’s a comedy, and I want to do a comedy. This was just a step along the way. I said, ‘This could be interesting and fun.’”

Captain America: The Winter Soldier opens in the UK on 4 April 2014.

For much more from Robert Redford, pick up Total Film magazine issue 208, which is out now!

Read a full preview of Total Film magazine issue 208

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FrightFest 2013 announces opening and closing films

Total Film — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:13:00 GMT

FrightFest 2013 has signalled its intentions to go global, with the announcement of its opening and closing night films.

The Dead 2: India, will kick off the horror festival. From the Ford brothers, Howard and Jon, the film is a sequel to The Dead, which was set in Africa.

On being selected to open the fest, the brothers said, “It's truly an honour to be the opening film – mind-blowing! Being at FrightFest for The Dead was such an incredible experience for us and one of the highlights of our whole journey with the film. It's an awesome event with a brilliant crowd and we both sincerely cannot wait to see you all there!”

And wrapping up proceedings will be closing night film, Big Bad Wolves. Hailing from Israel, the film is a twisted fairytale, directed by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado. The film centres on murders, revenge and vigilantism, and the buzz we’ve heard on this one suggests it’s one to watch.

In a statement, the directing duo said, “We always dreamt of having a film which would be good enough to be shown at FrightFest, but not even in our wildest dreams did we think that an Hebrew speaking revenge thriller would get us there. FrightFest is really making history here. As a token of our appreciation we promise to give everyone there a night they won't easily forget”.

FrightFest 2013 runs from Thursday 22 - Monday 26 August 2013 in the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, London. Passes are on sale from 29 June 2013, one day after the full line-up is announced.

For more info, visit www.frightfest.co.uk

Arnold Schwarzenegger confirms Terminator 5 role and start date

George Wales — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:18:00 GMT

Earlier this week we learned that Paramount is in talks to secure the distribution rights for Terminator 5, and now there’s further good news for fans of the series, with Arnold Schwarzenegger confirming his on-screen return. Speaking to fan-site TheArnoldFans, the star revealed that he would be appearing in the fifth film, and that production is set to begin at the beginning of next year. “I’m very happy that the studios want me to be in Terminator 5 and to star as the Terminator,” confirmed Schwarzenegger. “We start shooting in January and I’m also going to do King Conan – to play that role and also to do another Twins movie.” We’ll reserve judgment on the last part of that quote, but it’s exciting to learn that Arnie is back on board the Terminator bandwagon, and that the wheels are back in motion for the fifth film.
Hopefully we’ll soon have confirmation of a new director, with Justin Lin having dropped out earlier in the project’s life-cycle. Could a January start be a better fit for his schedule? We shall see…

Exclusive 'Making Of' Lincoln DVD Extra

Matt Risley — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:22:00 GMT

With a pedigree that was equal parts biopic, Steven Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis, it was no surprise that Lincoln did so well at the Oscars.

Our exclusive 'Making Of' clip from the DVD and Blu-ray release gives you a glimpse at the artistry behind the on-screen magic.

Spielberg and Day-Lewis chat about the inspiration for the plot, and the work that goes into bring one of history's most iconic politicians to life.

Lincoln is available on Blu-ray and DVD from June 10.

Ryan Gosling stars in gorgeous new poster for Only God Forgives

George Wales — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Only God Forgives has released a brand new poster online, featuring a brooding Ryan Gosling illuminated by the neon glow of Bangkok.

The new poster is nearly as iconic as the Drive artwork, with Gosling looking both handsome and menacing in equal measure. Take a good look now, as he gets steadily more battered and bruised as the movie progresses…

Gosling plays Julian, the owner of a Thai boxing club in Bangkok, which also serves as a front for his family's drug-smuggling business.

All is running smoothly until his brother is murdered by a ruthless police lieutenant, and Julian's fearsome mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) descends upon the Thai capital in search of revenge.

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and co-starring Vithaya Pansringarm, Only God Forgives will open in the US on 19 July 2013, before opening in the UK on 2 August 2013.

[Click image to see hi-res version]

Dominic Cooper talks about his scenes for Captain America 2

George Wales — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:43:00 GMT

Picking up in present-day America after the events of The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier will understandably have to shed a lot of the supporting characters who populated the WW2-era setting of the first movie.

However, Howard Stark will not be one of those characters to fall by the wayside, with Dominic Cooper revealing that he has shot some new scenes for the forthcoming sequel.

“I went off and shot something," reveals Cooper, "but I can’t even work out how my character can be in it. Wouldn’t I be dead? But anything is possible."

"They are quite secretive about where they are going to go with the characters and how it will slot in, you have no idea. So you turn up, put your costume on and do as you are told."

“I have definitely put the costume on. I have worn the costume and we have shot something, but how it’s going to enter into the next phase of what they are planning I don’t know. I sound so dodgy, I don’t even believe myself! I have shot some scenes.”

A flashback, perhaps? Or something more intriguing… We'll find out for sure when Captain America: The Winter Soldier opens in the UK on 4 April 2014.

David S. Goyer explains how Man Of Steel will expand DC universe

George Wales — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:29:00 GMT

With Man Of Steel hitting cinema screens, screenwriter David S. Goyer has provided a timely update on how the DC universe might expand in the wake of the new film.

"It is our intention that, in success, [Man Of Steel] would be the zero issue and from this point onward, possible films could expand into a shared universe," explains Goyer.

"In our world, the Man Of Steel world, Zack has gone on record saying that we’re implying there are other superheroes in this world.

"But I don’t know that they’ve come forward yet. The idea is that Superman is the first one. There might be people helping people, but not in costumes, and that Superman comes forward and announces himself to the world. In him announcing himself, he’s the one that changes things.”

Other superheroes that include Batman, perhaps? Goyer is a little more coy on that front, although it's clearly under discussion.

"I don’t want to get too in depth," said Goyer, when asked about the Bat. "Obviously, Zack and I have had conversations… but there would be a cause and effect."

"And that would extend to the collateral damage that happened, and to what other countries feel about the fact Superman calls America his home. Man Of Steel doesn’t exist in a vacuum.”

Directed by Zack Snyder and co-starring Henry Cavill, Michael Shannon and Amy Adams, Man Of Steel is in UK cinemas now! What are you waiting for?

Matt Damon stars in new trailer for Elysium: watch now

George Wales — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:15:00 GMT

Elysium has released a new full-length trailer, in which Matt Damon attempts to gain access to the ultra-privileged space-station after which the film is named.

The movie is set in 2159, where Earth's population is split in two. The poor majority live on the ruined husk of the planet itself, while the privileged few live in the lap of luxury aboard Elysium.

Damon plays Max, a member of the former group who is forced to find a way to break into Elysium in order to save himself, and the lives of millions of his fellow Earth-dwellers.

Take a look at the new trailer, below…

Looks rather spectacular doesn't it? We'd have liked to have seen a little more of Jodie Foster's ruthless security chief, but when it comes to charisma and general action chops, Matt Damon is the total package.

Directed by Neill Blomkamp and co-starring Alice Braga, Diego Luna and Sharlto Copley, Elysium will open in the US on 9 August 2013, with a UK date to be confirmed.

Teaser trailer for Diana, starring Naomi Watts: watch now

Matt Maytum — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:48:00 GMT

Diana has released a first teaser trailer online, and you can watch it here.

Starring Naomi Watts in the title role as Diana, Princess of Wales, the film sharpens its focus on the period of her life that followed her divorce from Prince Charles, rather than trying to cram her entire life story into the running time.

The film will also zoom in on her relationships with Dr Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews) and Dodi Fayed (Cas Anvar).

Clocking in at a brief one-minute in length, the teaser doesn’t give a particularly revealing idea of what to expect from Watts’ performance (we don’t even hear her deliver a line of dialogue), but it looks like it’ll capture various elements from her public and private affairs.

Watch the Diana trailer online now:

We’re kinda hoping that slightly overbearing score isn’t going to set the syrupy tone for the film, but regardless, all eyes will be on Watts come awards season. Is it finally time for her take home that Oscar?

Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel (Downfall, The Invasion), Diana will open in the UK on 20 September 2013.

Henry Cavill and Amy Adams on their favorite Man Of Steel moments

Sam Ashurst — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:02:00 GMT

Total Film braved the rain to hit a soggy blue carpet yesterday evening, to talk to the creative team behind Man Of Steel.

After we got over the awe of seeing a MASSIVE Superman shield looming above us, we chatted to the film's two stars Henry Cavill and Amy Adams about their favorite moments from the movie.

Adams looked amazing, and despite the rain, seemed in high spirits.

Discussing her favourite moment in the movie, Adams said: "There's so many, but I really loved shooting the interrogation scene with Henry, it's the first time you get to see Lois and Clark interact outside of a stressful situation."

Cavill was a little more on the fence. Well, not so much on the fence as smashing through the fence, and into a building, which then exploded. "I'm not too sure if have a particular favorite moment. [I like] the third act in general, there's something about it which really grips me, and something that I enjoy watching every time."

In the third act, the final confrontation with Zod is such an intense scene, how was that to shoot? "It was quite painful, because you do feel what the character feels, so it was a very painful moment."

Cavill spent an incredibly long time with the fans, he seemed to sign every autograph book in Leicester Square. He was definitely enjoying his moment in the sun. Well, rain.

Scroll down for some more samples from our live Twitter coverage of the event. Man Of Steel is in cinemas tomorrow.

Massive shield on the blue carpet at #manofsteelpremiere Looks awesome! twitter.com/totalfilm/stat…

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

Here's Zod meeting the fans at the #manofsteelpremiere twitter.com/totalfilm/stat…

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

Superman and Zod make friends #manofsteelpremiere twitter.com/totalfilm/stat…

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

Amy Adam arrives looking lovely despite the miserable weather! #manofsteelpremiere twitter.com/totalfilm/stat…

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

Batman's best bud Christopher Nolan has arrived! #manofsteelpremiere twitter.com/totalfilm/stat…

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

David S Goyer at #manofsteelpremiere"With Christopher and Jonah we re-invented Batman, Superman was a whole different set of challenges

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

Hans Zimmer on writing the music of MOS at #manofsteelpremiere "It was terrifying. I didn't want to ruin it for a whole generation of kids"

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

Meta moment at #manofsteelpremiere - we're now tweeting TF's tweet as it appears on the big screen twitter.com/totalfilm/stat…

— Total Film (@totalfilm) June 12, 2013

Full trailer for Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa: watch now

Total Film — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:26:00 GMT

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa has released a full trailer online, giving a good look at the plot of the film.

North Norfolk’s premier broadcaster finds himself in the midst of a siege, when his radio station has to make lay-offs in the middle of a corporate takeover. Colm Meaney’s disgruntled DJ, Pat, loses his job, and decides he’s not going to leave quietly. Enter Alan Partridge, who’s going to have to apply his interview ‘skills’ to hostage negotiation.

There are a few classic Partridge zingers in the mix, and the film looks like the character’s key qualities haven’t been lost in the big-screen transfer.

Watch the Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa trailer online now:

Video: Exclusive Trailer - Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa

What was your favourite new line? “Welcome to big school”? “I am siege-face”? Looks like this could be the summer’s most quotable film.

And Patridge’s disdain when asked to identify himself is priceless.

Starring Steve Coogan and a host of familiar Partridge faces, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa opens in UK cinemas on 7 August 2013.

Joss Whedon says Guardians Of The Galaxy and Avengers 2 won't cross over

George Wales — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:03:00 GMT

It was only recently that Joss Whedon was raving about James Gunn's work on Guardians Of The Galaxy, but despite his enthusiasm, it sounds as though there will be no overlap with The Avengers 2.

It had previously been speculated that the super-villain Thanos would be introduced in Guardians Of The Galaxy before becoming the prime antagonist in Avengers 2, but according to Whedon, the two films will be entirely separate.

"We’re following Guardians at Shepperton Studios," revealed Whedon, "but we won’t be swapping cast members. Every movie is its own thing and has to be. Unless I take a lot of peyote and write a very different draft… and I’m not ruling that out."

Given that Iron Man 3 kept its Avengers ties on the back-burner throughout, perhaps Phase 2 will be far less inter-connected than Phase 1, with each standalone movie ploughing its own furrow…

We'll find out for sure when Guardians Of The Galaxy opens in the UK on 1 August 2014, before The Avengers 2 lands on 1 May 2015.

Brand new Wolverine trailer is packed with new footage: watch now

George Wales — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:49:00 GMT

The Wolverine has released a new international trailer online, giving us an extended glimpse at antagonists Viper and Silver Samurai.

The latter is a particularly imposing figure, towering over Wolverine in a vast metal suit, swinging a blade that's as long as Wolverine is tall.

Viper, meanwhile, appears to be one of the key players in the new film, and it is her "medical expertise" that will render Logan mortal, and vulnerable, once more.

Take a look at the new trailer, below…

Looks like director James Mangold has struck a nice balance between serious drama and OTT comic-book silliness. Whether it all knits together remains to be seen, but it certainly looks promising.

Co-starring Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee and Svetlana Khodchenkova, The Wolverine will open in the UK on 25 July 2013.