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Mel Gibson and Wolverine's Danny Huston in Edge of Darkness: Official synopsis, trailer, image and poster
53 minutes ago
Director Martin Campbell is best known for breathing new life into Bond with Casino Royale and, to superhero fans, as the man who will begin shooting Green Lantern in March for its slated release in June, 2011.
He's also the director of Edge of Darkness, which marks the big-screen return of Mel Gibson and comes out at the end of this month.
Written by William Monahan (Body of Lies, The Departed) and Andrew Bovell, the anticipated thriller is based on the BBC's BAFTA award-winning miniseries of the same name.
Gibson leads an impressive cast including Ray Winstone (The Departed, Beowulf), Danny Huston (Stryker in X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and Bojana Novakovic (Drag Me To Hell). Oscar winner Graham King (The Departed, The Aviator) and Michael Wearing (from the BBC miniseries) co-produced the film.
Edge of Darkness is described as an emotionally charged thriller set at the intersection of politics and big business. »
- David Bentley
Ghost Rider sequel to film this year, gets a title and a new director
5 hours ago
The planned sequel to 2007 comic book adaptation Ghost Rider is revving up to film this year and will have a new director, possibly David Goyer, according to producer Mike De Luca.
As reported here previously, Sony executives will base it on an unmade screenplay Goyer wrote nine years ago.
De Luca told Collider they were in the early script development stage for the follow-up, which he revealed is to be called Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
The story will incorporate an original suggestion by Nicolas Cage, star of the first film, to set the sequel in Europe. This indicates Cage will indeed reprise his role as stunt rider Johnny Blaze who sells his soul and is transformed into a ghoulish biker with a blazing skull.
De Luca explained: "Because Ghost Rider is a unique blend of theology and action, and the character deals with the battle of good vs evil in a theological sense, »
- David Bentley
Will Robert Downey Jr's Cowboys and Aliens be in 3D?
9 hours ago
In The Valley of Gwangi - and also in the comic strip Flesh - we saw cowboys tackle dinosaurs, in Wild Wild West they took on steampunk technology including a giant mechanical spider, and now they are going to battle extraterrestrials in flying saucers.
Two months after Iron Man 2 comes out in May, its director Jon Favreau and its star Robert Downey Jr will make Cowboys and Aliens, a Dreamworks adaptation of the 2006 graphic novel series.
And it could be among the growing list of upcoming 3D movies hoping to ride the wave of the Avatar effect. The Daily Beast mentions that filming will begin in July and suggests that 3D is being considered.
The story centres on an alien spacecraft that crashes in Silver City, Arizona, in the mid-1800s and aims to enslave the Wild West. Cowboys and the native Apache set aside their own conflicts and »
- David Bentley
Avatar charts a new course to take on Titanic
9 hours ago
James Cameron declared himself King of the World when Titanic won 11 Oscars in 1998.
With that film at No 1 in the all-time global box office chart and his new sci-fi epic Avatar now at No 2, the title seems more fitting than ever.
Avatar has to date made $1.13billion in just three weeks, pushing it past The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Titanic holds the top spot - for now - with $1.84billion. The big question is whether Avatar can sink Titanic in its remaining time on release.
Earlier this month, Avatar became the fastest film to make a billion dollars at the box office, with revenue boosted by the higher cost of IMAX 3D tickets.
Cameron has admitted he has a trilogy planned out, and has hinted at the directions that future stories might take.
It's also been revealed that the Canadian filmmaker has bought the rights »
- David Bentley
Zombieland duo to write G.I. Joe sequel as well as Deadpool
22 hours ago
Just the other day we learned that Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick will be working on the X-Men spin-off Deadpool - and now comes the news that they will also be penning Paramount's sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.
Collider and IESB both reveal the duo have been hired but there is, as yet, no indication that Stephen Sommers will be back to direct G.I. Joe 2.
The sequel was announced by Paramount last August and while all the main cast are contracted to return, Sommers isn't. His official website makes no mention of involvement in the next film.
The first film, made for $175million, earned $301million globally. Written by Stuart Beattie, David Elliot and Paul Lovett, its cast included Christopher Eccleston, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dennis Quaid, Ray Park and Rachel Nichols.
G.I. Joe is a line of American military »
- David Bentley
Green Lantern reportedly starts filming in March - but where's the cast?
7 January 2010 3:42 PM, PST
Despite a gaping hole where there should be a full cast list, the Warner Bros superhero movie Green Lantern is to start filming in just ten weeks.
In terms of casting, we know only that Ryan Reynolds is playing the lead role of Hal Jordan, a pilot who becomes the eponymous hero when he inherits a mystical ring whose green energy can be manipulated into solid shapes.
News that director Martin Campbell will begin filming in New Orleans sometime in March came from the film's visual effects supervisor Karen Goulekas.
In a posting on her blog, which has since been removed, she wrote:
"Green Lantern got the official green light today. And not a second too soon - only 10 weeks out from shooting.
"While it's great news we are a go - now we have to actually get our prep done in 10 weeks. But we have an amazing crew - »
- David Bentley
Survivors actor Paterson Joseph: I could have been the new Doctor Who
7 January 2010 2:09 PM, PST
Paterson Joseph, who will be back on our screens next week in the second series of Survivors, has revealed he came close to being the next Doctor Who instead of Matt Smith.
Back in 2008 it had been rumoured he would take over from David Tennant and become the first black actor to play the Time Lord.
He explained: "I was in South Africa doing a thing about the Nigerian oil industry and I was about to film The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, so when the story hit, I wasn't really privy to any of it apart from what I'd seen on the internet.
"Mates were texting me saying, 'You're two-to-one on Paddy Power'."
But was he approached about the role? He said: "All I will say is there was a chance that I could have been [the Doctor]."
And would he have accepted if offered the part? "Oh God yeah! »
- David Bentley
Sony agrees to hold screenings of Moon for Oscar voters
7 January 2010 7:09 AM, PST
Moon director Duncan Jones says Sony will hold special screenings of the film for Oscar voters.
Jones had previously expressed his anger that the studio was refusing to send out preview discs to Academy members and had clashed with executives over their decision.
Sony feared the screener discs could be pirated and said the cost of watermarking them would be too expensive.
But Jones today tweeted: "So! Big news on the screeners front... The powers that be will be doing a series of Academy screenings in La. Guess that's something.
"Next stop... Convincing the buggers to let voters know we are eligible by putting some ads out in the trades!"
Moon has already won 11 awards and been nominated for seven others. Among these, star Sam Rockwell won Best Actor gongs at the Seattle and Catalonian film festivals and was nominated for a similar title at the British Independent Film Awards. »
- David Bentley
Spider-Man 4: Visual effects crew to look for other work, Thor grabs release date
7 January 2010 6:21 AM, PST
The Saga of Spider-Man 4 continues, with news that the visual effects crew have been told to look for other work while Marvel's Thor movie has nabbed the film's release date.
Deadline Hollywood reports that the FX team have been sent a message informing them that both the start of filming and the release date have been pushed back by "several months."
The workers were told: "At this time, we have no official start date, so I would encourage all of you to look for other work."
Meanwhile, the newly-merged Disney/Marvel conglomerate has taken advantage of what was Spider-Man 4's release date of May 6, 2011. The Kenneth Branagh-directed Thor has been moved from May 20 to May 6 while Pirates of the Caribbean 4 gets Thor's old slot.
»
- David Bentley
Brian Michael Bendis says he can fix Spider-Man 4, Sam Raimi to bow out
7 January 2010 2:20 AM, PST
With the screenplay for Spider-Man 4 reported to be in a mess, comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis reckons he is the right man to untangle the web and craft a workable story.
At present, the film's director Sam Raimi is said to hate the script and a fourth writer - Alvin Sargent - has been brought on board to knock it into shape.
Bendis (pictured) said on Twitter that he knows how to fix the story. He also agrees with Sony's idea to make the movie 3D.
The scribe tweeted: "For those who asked, of course I would and could write Spidey 4 in a heartbeat. I know exactly what that movie should be - and it should be 3D."
Bendis has had a long association with the webspinning superhero. He launched the Ultimate Spider-Man comic book series in 2001 and is still its writer.
In addition, he was co-executive producer »
- David Bentley
Daniel Craig and Clint Eastwood cast in Mark Millar's dream Superman film
6 January 2010 5:59 PM, PST
Mark Millar has reaffirmed his interest in reviving Superman on the big screen.
He says his dream cast would include Daniel Craig as Lex Luthor, Clint Eastwood as Pa Kent and Daniel Day-Lewis and Julianne Moore as Clark's biological parents Jor-El and Lara.
Millar is the Scottish comic book writer whose Wanted and Kick-Ass titles have been adapted for the big screen, with the latter due out on April 16.
He also wrote the acclaimed miniseries Red Son (pictured right) in which Superman was instead raised in the Ussr.
Millar and Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn have for some time been interested in rebooting the Superman film series and previously proposed a Lord of the Rings-style trilogy for the hero.
Speaking on his forum Millarworld, the scribe pondered the possibilities and asked fans if he should pursue his vision for a new Superman movie.
Millar (pictured below left) wrote: "Financially, it makes »
- David Bentley
Seven films on the shortlist for visual effects Oscar
6 January 2010 4:26 PM, PST
Seven movies - including Avatar - remain in the visual effects category of this year's Oscars.
In December, 15 contenders were announced and these were then whittled down. The others still in the running are: District 9, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and 2012.
Those that have been crossed off the list are: Angels & Demons, Coraline, Disney's A Christmas Carol, G-Force, G.I. Joe, Sherlock Holmes, Watchmen and Where The Wild Things Are.
On January 21, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will watch clips of all seven shortlisted movies before voting on the final three nominations.
Nominations will be announced on February 2 and the awards will be presented on March 7.
Personally, the best effects I saw were in Avatar, District 9, Star Trek and 2012. I'd be surprised if Avatar isn't the winner for its groundbreaking 3D CGI.
»
- David Bentley
Sam Mendes in talks to direct next James Bond movie
6 January 2010 3:46 PM, PST
British filmmaker Sam Mendes can offer more than a quantum of solace to Bond fans who were dismayed by yesterday's report that the next 007 outing is on hold.
It was claimed Bond 23 was on ice - and, according to some, in jeopardy - because of the sale of debt-crippled studio MGM.
But there's since been some swift movement to make it clear the iconic franchise is not under threat.
The Hollywood Reporter says Mendes is in talks to direct the next Bond movie, which is being fast-tracked despite the sale of MGM; production could begin as early as June with a release late in 2011.
Mendes, born in Reading and married to Kate Winslet, previously directed American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead, Revolutionary Road and last year's road-trip comedy Away We Go. His 1999 debut feature American Beauty won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Bond star Daniel Craig »
- David Bentley
Darren Aronofsky's reimagining of RoboCop put on hold
6 January 2010 12:20 PM, PST
The Planned new RoboCop film has been put on hold after director Darren Aronofsky disagreed with studio bosses at MGM over the use of digital technology on the film.
A source from the film's production company Phoenix Pictures told Moviehole that work had been halted because Aronofsky is refusing to use modern filmmaking techniques and instead wants to rely on practical effects.
The insider said: "The project is on hold. The problem is that Mary Parent, chairperson of MGM, wants a 3D movie for the new RoboCop.
"But Darren Aronofsky is a real artist and he's not interested in gimmicks like 3D, CGI or filming digitally. He wants to do everything as real (organic) as possible just like The Fountain."
Aronofsky, who was hired in July 2008, has said the film is not a remake, but a total reimagining unrelated to Paul Verhoeven's original 1987 release.
David Self (Road to Perdition) had penned the script. »
- David Bentley
Zombieland writers confirmed for X-Men spin-off Deadpool
6 January 2010 8:16 AM, PST
Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick have been confirmed as the writers for the X-Men spin-off Deadpool, featuring Ryan Reynolds' wisecracking mercenary from the Wolverine prequel.
Early in December, it was revealed by Chud that the pair were in the running to pen the screenplay. The duo scripted hit horror comedy Zombieland, starring Woody Harrelson, and also wrote a draft of Spider-Man spin-off Venom.
Confirming that Reese and Wernick had been hired, Variety added that Reynolds is likely to begin shooting Deadpool once production has wrapped on the Warner Bros superhero flick Green Lantern, in which he is also starring. The actor is currently bulking up to play Green Lantern, which starts filming next month, but there is no timetable for the Deadpool project at this stage.
The spin-off is expected to develop the character into a more faithful version than was seen in Wolverine. Marvel's comic book version of »
- David Bentley
Spider-Man 4 stalled: Fourth writer on board after Sam Raimi trashes screenplay
6 January 2010 7:42 AM, PST
Production on Spider-Man 4 has ground to a halt because director Sam Raimi is unhappy with the script, it has been reported.
Raimi is said to have 'hated' the most recent draft. Gary Ross, David Lindsay-Abaire and James Vanderbilt have all written scripts, with Alvin Sargent now "retooling the story." Sargent worked on the screenplays for the second and third Spidey movies.
There had been rumours last month that work had stopped but at that time Sony Pictures insisted the crew were taking their standard Christmas break.
However, according to Deadline Hollywood, production is indeed on hold. Filming had been due to start in February ahead of release on May, 2011, but there are doubts over whether the movie will now be ready in time.
"We'll try, but I think making May is a real question," a source told Variety. "We will not start until we have it right. The feeling »
- David Bentley
X-Men Origins: Wolverine - How much did the online leak hurt its box office?
6 January 2010 2:27 AM, PST
At the end of last year, a man was charged in connection with the online leak of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, though it was said he was not the original source and further arrests are expected.
A key issue that will have to be considered during any prosecution and sentencing arising from the leak is how much the film's box office was damaged. And here's where it gets interesting...
Back in May, The Hollywood Reporter suggested several possible scenarios, using figures available at the time. By revising these figures, I can update the four options.
Wolverine made $85million on its opening weekend in the USA. If a million people watched the version leaked online and never went to see it in the cinema, the loss of revenue would be $7.18million given the average American ticket price last year of $7.18.
The difference between Wolverine's debut and the bigger first weekend of X-Men: The Last Stand »
- David Bentley
Dune remake reportedly gets new director
5 January 2010 3:53 PM, PST
A New director is reported to have signed on for the planned remake of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel Dune, following the departure of Peter Berg in October.
Berg became involved with the project in March 2008. His exit came as a surprise because a month beforehand he had confirmed he was still on board, amid speculation that Twilight star Robert Pattinson was in line for the lead role of Paul Atreides.
Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent, Doomsday) and District 9 filmmaker Neill Blomkamp were rumoured to be the contenders to step into the hotseat, although the latter has made clear his aversion to big-budget spectacles.
Now, according to Entertainment Weekly, Paramount has hired Taken director Pierre Morel to get things moving again on the new Dune film.
The French filmmaker apparently wants to make a very faithful adaptation of Herbert's sprawling epic. Paramount production chief Adam Goodman has »
- David Bentley
The Hobbit puts out casting call for Bilbo Baggins, Smaug and others
5 January 2010 3:36 PM, PST
Wanted: A man aged 25 to 35 to play "a well-to-do, respectable Hobbit" called Bilbo Baggins.
So says the official casting call for Guillermo del Toro's two-part adaptation of The Hobbit. It continues: "Although he doesn't realise it himself, Bilbo has a good deal of courage; he can be practical and resilient. He has a good sense of humour, and is able to appreciate the ridiculous. The most distinguishing characteristic about Bilbo is his humanity; he is empathetic with a big heart and generous spirit."
The casting sheet, revealed by Spoiler TV, also asks for actors to audition for the parts of dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield; dwarf brothers Fili and Kili; Bard the bowman; Gloin the dwarf; the wizard Radagast; Itaril the elf; a Rivendell Elf-Lord; The Mayor of Laketown; a pretty young Hobbit called Primula Brandybuck; Bilbo's cousin Drogo; and civil servant Alfrid.
Additionally, an actor aged 40 to 70 is required »
- David Bentley
Next James Bond movie hit by sale of debt-ridden studio
5 January 2010 2:47 PM, PST
Anyone wondering what might happen in the next James Bond adventure, in particular what writer Peter Morgan meant when he said the next storyline was "shocking", may be in for a long wait.
All bets are off for Daniel Craig's 007 with the news from producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli that Bond 23 - as it's known at present - is on ice until the sale of stricken studio MGM is completed.
MGM is the distributor of the Bond franchise for Eon productions and so the odds of another movie anytime soon are unclear until its financial woes are resolved.
Pre-production on the next Bond outing has now been halted while the studio's future is secured, with takeover bids due in the next few weeks.
Asked about the next movie, Wilson told Total Film: "Our timeline's a little up in the air what with the situation at MGM, »
- David Bentley
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