Tuesday
Sep212010

Deadpool or R.I.P.D. Will Star Ryan Reynolds

The fate of the Deadpool movie is as clear as your hand in front of your face.

With Ryan Reynolds suited up (motion-capture suited up, that is) for Green Lantern and any hypothetical sequels in the years to come (not to mention, the morsel of a chance his Hal Jordan bullshits onscreen next to Christian Bale's Batman and whomever is tapped as the next Superman), there's no way Warner Brothers will allow him to run off and play another costumed comic-book character for a rival studio. Why many refuse to accept that is beyond me. Blinded by the nerdgasm yet again, one can guess.

I09 caught up with Reynolds (while on the press rounds for the thriller Buried), and for the first time he didn't sound all too positive towards its prospects. In fact, it sounds like he's beginning to plant the seeds of the X-Men spin-off falling apart.

Basically the next open slot for Reynolds is after production of the action/thriller Safe House with Denzel Washington and that doesn't start filming until the early months of 2011. It's (supposedly) between the horror/action/buddy-cop R.I.P.D. for Universal and the afore-mentioned Merc with the Mouth:

"People sort of ask this question, like I have any say in the matter. They're both movies I'm interested in, they're both movies that are in fast-track development. But I never say I'm doing a movie until I break for lunch the first day. Because it's such a crapshoot, this industry. Everything's so fickle and so contingent on so many factors, aside from just an actor. And because it has an actor, and because these films have interested directors, it's obviously likely that they'll both get made. But I think it would be more likely that only one of them gets made with me."

Universal not too far back locked down director Robert Schwentke in for R.I.P.D. with a late summer 2011 shoot being targeted. Meanwhile, Deadpool has...a script, was flirting with Robert Rodriguez for a brief period to direct and that's about it. Don't worry, kids. This won't be the last time Reynolds is asked about Deadpool and we'll repeat this cycle all over again.

Tuesday
Sep212010

Gavin Hood Attached to Ender's Game

The closest I recall Ender's Game hitting the silver screen was about a decade ago. Ron Howard was attached to direct and Jake Lloyd to play our hero Andrew "Ender" Wiggin. That never materialized and the Orson Scott-Card novel has long since been labeled as a "If only someone will make it" movie amongst fans. If the Lord of the Rings trilogy can be accomplished, I don't see what's stopping Ender's Game (and Dune for that matter!)

24 Frames reports Odd Lot Entertainment is getting the wheels turning in development. They've gone as far to nab director Gavin Hood as their man for the job. He's already rewritten a recent draft penned by creator Card himself.

They're quick to note however that doesn't 100% mean he'll direct once financing is secured - assuming they acquire proper funds. For some reason, I find it odd them stating that. Of course, there's a chance he won't direct.

At least it's an upgrade from Wolverine.

Tuesday
Sep212010

Steven Spielberg May (or May Not) Direct Robocalypse Next

Steven Spielberg has so many "to do" projects it could fill up this page. There's also no telling exactly what he'll pick as his latest.

Such was the case earlier this year as the Beard flirted with many a properties before settling on War Horse (currently lensing in the UK and set for an August 2011 release). But that's not to imply the ones he passed over will sit in Development Hell and not have "Directed by Steven Spielberg" pressed in big bold letters on the one-sheets.

Among those included the Drew Goddard-penned Robocalypse, from the forthcoming novel by Daniel H. Wilson. The Cloverfield writer was assigned the gig back in March with the Beard keeping a close eye on how his adaptation turned out.

Vulture says the script was recently submitted to DreamWorks, and everyone around town is playing the waiting game. What will Spielberg's verdict be? Will he decide to direct it next or pass it to some younger talent? Agents for both actors (in case the Beard says, "Oh yeah I’m totally filming this bitch next!") and directors are gearing up for either verdict.

The logic being "If Spielberg thought it was great, then it has to be and therefore it’ll make us lots and lots of moneys!" Eh, I don't have a horse in this race either way. But I'd much prefer him finally tackle Lincoln, Trials of the Chicago 7 or Interstellar.

And because I said that, he'll pick Indiana Jones 5 next.

Monday
Sep202010

Ben and Locke, The Series?

If this happens, I will be very, very happy.  Vulture is reporting that J.J. Abrams and collaborators Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec are actively pitching a "comedic drama" with the working title of Odd Jobs that would reunite Lost stars Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson as former black-ops agents.

As Lost was wrapping up its final season this year, both actors mentioned in interviews that they hoped to work together again in another series.  Fans of the show, myself included, have also been hoping we hadn't seen the last of Lost's most popular frenemies (and subject of far too many YouTube tribute videos).  But while it sounded like a great idea, it didn't sound likely to happen, either.

But with Abrams, who can seem to do no wrong these days, with one series, Alcatraz, being picked up by Fox and another, Person of Interest, being picked up by CBS just in the past month, actively pitching this show, it looks like there's a good chance we may get to see John Locke and Benjamin Linus back on TV after all. 

So let's keep our fingers crossed.  I'm so loving this idea.  And hey, if this show works out, can the Sawyer/Miles cop show everyone wanted be far behind?

Monday
Sep202010

Anthony Peckham Writing New Jack Ryan Film

Paramount has commissioned screenwriter Anthony Peckham for Moscow. As per Heat Vision, the Sherlock Holmes and Invictus writer will perform rewrites duties on the newest Jack Ryan reboot.

Chris Pine is onboard as the fourth actor to portray Tom Clancy's CIA hero with Jack Bender (responsible for a good chunk of Lost episodes) expected to direct.

Production is being eyed to commence early next year.

Sunday
Sep192010

HBO Eyeing True Blood Movie?

Fans certainly let their disdain be heard after the season three finale of True Blood, and yet, most of them will be back next year when the fourth starts up. But would they fork over $10 for say True Blood: the Movie?

What's Playing reports that's the rumblings heard at the HBO offices. The prospects of Sookie, Bill, Eric, Tara & Co. carrying a big-budget feature-length film version happening is said to go down "sooner rather than later" with a reported shot of series creator (and Oscar winning screenwriter of American Beauty) Alan Ball sitting in the director's chair.

HBO quasi-successfully transferred Sex & the City to the silver screen. I say "quasi" because the desire of fans to see those characters return got $420 million box-office, and a movie said devoted fans hated with a fucking passion. As a result, its sequel under-performed last May and a Sex & the City 3 is highly unlikely. HBO is also said to be developing an Entourage movie to be made and released after the final season next year.

But a True Blood movie? Isn't it too soon to be thinking of that, HBO? You guys have still got a few more good years worth of entertaining trash ahead of you.

Sunday
Sep192010

Kyle Chandler & Elle Fanning Join J.J. Abrams' Super 8

Since it's a J.J. Abrams movie, I have no clue what to expect from his latest Super 8. It's being produced by his lifelong idol Steven Spielberg and said to be an homage to his filmography from the mid 70s to early 80s. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. I say that, and yet, I'll be in line on opening day next summer (no specific release date yet, but I'm guessing May 2011).

Vulture has apprehended a tiny nugget of info – casting! Ooooohhhhhhh, aaaaahhhhh!

As per their sources, Kyle Chandler from Friday Night Lights (wrapping up the series this season on DirecTV) and Elle Fanning (who played the seven-year Cate Blanchett in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) are the first to join the cast. And that's about all they had to offer.

Not that I'm complaining considering how tight-lipped Abrams & Co. are with their projects.

Sunday
Sep192010

From Mission: Impossible 4 to The Mission!

Right now, I'm visualizing angry movie-goers demanding their money back after being tricked into thinking this wasn't Mission: Impossible 4.

Look it's well known by now Paramount is biting their finger nails over a fourth M:I adventure. Despite it being directed by two-time Oscar-winner Brad Bird, produced by their golden boy J.J. Abrams and starring up-and-comer Jeremy Renner (co-starred for that matter in this week’s #1 movie The Town), there's still the Tom Cruise factor casting a big shadow.

So what's their solution? Re-title it, of course! Yeah, that'll totally absolve all their problems. Having your competition next Christmas being the Sherlock Holmes sequel, Alvin & the Chipmunks 3D, David Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo remake and The Greatest Muppet Movie of All-Time aren't concerns, I suppose.

According to Cruise himself (translation: one of his assistants) on Twitter, the title will be The Mission:

"MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4 UPDATE: Skydance Productions & Paramount Pictures join forces for 'The Mission!'"

Yeah. Way to think outside the box there, fellas. Not a bad title per say, but given their mentality behind re-titling (and rebooting the franchise as a whole), this sounds stupid.

Sunday
Sep192010

Jon Hamm Responds to "Those Superman Rumors"

Honestly have no idea why our WB Considering Jon Hamm for Superman story resurfaced like it did. We got a lot of coverage when it was originally published back in late July and all of a sudden it sprung back to life last week. Granted said coverage from our colleagues was overall fair – nothing douchey.

But it's interesting to see us as quoted (by some) as saying the Mad Men star had the role locked and/or had met with Warner Brothers/Legendary Pictures when we specifically said otherwise:

"Before anyone starts nerdgasming, keep in mind no deal is in place and there's no indication Hamm and/or his representation has met with WB, Legendary or the Nolan crew. He's one of several names being thrown around the Burbank offices to headline the new Superman franchise. But it gives you an idea of what direction they're looking at."

Thus when Hamm's people (whose job it is to deny any news-item regardless of whether its legit or bullshit) "debunked" it to Entertainment Weekly a few days back, the truth is they didn't "debunk" anything. Some folks just lack reading comprehension skills, I guess. The actor himself at first gave a non-denial/non-answer to Regis & Kelly (It was odd getting a text message from my partner-in-crime Peter Georgiou saying, "our superman news made regis and kathy lee" since I happened to be out of town that day) before giving a definite one it to Jimmy Fallon. That's all perfectly fine and good.

But needless to say, we stand by our original post. We know he's definitely high up on the studio's list of would-be Kal-Els. Whether or not Hamm dons the red and blue suit come Christmas 2012 remains to be seen.

Sunday
Sep192010

Listen To TMT's Jamie Williams On Moviehole Podcast

Not that Jamie's head needed to get any bigger than it already is, but when our friend Clint over at Moviehole asked him to be on his podcast, how could Jamie's ego refuse? Check out the description below and click the link to hear Jamie's quick witted take on the entertainment world on The Hole Cast. Also, don't forget to listen to the newest edition of Movie Moan where Jamie is joined as always by Phil, Lou, and Ed. I'm sure comedy and awesomeness ensues.

A weekly podcast in which the Moviehole staff, headed by Clint Morris, talk up the latest in cinema releases, chat about what's happening in Hollywood, interview celebrities, and take a look back at the films of yesteryear. Regular segments include Flashback, Mailbag and Caffeinated Clint.

This Week : Jamie Williams (TMT) comes on to talk about productions shooting in his native Louisiana, Hollywood's obsession with remakes and comic book movies, Whether a show can remain successful if the star is replaced, and remembering Patrick Swayze - who passed away a year ago. Ep 5 : Special Guest - Jamie Williams DOWNLOAD or LISTEN