The Mixed Up Files Of Joseph McGinty Nichol

This is the story of Joseph McGinty Nichol, who was handed the keys to a shiny Skynet comissioned Bentley and crashed it somewhere in a desolate 2018. You have come to know him as McG. This is his story.

The early buzz on "Terminator: Salvation" was fairly positive. Already established universe, Christian Bale, guns, and scary robots. Sounds vaguely familiar and brings what a popcorn flick should. However, something happened on the way to T5, "Terminator: Salvation" flopped. Joseph McGinty Nichol found himself arguing with WB over the rating, lying about receiving James Cameron's blessing, and unable to handle a flip out attack by star Christian Bale.

However, this story isn't about what happened in the past, it is what about the future holds for Nichol. Assuming that Salvation was going to be a big hit, Disney scooped up Nichol to direct "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea: Captain Nemo". At this point this film is still in "pre-pro" and in early May Nichol dimissed internet buzz that he had "Dwayne Johnson" lined up for the lead

"I don't know where that (rumour) came from. I've never spoken to Dwayne Johnson... I like him. He's great. He's a wonderful human being and an excellent screen presence, but we have not spoken about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Not a word."

Nichol could do worse than Dwayne Johnson, he seems like he would be a good fit in the role but he is shooting for a bigger name.

"My intention is to show him (Will Smith) Terminator and see if he responds to it. We're friendly. We'll see if it's in the cards."

I hope Nichol has a back up plan...

Sky's The Limit For 'Up'

Weekend Actuals (May 29th - May 31st)

1 Up $68,108,790
2 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian $24,353,868
3 Terminator Salvation $16,433,365
4 Drag Me to Hell $15,825,480
5 Star Trek $12,613,727
6 Angels & Demons $11,353,340
7 Dance Flick $4,743,636
8 X-Men Origins: Wolverine $3,873,377
9 Ghosts of Girlfriends Past $1,911,401
10 Obsessed $657,001

Sam Worthington: The WB Project

His face or name might have not been all that familiar until we saw him trudging through the "Mad Maxesque" terrain with Christian Bale in this Summer's "Terminator Salvation" but WB is grooming him into a tentpole sweetheart. Holding his own along side Bale was only the beginning because he went from half machine to a sandal wearing, sword swinging, Perseus in WB's "Clash of the Titans" rehash. The always on top of things keyboard crunchers at /Film received the first shot of Worthington as Perseus courtesy of a loyal reader.

After Worthington is done plucking the snakes from Medusa's head there are strong indications that he could be lined up to play Green Lantern in WB's very important venture outside the safe zone of Batman and Superman. It seems that the executives over in Burbank are setting Worthington up to anchor their tentpole films for years to come. It remains to be seen whether Worthington can put asses in the seats and carry a film, "Terminator: Salvation" can now be called a flop, but Worthington neither helped or hurt that film.

From a post-apocalyptic 2018, through the mythology of Ancient Greece, will Sam Worthington help WB conquer the box office with his power ring?

Terminator Spends A Night At The Museum

Memorial Day Weekend Actuals (4-Day)

1 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian $70,052,004
2 Terminator Salvation $51,943,726
3 Star Trek $29,380,384
4 Angels & Demons $27,413,992
5 Dance Flick $12,622,450
6 X-Men Origins: Wolverine $9,910,686
7 Ghosts of Girlfriends Past $4,767,809
8 Obsessed $2,424,470
9 Monsters Vs. Aliens $2,060,680
10 17 Again $1,292,506

Angels & Demons Overcome Aliens

Weekend Actuals (May 15th - 17th)

1 Angels & Demons $46,204,168
2 Star Trek $43,034,547
3 X-Men Origins: Wolverine $14,702,425
4 Ghosts of Girlfriends Past $6,653,384
5 Obsessed $4,588,973
6 17 Again $3,368,189
7 Monsters Vs. Aliens $3,182,085
8 The Soloist $2,402,801
9 Next Day Air $2,244,878
10 Earth (2009) $1,697,956

Star Trek Is Out Of This World

Weekend Actuals (May 8th - May 10th)

1 Star Trek $75,204,289
2 X-Men Origins: Wolverine $26,408,288
3 Ghosts of Girlfriends Past 10,258,141
4 Obsessed $6,560,266
5 17 Again $4,232,422
6 Next Day Air $4,111,043
7 The Soloist $3,949,430
8 Monsters Vs. Aliens $3,260,440
9 Earth (2009) $2,666,219
10 Hannah Montana The Movie $2,193,043

Green Lantern Moved To Summer 2011

Fresh of the heels of the news that Bradly Cooper is in serious contention for the role of Green Lantern, Box Office Mojo is reporting that WB is pushing the "Green Lantern" release date back. Instead of cleaning the snow off your car to see the film on December 17th, 2010 you'll be able to strap on a pair of sandals and hit the front row of your local theater on June 17th, 2011.

This move could have been made for a number of reasons. WB might have wanted to lock in another Summer film and the move could mean they have faith in the script. Casting could be another reason for the delay, it seems that WB and friends still haven't decided on their Green Lantern, nevermind the rest of the cast. The move also gives Martin Campbell and his team more time for pre-production, filming, and ultimately post. Interesting move by Warner Bros.

Superman Limbo IV: We’re All Part Of The Same Team

Superman is an American icon but he is beloved all over the world. The \S/ on Superman’s chest is recognized as a symbol of truth and justice, and the truth is WB seems to be having a hard time finding the right team to do the character justice. As fans we are hoping that we get to see the cape fluttering in the breeze again sooner rather than later, but in the back of our minds we’re all fearing the worst. We will never forget giant spiders, suit-in-a-can, and Kryptonian Lex. Some of us are still cringing.

Some might say that it could be worse, at least we were witness to “Superman Returns” and not some of the absurd ideas bounding around while Superman was in years of “Development Hell”. That’s like eating leftover minute steak and somebody saying, “At least it isn’t rotten minute steak.” I don’t know about you, but I want a big thick piece of tender filet mignon or some well marbled Kobe beef.

Sure “Superman Returns” wasn’t a critical or financial flop, but whether or not Bryan Singer was coming back, there was always room for improvement going forward. Why does the “World’s Greatest Hero” have to settle while characters like Batman, Spider Man, and Iron Man enjoy all the limelight? Some believe there just isn’t room for the “Big Blue Boyscout” in such a jaded world, but Superman isn’t a relic, if anything he is an inspiration. Any director or writer(s) that are lucky enough to be given the chance to bring Superman back to the big screen has a rich history of Superman adventures to browse through and should have paper cuts scarred in their hands when it is all said and done.

Wanted:

A writer or writing team to bring the “Man of Steel” to the big screen. Writers must be willing to travel and remain in shooting location for the duration of filming. Experience writing Summer tentpoles in the action adventure genre is a must. You must be a name, unsolicited or unknown screenwriters need not apply. Please be prepared to write multiple drafts while working with DC Comics and Warner Bros Pictures executives.

Writers that fit this description include:

Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman

Jonah Nolan

Ehren Krueger

Justin Marks

Steve Kloves

Tom J. Astle & Matt Ember

Mark Protosevich

David Koepp

Paul Haggis

Who’s on your list?

Wanted:

A director to bring the “Man of Steel” to the big screen. Must not be afraid of flying or have any adoration for the “Donnerverse”. Said director will be the face and spokesperson for the franchise. You must be able to take constructive criticism and apply all notes given by DC Comics and Warner Bros. Pictures. We are looking for a “studio guy” that will be able to please the fans, please execs, and keep the budget at or below what is dictated.

Directors that fit this description include:

Francis Lawrence

Chris Columbus

Kevin Munroe

Peter Segal

David Dobkin

Brad Silberling

Recently Gore Verbinski’s schedule has become a little thin with the “delay” of “Bioshock”. Verbinski has met or spoken with WB in the past about helming a Superman film. Mike Dougherty’s name has also recently come bubbling to the surface, could the writer of “Superman Returns” be up for helming a future Superman film?

Who’s on your list?

Some "fanboys" are standing behind Brandon Routh to continue the role of Superman which he started with "Superman Returns". Others are hanging on to the hope that Tom Welling will make the leap from "Smallville" to strap on the red boots. There is also a growing number of fans who have latched on to Henry Cavill for Superman. Whomever you may want in the role; whichever director you want behind the lens, whether it be Gore Verbinksi or Francis Lawrence, there is one thing all Superman fans need to remember..."We're all part of the same team."

Superman Limbo: Where Has He Gone?

Superman Limbo II: Why The World Needs Superman

Superman Limbo III: I'm Still Superman

Wolverine X's Out Its Competition

Weekend Estimates (May 1st - May 3rd)

1 X-Men Origins: Wolverine $87,000,000
2 Ghosts of Girlfriends Past $15,325,000
3 Obsessed $12,200,000
4 17 Again $6,355,000
5 Monsters Vs. Aliens $5,800,000
6 The Soloist $5,600,000
7 Earth (2009) $4,184,000
8 Fighting $4,173,000
9 Hannah Montana The Movie $4,075,000
10 State of Play $3,655,000

Mike Dougherty: "Two Announcements Are Coming"

Mike Dougherty has some of "Geek Nation" shifting in their computer chairs and investigating via the inter webs after a simple four sentence statement on his MySpace page blog.

Two announcements are coming. One in June, the other at Comic-Con in July. Fun stuff that makes me smile...and finally relax. Thanks for all of your messages and support.

This post has web masters and forum posters licking their lips in anticipation for said announcements especially since the title reads "Keep Watching The Skies". There is some speculation that Dougherty is referring to a Superman project. Could Dougherty be reuniting with Bryan Singer on some type of quasi-sequel. Considering all that has happened that seems pretty unlikely. Could Dougherty take a turn behind the lens as the director of a Superman film? Anything's possible.

The announcement in June is most likely referring to the not yet officially announced release of "Trick R Treat" which will make it's way to DVD and Blu Ray. The possible Comic Con announcement is what is causing the most intrigue. If not Superman, then what could it be? With Mike's penchant for all things that go bump in the night, could we be talking about aliens and UFOs?

Bryan Singer's "Bad Hat Harry Productions" made some noise in July when it was reported that the company was involved with two comic book adaptations, "Freedom Formula" and "Capeshooters". Genetically enhanced racers that use exo-suits to act as fighter jets makes up the story line for "Freedom Formula" and "Capeshooters" focuses on two paparazzi nobody's who accidently discover a beloved superhero is actually a villain through the power of their lens. One of these projects could be headed for Dougherty's desk.