Christian Bale Gives Status Report on Batman & Terminator Sequels

Picture courtesy of our pal dark_bWith Public Enemies about to hit cinemas next week, Christian Bale has been hitting the press circuits recently to promote his latest film. And of course, the inevitable "So, what's going on with Batman 3?" questions are being poised to the actor. Certainly doesn't help matters with the news last week of Christopher Nolan's participation still being in question.

Speaking to Collider, Bale claims be "none the wiser" towards a third Batman installment. He goes further to state, "I really cannot tell you if there will ever be another 'Batman' movie right now."

Sounds like Bale is playing a game of "passing the ball" and to question the prospects of Batman 3 is a stretch. The Dark Knight churned out $1 billion at the box-office and made a killing on DVD/Blu-Ray not to mention the profits made from television/cable rights, merchandising, etc. So everyone damn-well knows Batman 3 will most certainly happen. And by his own admission, Bale is contractually obliged to at least one more Batman film. So it's safe to assume he'll be donning the cape and cowl one more time. It's merely a question of when and under whose direction.

Nowhere near as surprising is his revelation that "no conversation has been had” regarding the sequel to last month's Terminator: Salvation. Sure the film is doing solid business in the foreign markets, but that was a given. The film is nothing short of a box-office failure here in the U.S. with its $200+ million budget vs. the current $120 million gross. Especially when you consider most of the box-office analysts had the film hitting as high as $250 million.

And considering plans were under-way as far back as last December to have Terminator 5 again with Bale headlining and McG in the director's chair for a Summer 2011 release, the fact that there is zero movement on the project (and coming from the star, no less) confirms the obvious. It isn't happening.

Has Michael Bay Parted Ways from Transformers?

It's less than a week before Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is unleashed into theaters where upon it will slaughter everything in its path to become the highest grossing film of the year - at least here in the U.S.

A few months back, Paramount and DreamWorks officially set a July 1st 2011 release date for a third Transformers installment - this despite the fact that series director Michael Bay said he had already agreed with the studios on a Summer 2012 date so he could take a year off. In fact, he flat out debuked the claims and later said the matter had been resolved.

Some of us (i.e. me) assumed that the studios went back to their original 2012 plan since we heard diddly dick about Transformers 3 from either parties since then. Well, that shows what I know! Wenn.com (via IMDB) reports that Bay is calling it quits from the "giant robots that beat the shit outta each other" franchise:

"After the three and a half years I've spent making these movies, I feel like I've had enough of the Transformers world. I need to do something totally divergent, something without any explosions."

If you'll remember, Peter and I did an audio article (as a companion to a related piece) discussing the matter where I thought Bay was definitely coming back and Peter didn't. Well, Peter gets bragging rights on this one. *Sigh*

Update: Well, I still might be able to get the last laugh against Peter in this debate just yet! Straight from the horse's mouth, Michael Bay (responding on the forum from his website) has shot down the claims from this morning's rumors. Or as he put it:

Hah,

Love press how they spin. Never said it - just wanted a vacation is more to the point. And no I don't read the good or the bad reviews.

Abrams & Cruise Officially Developing Mission: Impossible IV

When Tom Cruise first starting talking up plans for a fourth Mission: Impossible installment, I couldn't help but think, "Whatever, pal!" Then something funny happened a few weeks later, J.J. Abrams came outta nowhere and revealed his involvement. It was from then that I actually took notice of the project - probably along with most people.

And now Variety has confirmed that Mission: Impossible IV is in fact in development with Abrams and Cruise producing and a Summer 2011 release date being targeted. Now mind you, no screenwriters have been brought on-board at the moment. Nor has Abrams committed himself to directing duties. Hell, it's still a question-mark as to whether or not he'll direct the Star Trek sequel - which he will produce at the very least.

It's also a bit of a "foggy area" regarding Cruise appearing as I.M.F. agent Ethan Hunt again. His on-screen participation wasn't specifically noted. But then, maybe it's "No shit, Sherlock" logic and it's a foregone conclusion that he'll show up in some capacity.

Of course, there were those rumblings of Brad Pitt and even Brandon "Superman" Routh possibly taking over the franchise from quiet awhile back. So it's altogether possible there was some truth to those crazy rumors.

Why I Hate Fanboys

Yesterday afternoon, Batman-On-Film big-cheese Bill "Jett" Ramey revealed that not only has Christopher Nolan yet to commit to helm a third Batman film, but that he's insanely hesitant to even do so and everything is pretty much at "square one" for the threequel.

So of course, we did a post on said report - as did most of the known Internet. Afterwards, I was curious to hear reactions so I surfed around to a couple of forums and what not. You saw the standard responses. Some didn't believe it (going as far to call Jett a liar), others took the report for what it's worth and of course there was the "Well, let's just wait and see" responses. And then there was another answer I kept seeing...a lot.

"If Nolan walks from making Batman 3, then fuck him!"

In the eyes of a fanboy, making two fantastic Batman films isn't considered "good enough!"Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood when I read that. But dammit if it didn't trigger a reaction outta me. "Fuck Nolan?" The man delivered the two definitive Batman films and fanboys are seriously going to bitch about not getting a possible third installment from him. Most of these fanboys basically have a "Well, what have you done for me lately?" attitude regarding these franchises, the filmmakers responsible for them, etc. Is there such a thing as being grateful for what you've been given?

It never ceases to amaze me how many times I've heard fanboys whine and bitch about what they want to see and how "the studios never listen to us!" Really? What would you call the San Diego Comic-Con coming next month? The studios have been going out of their way to garner "nerd cred" to please fanboys for the longest time, and it's never enough in their eyes. To even suggest that the studios never "listen" is laughable.

Just look at Terminator Salvation as the most recent example. All we heard after Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines was how "they should do a film that's set in the future after Judgement Day with Terminators everywhere and John Connor finally becomes the 'great leader' he's been talked up as for the last three movies!" Well, McG & Co. delivered just that. And guess how the fanboys reacted? They whined and bitched. It wasn't good enough for them.

They wanted a Hulk film that was "all 'Hulk-smash!'" after the ill-fated Ang Lee film. Last summer, Marvel Studios bankrolled just that with The Incredible Hulk. And guess how the fanboys reacted? They whined and bitched. It wasn't good enough for them. They wanted to see Venom brought to life on the silver screen. By all accounts, the studio forced Sam Raimi to include the character in Spider-Man 3. And guess how the fanboys reacted? They whined and bitched. It wasn't good enough for them.

There are countless other examples I could give. There's the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Wolverine, Superman Returns, Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Hell even Watchmen. But it's safe to say that you folks get the idea.

Who made Star Trek the biggest film of the year? The general movie-going public.But here's the real irony. Fanboys.don't.matter. That's right. The success or failure of a tentpole does not (nor has it ever) lived or died by whether or not they approve. Don't believe me? The Dark Knight is the second highest-grossing film of all-time and Star Trek is the biggest film this year (so far!) That had nothing to do with fanboys loving said films. It was the general public who made them the smash hits that they are.

Hell before the J.J. Abrams reboot came along, the Trek "brand-name" was dead and nothing more than a joke associated with people walking around dressed up as characters at comic conventions.

Now to be fair, there are plenty of fans who are in fact not fanboys - if that makes any sense. Fanboys are the ones who bitch at any given notice that you always hear about and whom I'm referring to in this piece. To those said fans, I apologize if it appears that I'm lumping you in with the fanboy "community." I'm not.

To fanboys, seriously shut up and be grateful for what you've gotten so far.

Nolan Not "Sure Thing" to Direct Batman 3?

Ever since The Dark Knight broke damn-near every box-office record imaginable last year, many folks have (rather foolishly) just assumed that Christopher Nolan was going to return to the director's chair for the inevitable Batman 3.

Well first he decided to shift-gears and make Inception as his next film with a July 2010 release date set. By default, the originally planned 2011 release for the third Batman installment was pushed back to 2012.

All the awhile, we heard plenty of mutterings from cast-members like Michael Caine guessimating that they'll return in "a few years" or 100% Grade-A Internet bullshit rumors such as Eddie Murphy playing the Riddler or Cher as Catwoman to name a few.

Now comes word from our pal Bill Ramey (aka Jett) the "big-cheese" over at Batman On Film that the participation from Mr. Nolan is far from a sure thing. As per his sources or as he affectionately calls it "Industry Scuttlebutt:"

• The death of Heath Ledger in January of 2008 rocked Mr. Nolan hard. So hard that Chris was convinced that TDK was going to be it for him and Batman on film.
• The Joker was going to return in BATMAN 3.
• You are correct in reporting that he is developing story ideas with [Jonathan Nolan] and David Goyer, but it will be until AT LEAST 2012 before we see the Caped Crusader back [in theaters]. And that is only an EARLY ESTIMATE at best right now. They are even saying it might not be until 2013.
• Basically, the Batman film franchise is back to square one. As far as a story or a BATMAN 3, "Right now, there is none," says our guy.

A few things one has to keep in mind before fanboys start spazzing out. For one, Inception is apparently a much bigger endeavor than most of us originally assumed with the recent reports of its $200+ million. It's very well possible that Nolan is going to want to recharge his batteries again before back into "Planet Batman" mode.

There's also the chance that Nolan knows there is no.way.in.Hell! he's going to able to "top" The Dark Knight for most people. The general public, press, fanboys, etc. have a funny way of viciously turning against someone (whether they be an actor, filmmaker, politican, sports-figure, etc.) after raising them up to such a high standard after so long. It's altogether possible that Nolan realizes this and wants to get the fuck off the Batman franchise while he's so highly valued.

Then again, this could be all bullshit and Nolan does wind up helming Batman 3. But if Jett heard it, then it's something to take into consideration, folks...

Akira Goes Kaput

If you'll remember, Warner Brothers, Legendary Pictures and Leonardo DiCaprio's production company Appian Way officially announced plans to adapt the manga Akira into a live-action two-film series. They went as far as hiring Ruairi Robinson to direct with Summer 2009 and 2010 release dates announced.

That was then and we've heard diddly dick from all parties involved since said announcement. So it should come as no surprise whatsoever that the good folks over at Bloody-Disgusting have received word from two separate sources saying the project is "as dead as a doornail."

As crazy it sounds right now (what with The Hangover kicking ass at the box-office and Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince arriving next month), Warner Brothers was the most effected by the WGA Strike two years ago and desperate to have tentpoles lined up and ready to go for this summer. Hell, why do you think Terminator: Salvation was churned out as quickly as it was?

Once they opted to move Potter from November 2008 to July 2009, the studio breathed a sigh of relief and probably felt less inclined to take a risk with such an ambitious endeavor as Akira would have been - especially with the time-table they had to pull if off and the fact that the similarly bleak Watchmen and Terminator didn't exactly light the box-office on fire this year.

Movie Moan - IMAX Hates the Brits

Phil, Jamie, Ed and Lou (who joins us about a third into the show) are here with you again for another edition of Movie Moan here at Think McFly Think.

This week, its reviews all around as Ed discusses Moon, Phil and Jamie chat up The Hangover and Lou chimes in with his thoughts on Drag Me to Hell. The now publicly-documented problems behind the forthcoming box-office stinker also known as G.I. Joe is among the topics of debate.

Also on docket is news on Mission: Impossible IV, Bond 3, John Carter of Mars, Pirates 4 and why Jamie is a hypocritical asshole. Meanwhile, Phil reveals his own-inner desires to see Mickey Rooney playing Whiplash in the Iron Man sequel as opposed to Mickey Rourke.

And to wrap things up, Phil gives us a good old fashioned rant against IMAX (i.e. totally racist towards the Brits for you ask me) and asks the guys whether or not they think Avatar will make its Christmas 2009 release date.

Movie Moan - IMAX Hates the Brits

Writers Officially On Board for Next Bond Film

Why does everyone call the forthcoming Bond installment Bond 23? By all accounts, 2006's Casino Royale was a reboot of the franchise. Thus shouldn't the next one be referred to as Bond 3? I know, I know. Being a total dork about this.

While we're on the subject of 007, either the Broccolis genuinely love their work or Robert Wade & Neal Purvis have incriminating photos of them having sex with retarded babies. AKA: The writing team behind the last decade's worth of Bond films have been hired to yet again pen the exploits of everyone's favorite sexist cold-blooded British secret-agent. To be fair, they did have a big hand in Royale and most folks are of the opinion that it's the series' finest hour - myself included.

Even more encouraging is Peter Morgan (screenwriter behind The Queen, Last King of Scotland and Frost/Nixon) has also been tapped for screenwriting duties. Although not specified, it certainly sounds like this will be not unlike the role that Paul Haggis played on Royale and Quantum of Solace who came in after Wade & Purvis were done with their drafts.

Honestly, if there's anything I really don't want to see is the inclusion of long-time Bond staples Q and Miss Moneypenny in Bond 3 - who were absent from the last two films. Say what you will about Solace (which I personally liked a lot), but it and its predecessor Royale showed one could make an effective Bond film without having to include those characters for "the sake of tradition."

Now all you hear from fans is, "Oh come on. Bring back Q and Moneypenny, guys!" Sorry, but I loved how Martin Campbell (and later Marc Forster) established Daniel Craig's James Bond as someone flying by the seat of his pants and always having to rely on his wits to avoid being killed instead of yet another wacky gadget of Q's that conveniently saves his ass right in the nick of time.

Pirates 4 Moves Up the 'Priority' Food-Chain

I've been on the "Fuck Pirates!" bandwagon ever since the first sequel Dead Man's Chest "graced" the silver screen three years ago.

You'll have to excuse me for not enjoying a near-three hour film stuffed up the ass with pointless action sequences, damn-near every character from the first Pirates returning and getting their own sub-plot and a bug-eyed Johnny Depp mumbling syllables with a British accent. Sorry, but that character wore out his welcome after the first film - the only good one in the series, not surprisingly. That and the third installment At World's End defined the "Everything and the kitchen sink" mentality of blockbusters.

But they both earned about $2 billion between them. So a fourth film was inevitable and has been in development for awhile now - albeit under-wraps for the most part. We knew that Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott were returning to pen the screenplay, Captain Jack Sparrow himself Johnny Depp had signed on to return and a 2012 release was being targeted.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has also been developing The Lone Ranger for Disney - again with Rossio & Elliott on script-duties and Depp as the lead. Strike that, he's more of the co-lead - i.e. playing Indian sidekick Tonto instead of the title character. But that project (which was being geared up to happen sooner) has been delayed in favor of the "higher priority" Pirates 4 the producer tells HitFix.

As for the script to said fourquel, the Bruck called it "funny" and "it's a whole new way of going." Yeah, I can already visualize it. "Captain Jack in Space!"

Uh-Oh for Joe

To say that G.I. Joe looks nothing short of an unmitigated box-office disaster would be an understatement. Hell when I went to see Star Trek, the trailer for Year One (another flop-in-the-making) got a bigger reaction than Joe did from my audience. Then again, that's what happens when you rush a film into production during the WGA Strike even though said film requires a rewrite or ten.

A poster by the name of EndTimes (how appropiate) explained what's been going down with the future Razzie winner over at the Don Murphy message board.

Highlights from said post include the shit-canning of director Stephen Sommers and Hasbro's (rather-wise) decision to distance themselves from the final product - among others.

It only makes matters worse that the good folks over at Latino Review have confirmed this via their sources. And if there's anything we've learned from the past is if Latino Review heard something, it happened. One word about this ordeal: ouch.

Oh well. Paramount is still bathing themselves in all the dough Star Trek is making them and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will only make matters better.

Update: Speaking directly to Latino Review, G.I. Joe producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura has denied all claims from the original forum post. Personally, I think it's nothing more than 100% spin-control. But there you have it...