Tim Pocock, who played the young Scott Summers/Cyclops in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, has revealed that he will reprise the role in 20th Century Fox's X-Men: First Class.
"Currently shooting Australian TV series till February 2010...then X-men first class," he said on his Twitter account. "Wolverine" producer Lauren Shuler Donner recently hinted that a new "X-Men" movie would start production in 2010.
Written by Josh Schwartz, the film will likely draw from elements of the Marvel Comic of the same name, launched in 2006.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
EXCLUSIVE: Mark Millar Says 'Kick-Ass' Ending Teases Sequel
When "Kick-Ass" premieres on April 13, audiences will not only be seeing one of the year's most-anticipated comic book movies, but they could also get the first look at what's in store "Kick-Ass 2."
The "Kick-Ass" sequel that writer Mark Millar said would begin shooting within two years already has a premise, and he says there will "definitely" be a follow-up. Though it's unknown whether Matthew Vaughn will return to direct or Marvel Entertainment's new Disney owners would distribute a sequel instead of Lionsgate, the miniseries' creator remains certain that "Kick-Ass 2" will happen.
"There's a basic plot," Millar told MTV News. "The series ends on a teaser for the next one, and the movie ends on that teaser, too."
Now that the first film is on its way to theaters, Millar has his eyes on a speedy follow-up, much like the soon-to-be-filmed sequel to his last theatrical success, "Wanted."
"We don't want to sound too cocky, but we know this is good," Millar said. "It didn't cost that much money to make. There will definitely be another one."
The "Kick-Ass" sequel that writer Mark Millar said would begin shooting within two years already has a premise, and he says there will "definitely" be a follow-up. Though it's unknown whether Matthew Vaughn will return to direct or Marvel Entertainment's new Disney owners would distribute a sequel instead of Lionsgate, the miniseries' creator remains certain that "Kick-Ass 2" will happen.
"There's a basic plot," Millar told MTV News. "The series ends on a teaser for the next one, and the movie ends on that teaser, too."
Now that the first film is on its way to theaters, Millar has his eyes on a speedy follow-up, much like the soon-to-be-filmed sequel to his last theatrical success, "Wanted."
"We don't want to sound too cocky, but we know this is good," Millar said. "It didn't cost that much money to make. There will definitely be another one."
Fox Takes on New Ron Howard Comedy
A new comedy from Ron Howard ("Arrested Development") set at an Internal Revenue Service district office has landed at Fox. The pilot will be written by Brent Forrester, writer/director of NBC's "The Office." Forrester and Howard are executive producing with Imagine's Brian Grazer and David Nevins.
"The one thing that unites all Americans is their suspicion and hatred for the IRS," Forrester said. "That makes the characters on the show underdogs, because outside the office everyone is suspicious of them."
The IRS agent at the center "is trying hard to believe that his job is good and noble and provides a very important, vital service," Forrester added. "In essence, it's a group of eclectic characters who have come to the job from different paths and who represent different points of view and different voices."
"The one thing that unites all Americans is their suspicion and hatred for the IRS," Forrester said. "That makes the characters on the show underdogs, because outside the office everyone is suspicious of them."
The IRS agent at the center "is trying hard to believe that his job is good and noble and provides a very important, vital service," Forrester added. "In essence, it's a group of eclectic characters who have come to the job from different paths and who represent different points of view and different voices."
EXCLUSIVE: 'We Don't Have Any Current Plans For Superman,' Says DC Entertainment President
On Friday, I spoke with the new head of DC Entertainment, Diane Nelson, who offered up some thoughts on how the recent changes in and around Warner Brothers will affect Superman, Batman and the rest of DC's stable of characters in comics, movies and various other media.
However, one particular portion of the interview seemed to merit its own post. While discussing some of the specific projects on the horizon for DC ("Ryan Reynolds can be anything he wants to be," said Nelson of the "Green Lantern" star's ability to play both Hal Jordan and the Marvel character Deadpool in upcoming films), the conversation eventually turned to one of the company's most iconic characters: Superman.
"We actually don't have any current plans for Superman," said Nelson when asked if the new environment (and the recent legal decision regarding the character) made a "Superman" movie more or less likely in the near future.
We recently ranked Superman as one of the most important properties for WB to prioritize in their new, movie-friendly arrangement regarding DC, so it was interesting to hear that the company currently has no plans for the Man of Steel.
Nelson then reiterated her stance on the lack of action on the Superman front, while acknowledging the character's importance in the DC universe.
"We've obviously done a lot of great things behind the property in our history, and it's a key part of the family, but we don't have current plans behind Superman," she said.
With rumored "Superman" director James McTeigue recently offering his own take on what he'd do with the Man of Steel if given the chance, Nelson's comments certainly call into question how far along any plans might be—and whether we'll believe a man can fly again any time soon.
However, one particular portion of the interview seemed to merit its own post. While discussing some of the specific projects on the horizon for DC ("Ryan Reynolds can be anything he wants to be," said Nelson of the "Green Lantern" star's ability to play both Hal Jordan and the Marvel character Deadpool in upcoming films), the conversation eventually turned to one of the company's most iconic characters: Superman.
"We actually don't have any current plans for Superman," said Nelson when asked if the new environment (and the recent legal decision regarding the character) made a "Superman" movie more or less likely in the near future.
We recently ranked Superman as one of the most important properties for WB to prioritize in their new, movie-friendly arrangement regarding DC, so it was interesting to hear that the company currently has no plans for the Man of Steel.
Nelson then reiterated her stance on the lack of action on the Superman front, while acknowledging the character's importance in the DC universe.
"We've obviously done a lot of great things behind the property in our history, and it's a key part of the family, but we don't have current plans behind Superman," she said.
With rumored "Superman" director James McTeigue recently offering his own take on what he'd do with the Man of Steel if given the chance, Nelson's comments certainly call into question how far along any plans might be—and whether we'll believe a man can fly again any time soon.
Jay Chandrasekhar to Helm Shotgun Wedding
Variety says that Jay Chandrasekhar will next direct the comedy Shotgun Wedding.
The script, co-written by the Super Troopers and Beerfest helmer and David Gilcreast, concerns an avowed bachelor who suddenly calls his friends to join him on a weekend trip for his wedding.
The shoot is planned for a November start in New Orleans.
The script, co-written by the Super Troopers and Beerfest helmer and David Gilcreast, concerns an avowed bachelor who suddenly calls his friends to join him on a weekend trip for his wedding.
The shoot is planned for a November start in New Orleans.
Galifianakis, Roberts in Talks for Funny Story
Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) and Emma Roberts are in talks to star in It's Kind of a Funny Story, a dramedy from Half Nelson writer-directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden at Focus Features.
The film, based on Ned Vizzini's young-adult novel, tells of a teenage boy who, after a bout of depression, is sent to a mental institution, where he ends up in the adult ward and meets a number of offbeat adults as well as a quirky teenage girl.
Galifianakis would play one of the main adult roles, while Roberts would star as the teenage love interest.
The film, based on Ned Vizzini's young-adult novel, tells of a teenage boy who, after a bout of depression, is sent to a mental institution, where he ends up in the adult ward and meets a number of offbeat adults as well as a quirky teenage girl.
Galifianakis would play one of the main adult roles, while Roberts would star as the teenage love interest.
Ratings: Did Kanye's Apology Help Boost Leno's Numbers?
The Jay Leno Show debuted with strong numbers, perhaps because the show featured the week's most talked-about celebrity: rapper Kanye West.
After two online apologies, West made apologized again on Leno's show for interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. Leno asked him what his late mother would have thought of the incident.
"Obviously, I deal with hurt, so many celebs, they don't take the time off; I've never taken the time off," West said. "I'm ashamed that my hurt caused someone else's hurt. ... If there's anything I can do to help Taylor in the future or help anyone, I want to."
NBC's 10 p.m. talk show pulled in 17.7 million total viewers and a 5.1 Nielsen rating in the key demos. The demo rating was 34 percent higher than the debut of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in June and 50 percent higher than Leno's Tonight Show finale. It also handily beat a repeat of CBS' CSI: Miami (6 million viwers) and Dreamgirls on ABC (4.3 million viwers).
While NBC executives are pleased with the numbers, they expect the nightly average to dip once other networks launch their fall schedules. "The fact that it opened so well is a great sign, but it's only one night," NBC CEO Jeff Zucker told The Hollywood Reporter. "There's a very long way to go from here. We'll judge this on 52 weeks, not one night."
After two online apologies, West made apologized again on Leno's show for interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. Leno asked him what his late mother would have thought of the incident.
"Obviously, I deal with hurt, so many celebs, they don't take the time off; I've never taken the time off," West said. "I'm ashamed that my hurt caused someone else's hurt. ... If there's anything I can do to help Taylor in the future or help anyone, I want to."
NBC's 10 p.m. talk show pulled in 17.7 million total viewers and a 5.1 Nielsen rating in the key demos. The demo rating was 34 percent higher than the debut of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in June and 50 percent higher than Leno's Tonight Show finale. It also handily beat a repeat of CBS' CSI: Miami (6 million viwers) and Dreamgirls on ABC (4.3 million viwers).
While NBC executives are pleased with the numbers, they expect the nightly average to dip once other networks launch their fall schedules. "The fact that it opened so well is a great sign, but it's only one night," NBC CEO Jeff Zucker told The Hollywood Reporter. "There's a very long way to go from here. We'll judge this on 52 weeks, not one night."
Monday, September 14, 2009
Michael Keaton, Eva Mendes, and Damon Wayans Jr. Join Will Ferrell’s The Other Guys
Filming on The Other Guys, the ‘10 cop comedy from writer/director Adam McKay (Step Brothers, Anchorman) rolls this month in New York, and today sees three new additions to the cast. Formerly entitled The B Team, I’m curious to see what McKay has up his twisted sleeve, because the buddy-cop formula isn’t just asthmatic, it’s cliche to the point of surreality, and he’ll also have Hot Fuzz to contend with.
The film stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg (hmm) as desk-assigned five-ohs; hardly any solid details about McKay’s script, written with pal Chris Henchy (Land of the Lost), have hit online and we don’t have a copy. Nor were details made available about the roles of Eva “iguanas and crack” Mendes, Damon Wayans Jr., and last but best, friggin’ Michael Keaton, who I’ve heard mentioned for another awesome comedy project recently.
There’s a bit of “because they’re both black” speculation today that Wayans Jr. might be playing a role previously attached to master-chef Craig Robinson. Robinson would play a competitive police partner to Rob Riggle, who also knows a thing or two about playing blockheaded macho-types. Here’s what McKay revealed to MTV about the plot…
“Basically the idea is that you have your star cops of New York City, picture like a Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson-type pair,” McKay explained. “They’re the guys who get all the car chases, all the girls. But this is the story of the guys in the desk next to them, the other guys. It’s Wahlberg, Ferrell and a big ensemble cast around them, in an action-comedy kinda crime movie.”
McKay has also mentioned in interviews that The Other Guys will be more grounded in reality and work as an action film. I look forward to hearing more specifics about Keaton’s role, as it would be great to see him sink his teeth into a fucked-up villain role, rather than as a peripheral cop a la Jackie Brown. In fact, the movie seems to play into McKay’s developing interest in shot-putting comedy into new genres, coinciding with a far-out-sounding sci-fi project he has on deck entitled Channel Three Billion. We’ll have more on The Other Guys as it comes in. One thing is for sure, the action concept aside, Ferrell hasn’t been mellowing out; his last two roles in Land of the Lost and in the smoke-a-bowl-watch-Comedy Central cult prospect, The Goods, were two of his strangest in years.
The film stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg (hmm) as desk-assigned five-ohs; hardly any solid details about McKay’s script, written with pal Chris Henchy (Land of the Lost), have hit online and we don’t have a copy. Nor were details made available about the roles of Eva “iguanas and crack” Mendes, Damon Wayans Jr., and last but best, friggin’ Michael Keaton, who I’ve heard mentioned for another awesome comedy project recently.
There’s a bit of “because they’re both black” speculation today that Wayans Jr. might be playing a role previously attached to master-chef Craig Robinson. Robinson would play a competitive police partner to Rob Riggle, who also knows a thing or two about playing blockheaded macho-types. Here’s what McKay revealed to MTV about the plot…
“Basically the idea is that you have your star cops of New York City, picture like a Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson-type pair,” McKay explained. “They’re the guys who get all the car chases, all the girls. But this is the story of the guys in the desk next to them, the other guys. It’s Wahlberg, Ferrell and a big ensemble cast around them, in an action-comedy kinda crime movie.”
McKay has also mentioned in interviews that The Other Guys will be more grounded in reality and work as an action film. I look forward to hearing more specifics about Keaton’s role, as it would be great to see him sink his teeth into a fucked-up villain role, rather than as a peripheral cop a la Jackie Brown. In fact, the movie seems to play into McKay’s developing interest in shot-putting comedy into new genres, coinciding with a far-out-sounding sci-fi project he has on deck entitled Channel Three Billion. We’ll have more on The Other Guys as it comes in. One thing is for sure, the action concept aside, Ferrell hasn’t been mellowing out; his last two roles in Land of the Lost and in the smoke-a-bowl-watch-Comedy Central cult prospect, The Goods, were two of his strangest in years.
Disney Announces The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made
At Disney’s D23 fan convention, Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook officially announced that they will be actively developing a new Muppet movie, which will be titled The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made. And for those wondering, this is the screenplay written by Forgetting Sarah Marshall scribe/star Jason Segel.
I had previously heard that the project was titled The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made. The new title is a reference to an old unproduced film idea by Jim Henson which involved Gonzo blowing the movie budget on the opening credits resulting in the remainder of the feature film being shot in the same back lot, clumsily redressed to look like different locations from around the world.
The new film won’t likely feature the same storyline, as Segel has said that his story follows the Muppets, who must unite to save the Muppet Theater from an evil oil tycoon. As it turns out, the old theater its on top of some black gold. It is possible , but doubtful, that the screenplay could be rewritten to take on the concept of the old Henson idea.
I had previously heard that the project was titled The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made. The new title is a reference to an old unproduced film idea by Jim Henson which involved Gonzo blowing the movie budget on the opening credits resulting in the remainder of the feature film being shot in the same back lot, clumsily redressed to look like different locations from around the world.
The new film won’t likely feature the same storyline, as Segel has said that his story follows the Muppets, who must unite to save the Muppet Theater from an evil oil tycoon. As it turns out, the old theater its on top of some black gold. It is possible , but doubtful, that the screenplay could be rewritten to take on the concept of the old Henson idea.
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Gets Subtitle “On Stranger Tides”, Set for Summer 2011
At the D23 Disney Fan Expo, Walt Disney Studios unveiled the logo/title for the fourth film in the Pirates of the Caribbean series: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. No plot details have been revealed. What might “On Stranger Tides” mean?
Johnny Depp, who was on hand for the annoucnement, will reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Erik Davis has noticed that a pirate novel with the title “On Stranger Tides” exists, although it is unknown if it is related to the new Disney film. Here is the synopsis from the novel:
Puppeteer John Chandagnac, bound for Jamaica to recover stolen money from his uncle, becomes Jack Shandy after pirates attack his ship and force him to join their crew. Shandy’s struggle to accept his new life grounds the story for readers, even as Blackbeard and vodun magicians whisk everyone away to dreamlike lands where the Fountain of Youth itself awaits. The chaotic sea battles sing, though at times key events happen so quickly that they get lost in the shuffle as Jack tries to comprehend where he’s going and what’s at stake.
Most people expect the fourth film to follow Sparrow’s adventure to find the Fountain of Youth, a treasure revealed at the conclusion of the third film.
The fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is gearing up to begin shooting around April or May 2010 for a tenative Summer 2011 release. Disney has previously said that the plan is for Pirates 4 to “hopefully be the first of another trilogy,” which would be shot by itself, and not back-to-back like the previous Pirates sequels. No word on who will direct the new film. Series helmer Gore Verbinski was originally attached to another Pirates film, but left to direct a big screen adaptation of the video game Bioshock. But as you probably know by now, Bioshock got passed to another filmmaker.
Johnny Depp, who was on hand for the annoucnement, will reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Erik Davis has noticed that a pirate novel with the title “On Stranger Tides” exists, although it is unknown if it is related to the new Disney film. Here is the synopsis from the novel:
Puppeteer John Chandagnac, bound for Jamaica to recover stolen money from his uncle, becomes Jack Shandy after pirates attack his ship and force him to join their crew. Shandy’s struggle to accept his new life grounds the story for readers, even as Blackbeard and vodun magicians whisk everyone away to dreamlike lands where the Fountain of Youth itself awaits. The chaotic sea battles sing, though at times key events happen so quickly that they get lost in the shuffle as Jack tries to comprehend where he’s going and what’s at stake.
Most people expect the fourth film to follow Sparrow’s adventure to find the Fountain of Youth, a treasure revealed at the conclusion of the third film.
The fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is gearing up to begin shooting around April or May 2010 for a tenative Summer 2011 release. Disney has previously said that the plan is for Pirates 4 to “hopefully be the first of another trilogy,” which would be shot by itself, and not back-to-back like the previous Pirates sequels. No word on who will direct the new film. Series helmer Gore Verbinski was originally attached to another Pirates film, but left to direct a big screen adaptation of the video game Bioshock. But as you probably know by now, Bioshock got passed to another filmmaker.
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