Tag Archives: movie notes

Ben Stiller confirms ‘Zoolander 2’

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You guys ready for some really ridiculously good news?  Ben Stiller has confirmed to Empire Magazine that a sequel to 2001’s Zoolander is well on its way to actually being made!  He’s teaming up with director Justin Theroux again, and Owen Wilson’s Hansel will be back.  The script, written by Stiller and Theroux, is complete and now they’re waiting to hear back from the studio.  It’s not much but here’s what Stiller spilled, plot-wise: “It’s ten years later and most of it is set in Europe. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s basically Derek and Hansel ten years later – though the last movie ended on a happy note a lot of things have happened in the meantime. Their lives have changed and they’re not really relevant anymore. It’s a new world for them.”  Will the hilarious and villainous Mugatu make a return?  “Will Ferrell is written into the script and he’s expressed interest in doing it,” Stiller shares. “I think Mugatu is an integral part of the Zoolander story, so yes, he features in a big way.”  Woot!  And last, in the rumor mill sits a cameo by Lady Gaga.  She is a prominent figure in today’s fashion industry, so it would make sense for her to appear in the Zoolander universe, so we’ll see.  Keep it right here for the latest Zoolander 2 developments.  Now strike a pose–Blue Steel!

[Via EmpireOnline]

Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ prequel is now ‘Prometheus’

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Back in the summer of 2007, director Ridley Scott made it official that he was on board to helm a prequel feature film to his original 1979 cult classic Alien.  What has been referred to as “The Alien prequel” since then has suddenly morphed into something new and quite original.  Today studio-backer 20th Century Fox came out and formally announced the film as Prometheus and tacked on a March 9th, 2012 release date.

While the film will contain some “Alien DNA”, says Scott, it will explore new themes.  “While Alien was indeed the jumping off point for this project, out of the creative process evolved a new, grand mythology and universe in which this original story takes place. The keen fan will recognize strands of Alien’s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative. I couldn’t be more pleased to have found the singular tale I’d been searching for, and finally return to this genre that’s so close to my heart.”

Damon Lindelof (Lost, Star Trek) has been working closing with Scott on the script.  “In a world flooded with prequels, sequels and reboots, I was incredibly struck by just how original Ridley’s vision was for this movie,” says Lindelof. “It’s daring, visceral and hopefully, the last thing anyone expects. When I sat in a movie theater as a kid, feet raised off the floor for fear that something might grab my ankles, I never dreamed in my wildest imagination I would one day get to collaborate with the man responsible for it. Working alongside him has been nothing short of a dream come true.”

As for casting, only Noomi Rapace has been signed on to play scientist Elizabeth Shaw and Fox says other roles “would be cast soon.”  I’m really looking forward to Prometheus.  If you recall, the three Alien sequels were helmed by different directors (James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, respectively), and so I’m intrigued that Scott is so confident he can inject new life into his original creation.

[Via Deadline]

Jon Favreau steps away from Iron Man franchise

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Sources confirm that Jon Favreau will not direct Iron Man 3.  But why?  Vulture broke the news and they speculate: A) Creative differences: Favreau is “frustrated with Marvel’s urge to stuff more of their in-house heroes into the next film in the wake of The Avengers.”  B) Financial reasons: Favreau is said to have made $10 million for the Iron Man 2 and a hefty raise would likely be necessary to keep him on board.  C) A mix of both A & B.  Vulture goes on to say that a source close to “Marvel’s playbook” think that “the company had been pushing a confusing and packed vision of the third film as a tactic to provoke Favreau into leaving the project.”  Whatever the reason, Favreau is out and apparently he left the team under amicable terms.  Shortly after this news hit the web he tweeted, “It’s true, I’m directing Magic Kingdom, not Iron Man 3. I’ve had a great run with Marvel and wish them the best.”  Marvel is currently in the process of finding a new helmer, and it’s worthy to note that star Robert Downey Jr. has contractual approval over the director of the film so he’ll have a hand in the decision.  Iron Man 3 is still on track for a May 3, 2013.  Favreau is putting the final touches on Cowboys and Aliens and he’s still signed on as a producer for The Avengers.

[Via Vulture; IGN]

Trailer: Cowboys & Aliens (this will blow your pants off)

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Jon Favreau, Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Damon Lindelof.  What do all these names have in common?  Each of them serve a pivotal role in the making of Cowboys & Indians, an upcoming sci-fi western.  Yes, a SCI-FI WESTERN.  It is COWBOYS VERSUS ALIENS.  And the human regime is led by the dashing Daniel Craig, the sexy Olivia Wilde, and in a villainous role the veteran Harrison Ford.  The flick is based on a 2006 graphic novel created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg.  Until now this movie has been shrouded in secrecy; only bits and pieces were shown at this year’s Comic Con.  But hot damn does this trailer impress.  Lone cowboy Jake Lonergan (Craig), equipped with some foreign weapon attached to his arm, is ready to take on a full scale alien invasion set in the wild west.  Um, where do I line up?  Right–the movie releases July 29, 2011.  Check out some awesome stills in the gallery below.

[Stills via IGN]

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Trailer: Green Lantern

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Today Warner Bros. released the first full length trailer for Green Lantern, a Martin Campbell directed sci-fi extravaganza based on the DC Comic of the same name.  Ryan Reynolds is Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern, a test pilot who is granted a green ring that gives him awesome superpowers.  In addition to this fast action trailer, which includes just the right amount of aliens and superhero spankage, the studio released this synopsis:

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.

Green Lantern releases wide June 17, 2011.  Download the trailer in HD, courtesy of Apple.  And oh yeah, today Reynolds was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive.  Do what you will with that bit of information.

Trailer: ‘Winnie the Pooh’

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That’s right, people.  Winnie the Pooh and company are making their way back to the silver screen for the first time in over 35 years.  Disney brought back original animator Burny Mattinson (who will serve as senior story artist) to capture the classic essence that made everything so perfect about the original incarnation of Pooh and all the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood.  The film is co-directed by Stephen Anderson (Meet the Robinsons) and Don Hall (The Princess and the Frog).  Craig Ferguson, Tom Kenny, and Bud Luckey lend their voices to the 2D animated film.  Zooey Deschanel is set to sing the new version of the “Winnie the Pooh” theme song.  You want a synopsis?  You got it:

Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh,” the first big-screen Pooh adventure from Disney animation in more than 35 years. With the charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail.

Inspired by five stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art style, the film reunites audiences with the [honey]-loving, philosophical bear and friends Eeyore, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet and Owl in a wild quest to save [their friend] Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some hunny.

If the first trailer sitting above does not make you immediately tingle all over and feel so warm and fuzzy inside, there’s something clearly wrong with you.  Because Disney made the right decision of holding onto the original 2D animation (instead of opting for today’s 3D in-your-face pseudo-standard), this movie will undoubtedly hit all the right notes and shoot a wave of nostalgia goodness across our minds.  I highly anticipate the return of Pooh-bear; do you?

Winnie the Pooh hits theatres July 15, 2011.  Check out some beautifully crafted stills in the gallery below.

[Via CNET; JoBlo; @brianrudlof]

The Muppets are coming back to the big screen in a big way

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Here’s your very first glimpse into the first Muppets movie made for the big screen in eleven long years.  Take it all in…

Now let’s talk deets.  James Bobin (of Flight of the Conchords fame) is set to direct and Jason Segel (I Love You, Man, How I Met Your Mother) will executive produce, write (with Nicholas Stoller), and star in the film.  Segel happens to be a big fan of Jim Henson and his furry creations.  “We’ve worked really hard to stay true to the original spirit of the Muppets,” said Segel.  “We’ve missed the same thing everyone else has been missing.”  Here’s a leaked synopsis:

The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time is about Gary, Mary, and Walter (a man, his girlfriend, and the man’s life-long nondescript, brown puppet best friend) getting the old Muppet gang — now retired entertainers known for the same Muppet show we know them from — together to save the TV studio that the original show was shot in. A villain, Tex Richman (nice name, on par with Doc Hopper), bent on drilling for oil underneath the studio, is due to take over the studio in weeks and the only way to stop him? Putting on a show that draws ten million viewers.

Segel will star as the human lead Gary, Amy Adams is Mary, and Walter–who happens to be a brand new Muppet addition–will be voiced by Paul Rudd.  (FYI, Walter is the iPhone-wielding Muppet in the image above.)  Tex the antagonist will be voiced by Chris Cooper.  Rashida Jones is locked in, too.  Beyond that almost all the other information surrounding this movie is pure speculation.  But let’s add to that conversation!  Other potential guest voices include: Kristen Schaal, Jack Black, Donald Glover, Jane Lynch, Danny Trejo, Zach Galifianakis, and Lady Gaga.  And guess who’s rumored to play Gaga’s entourage?  John Krasinski (The Office), Ed Helms (The Hangover), and Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family).  Yeah.  This might just turn out to be the greatest Muppet movie of all time after all.

Production started in September, and Disney plans to release it wide Christmas 2011.

[Via EW; CinemaBlend; TheFilmStage]

James Cameron signs on for ‘Avatar 2’ & ‘3’ through the year 2015

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The highest grossing film of all time is getting the sequel and three-quel treatment within the next five years.  Today Twentieth Century Fox announced that visionary director James Cameron will take on Avatar 2 & 3 as his next two films.  Cameron will begin writing the script for the sequel “early next year” and production will begin “later in 2011.”  He may shoot the films back-to-back, but he will not make this decision until both scripts are finalized.  The sequel is targeted for a December 2014 release, and the third film will follow one year later in 2015.

Though Cameron was looking forward to shooting Cleopatra with Angelina Jolie in 2012, he is very excited to get the opportunity to plunge back into Pandora and consume himself with its inhabitants over the next five years.  “It is a rare and remarkable opportunity when a filmmaker gets to build a fantasy world, and watch it grow, with the resources and partnership of a global media company. AVATAR was conceived as an epic work of fantasy – a world that audiences could visit, across all media platforms, and this moment marks the launch of the next phase of that world. With two new films on the drawing boards, my company and I are embarking on an epic journey with our partners at Twentieth Century Fox. Our goal is to meet and exceed the global audience’s expectations for the richness of AVATAR’s visual world and the power of the storytelling. In the second and third films, which will be self contained stories that also fulfill a greater story arc, we will not back off the throttle of AVATAR’s visual and emotional horsepower, and will continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world. I’m looking forward to returning to Pandora, a world where our imaginations can run wild.”

[Via Deadline]

The next Batman movie is called…

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The Dark Knight Rises.  Got a nice ring to it, yeah?  In an interview with the LA Times, director Christopher Nolan revealed the film’s title and also checked off a potential (and oft-rumored) villain.  “It won’t be the Riddler,” he said.  So let the speculation continue!  In addition, Nolan was happy to report that Warner Bros. is on board with his anti-3D proposal to release the next Batman using HD and IMAX cameras only.  The followup to The Dark Knight is expected to hit theatres in 2012.

[Via LATimes]

Piranha 3D sequel gets titled, director and writers announced, already being worked on

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Piranha 3D splashed into theatres last summer, surprisingly cashing in a worldwide gross of $71 million (it cost about $40 million to produce and market).  After a strong opening weekend performance at the box office, Dimension Films announced a sequel would be on its way.  Today Dimension announced the creative team behind the sequel now officially titled Piranha 3DD (get it? boobies!).  John Gulager will direct and Saw 3D scribes Melton and Marcus Dunstan will pen the script.  Gulager, Melton, and Dunstan worked together in the past on Dimension horror flick Feast, a film that was featured in the show Project Greenlight.  No word on why Piranha 3D director Alexandre Aja dropped out of the project.  I hope the new team has the creative umph to bring back the perfect summer movie tongue-in-cheek bloody fun the original so successfully made famous and enjoyable.  Dimension does not want to miss a summer release; as long as the writers can pump out a timely script, you can expect 3DD to hit theatres this August.

[Via Deadline]

It’s (finally) official: Peter Jackson will direct ‘The Hobbit’ [Update: Martin Freeman cast as Bilbo]

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Peter Jackson, the man who helmed the Lord of the Rings trilogy movie adaptations will be back to direct the two-part prequel series The Hobbit.  Originally Jackson was going to serve as executive producer with Guillermo del Toro as director.  But when MGM’s financial woes forced production delays del Toro decided to back out of the project leaving the director spot open for some time.  Since the beginning of last summer it had been rumored that Jackson would take control of the reigns again, and today Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, and MGM finally confirmed it.  In a statement Jackson said, “Exploring Tolkien’s Middle-earth goes way beyond a normal film-making experience.  It’s an all-immersive journey into a very special place of imagination, beauty and drama.  We’re looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo – and our friends at New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM”.

The Hobbit will be cut up into two parts (as originally planned by del Toro) and will be shot in 3D.  Principal photography begins in February 2011.  Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, and Hugo Weaving are locked in to reprise their roles as Gandalf, Gollum and Elrond, respectively.  It has not been confirmed whether or not Ian Holm will return to star as Bilbo Baggins.

Update (10/21): Casting news!  Martin Freeman (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Hot Fuzz) is Bilbo Baggins.  The following actors comprise Bilbo’s Company of Dwarves who set forth to reclaim a treasure from a dangerous dragon: Richard Armitage (MI-5, Captain America: The First Avenger) is Thorin Oakenshield, leader of the Company of Dwarves; Aidan Turner (Being Human) and Rob Kazinsky (EastEnders) will play Kili and Fili; Graham McTavish (Secretariat) is Dwalin, John Callen (Power Rangers Jungle Fury) is Oin; Stephen Hunter (All Saints) is Bombur, Mark Hadlow (King Kong) is Dori, and Peter Hambleton (The Strip) is Gloin.

Peter Jackson on Freeman as Baggins: “Despite the various rumors and speculation surround this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us.  There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin.  He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave — exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit.”

[Via EW; Wiki; Deadline]

Emma Stone nabs female lead in Spider-Man reboot

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After days of speculation, Sony Pictures has confirmed that Emma Stone will in fact play the lead female role in Marc Webb’s Spider-Man reboot.  It’s just not the role you think.  Stone (Superbad, Zombieland, Easy A) is set to play Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s first love–not Mary Jane Watson.  That character has yet to be cast.  Director Webb shared his thoughts on the casting: “The chemistry between Andrew and Emma was stunning and made Emma the clear choice. At the heart of the story of Peter Parker is not only the amazing Spider-Man, but also an ordinary teenager who is wondering what he has to do to get the girl. Andrew and Emma will bring everything audiences expect to these roles, but also make them their own. Much to my surprise, it was fun to find out that our choice for Gwen (Emma) is also a natural blonde.”  Spider-Man begins production this December and it’s slated to release in 3D on July 3, 2012.

[Via Deadline]