Chick 1 says:

A few days ago I reported that Robert Downey Jr had dropped out of the scifi-western Cowboys & Aliens due to a scheduling conflict with the Sherlock Holmes sequel.  His replacement has been announced and it is…. (drum roll)… Daniel Craig.  I’m a fan of Daniel Craig’s.  I had never been a huge fan of the James Bond series but Craig & director Martin Campbell won me over when they rebooted with Casino Royale &, in my opinion, Quantum of Solace was even better.  But I’m not sure how this will work with Cowboys & Aliens.  Craig always seems very stern & broody, which has worked for him but it seems that this project might require a sense of humor that is more in line with Downey’s persona.  I’m certainly willing to give Craig the benefit of the doubt and see what he turns out. Also, I’m willing to trust Jon Favreau who has proved himself a capable director.  Cowboys & Aliens is due to be released in 2011.

Some shocking and not so shocking news from the roster of upcoming films.

Spiderman 4 is not happening.  Director Sam Raimi has left the project and the franchise and as a result, so has Tobey Maguire et al.  Sony and Columbia plan to reboot the series, sending Peter Parker back to high school.  There’s a nice article about these developments over at Cinematical.com. 

I have to say I’m relieved.  I really enjoyed the first two movies and Maguire was a perfect Parker.  But it was obvious in Spiderman 3 that the franchise was falling prey to the Hollywood machine.  The script was all over the place and performances seemed phoned in. 

Now the comment boards are abuzz with fan based ideas on who should be the next Spidey.    Among the contenders are Zac Efron(I think he can act but he might be too pretty), Jim Sturgess (he’s got the look), Anton Yelchin (a personal fav but don’t steal him away from Star Trek!), Daniel Radcliffe (hmmm…I don’t know, not sure he wants another franchise or to go back to high school), Robert Pattinson (just stop it now), Jake Gyllenhaal (who almost replaced Maguire before but I think hes’ too old now), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (LUV him…maybe),  and Josh Hutcherson (whom you’ve seen in kid roles like Bridge to Terabithia, he might be ripe for a high school role).

Who do you think should be the next Spiderman?

A couple of rumors floating around tinsel town.  These are very early so they may never materialize.

Old News: These days it seems anything from old TV shows to video games to board games to amusement park rides is up for translation to the big screen. There have even been whispers of a Facebook movie which I thought had to have been one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever heard. But recently a script has surfaced, at Forbes of all places, by none other than Aaron Sorkin. You’re probably familiar with a few of his smaller projects…like West Wing and A Few Good Men. He’s really a talented smart writer and the story is apparently about Facebook founder, not just the site, so it could have some serious potential.

New News: And from the yummy department, there’s a new rumor that George Clooney has expressed an interest in picking up the abandoned Jack Ryan franchise with himself in the lead and is looking for a writer. I personally don’t think the franchise has ever reached its full potential even with the rather large collection of dashing men to play Ryan.  Alec Baldwin was my favorite Jack, in one of his few good guy roles, and The Hunt for Red October was a fantastic movie.  I didn’t think any of the following movies were as good.  I certainly like Harrison Ford in the role but always missed Baldwin.  I have recently watched Patriot Games on TV several times and the movie & Ford’s Jack are growing on me.  Sum of All Fears was, in my opinion, mediocre.  Sorry, Ben.  But I think Clooney could have what it takes.  He’s the proper age; no more youthful Ryans, he can act, and he can carry intensity.  We’ll see about the action.  I hope this is one rumor that proves true.

The Avengers universe is taking shape & Hollywood just can’t resist mining the depths of classic TV.

Old News: In case you don’t know, The Avengers is Marvel Comics answer to DC Comics’ Justice League. Among the Avengers is Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Thor. And, unless you haven’t been to the theater in five years, you may have noticed that some of these characters have been the subject of some pretty successful movies. Marvel has been using these individual movies to shape not just individual franchises but an inclusive Avenger franchise.

If you’ll notice, there were strategically placed cameos and hints in the first two movies, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr as  Tony Stark in The Incredible Hulk.  There was also a glimpse of Captain America’s shield in Tony’s workshop in Iron Man. 

Personally, I don’t think it will work.  To a non-comic book reader like me, there are some pretty hysterical superheros in the Avengers (Ant-man, Wasp, anyone?).  On top of that, the movies released so far have created their own universes that I don’t think will mesh well.  I didn’t think the Tony Stark cameo in The Incredible Hulk worked and there’s no way that the Hulk credibly exists in the world that Jon Favreau created for Iron Man.

The next Avenger to get the big screen is Thor. I can’t help but giggle a bit. I’m sure the fanboys are offended by my attitude but… Thor? All I can think about is Vincent D’Onofrio as Thor in Adventures in Babysitting (yes, Vincent D’Onofrio). The good news is that it’s being directed by Kenneth Branagh. And a few weeks ago, the casting of Thor was announced, Chris Hemsworth. You know him as…Captain Kirk’s daddy. Works for me.

New News:  They’re making an A-Team movie.  Now this is a cheesy TV movie I can get behind.  And check out the first two casting announcements: Liam Neeson as Hannibal Smith and Bradley Cooper as Face.  Yum, yum.  So, who do you think should fill out the team as Howling Mad Murdock and B.A. Baracus?

Chick 1 says:

Here’s a tidbit for Chick 2.  There still may be another Lemony Snicket movie.  Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is a series of children’s books.  In 2004 a movie of the same name was released starring Jim Carrey, directed by Brad Siberling, and based upon the first 3 books in the series.  I had read several of the books and enjoyed them but didn’t know if they could be adapted.  They are extremely clever, if morose, and emphasize the intelligence of both the three siblings who are at the center of the stories and of the readers.  And I love that vocabulary lessons are hidden throughout their adventures.  I was pleasantly surprised by the movie.  The script maintained the attitude and cleverness of the books, the art direction had the appropriate quirkiness, and the entire cast was great, especially Carrey as the villianous Count Olaf.  (“Soda. Soda. Banana.”)  But the movie didn’t fare well at the box office and apparently plans for a sequel were scraped, which amazes me considering Hollywood’s love affair with the sequel.  (I’m certain there’s a studio exec out there who thinks Titanic 2 is the greatest idea ever.)  But now,  Siberling says that another Lemony Snicket movie may be on the way.  This is exciting but he also says it will be in a wildly different form.  Hmmm.  I thought they did a great job the first time around and certainly hope that Carrey will still be involved.  The bummer is that the original actors who played the children are far too old now to reprise their roles.  You can read the quote from Siberling here.  Check out the trailer for the original below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWB1HGnA3tA]

A few little points of interest from development land.

Old News: I’ve mentioned my excitement over the upcoming sequel to Emma Thompson’s Nanny McPhee here.  Last month we learned that Maggie Gyllenhaal has been cast in the project.  I think Maggie is delightful and I’m so glad to see her joining Emma.  There aren’t any details on her part but my completely uneducated guess is that she’ll be playing the mother of the family that needs Nanny McPhee’s touch.

New News: Blue Man Group is getting a movie.  No, really.  And not just a concert movie but a real movie with a story and everything.  I’ve never seen the Group in concert so I really have no idea where this could go.  Let’s hope they’re just as creative with the movie as they have been with their act.

More New News: Following my obsession with all things fairy tale, comes news that Bruce Willis has taken the lead in a movie called Grimm.  He plays a cop in a New England town who tries to uncover the key to a series of fairy tale related deaths.  While I’m always for an inventive way to tell a fairy tale, I’m not bowled over by the plot.  I hope it’s not just another horror movie, although I don’t really see Bruce Willis doing a run of the mill horror movie.  I might be cautious about this project because of the Terry Gilliam film The Brothers Grimm, starring Matt Damon and the late Heath Ledger.  I hated that movie.  It tried to be a dark comedy but I didn’t think it ever struck the right tone.  Hopefully, this one will fare better. (Besides, I think Willis is pretty much the sexiest man in Hollywood.  He can smirk at me anyday!)

Some tidbits from the world of upcoming projects.

New & Old News:  Struggling to get on its feet is an on again/off again Robin Hood production called Nottingham that has the potential to be awesome if it can get its act together.  It currently has Ridley Scott attached to direct and his old pal Russell Crowe to star.  There was a rumor circulating for a while that Crowe would actually play both Robin Hood and the Sherriff of Nottingham but the movie is apparently moving in a more traditional direction now with Crowe only playing the hero.  This week we learned Cate Blanchett (who I think is perfection in anything she’s in) has been cast as Maid Marion.  This just gets better & better!  I’m rooting for ya, Ridley!  I know you can push this through pre-production & make it great!

Old News: The revolving door at Iron Man 2 continues to spin.  Emily Blunt has been pulled out by Fox due to her commitment to Gulliver’s Travels.  Rumors have surfaced that she might be replaced by Scarlett Johansson.  I’ve never minded Johansson but that seems like a downgrade to me.  I am disappointed.  Then there were rumors that Samuel L. Jackson, on whom the character of Nick Fury is actually based, had pulled out because he was offered too little cash.  Now, not only is he back in, but he’s signed a crazy 9 picture deal with Marvel to play Nick Fury in a variety of Avenger themed pictures.  Finally, Mickey Rourke, in or out?  Similar rumors here said he was insulted by the amount he was offered & that Marvel was waiting to see if he won an Oscar thereby increasing his asking power. We still don’t know if he’ll be joining the fun.

A note to Jon Favreau, et al – you’re making me nervous, guys!

File these under “I Hope They Know What They’re Doing.”

Old & New News:  There is no shortage of rumors surrounding the casting of Iron Man 2.  We’ve already discussed the replacement of Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle here.  Added to the mix is Tim Robbins as Stark’s dad, obviously in flashbacks.  That could work.  I like that they keep casting “serious” actors in a superhero movie. 

That’s part of what made the 1st one work.  But things get a little messy when we look at potential villians.  Fasten your seatbelts, folks.  So far we have heard:

1. John Cho as the Mandarin.  I like Cho.  He might fit just fine.

2. Tommy Chong as the Mandarin’s father.  O…kay, I’m open minded.

3. Mickey Rourke as the Crimson Dynamo.  Again, glad to see they are casting great talent, but Rourke with Downey might end up competing for the title of Comeback Kid.

4. Sam Rockwell as a competitor of Stark’s.  That could be great if not overdone.  Rockwell could easily be on par with Downey’s talent & charisma.

5. Emily Blunt as the Black Widow/Stark’s assistant.  I like Blunt & would love to see her in a blockbuster.  We know that Gwyneth Paltrow, who played Tony’s assistant/love interest in the 1st, is returning for the sequel so this makes for interesting news.  ****Spoilers follow**** There has already been talk of the writers following the storyline that has Pepper leaving the company & marrying Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), thus setting off Stark’s descent in alcoholism.  This definitely points to that direction.****Spoilers end****

Here’s my concern.  Too many villains.  Hopefully, these are mostly rumors surrounding a very hot pic but it is starting to sound like Batman & Robin.  (The horror!!!)  Maybe the powers that be are just setting up villains to come as they plan for a longer franchise.  This worked in the Spiderman movies with minor characters like Peter’s professor & MJ’s fiance poised to become villains in future installments.  Maybe some of these parts in Iron Man 2 will be small cameos.  I hope so cause it’s getting awfully crowded on set.

New News: They are remaking The Karate Kid.  I know.  Don’t get me started.  That rant can wait for another blog.  Will Smith’s son, Jaden, who starred with his dad in The Pursuit of Happyness, has been cast in the title role.  I have mixed feelings about that.  Jaden did a fine job in that movie but I don’t know that he has the charisma or the acting chops to carry a movie. 

Also on the maybe-but-I-don’t-know front is the casting of Jackie Chan as Mr. Miyagi.  Chan is the closest to a real superhero I’ve seen.  Obviously he can handle the martial arts and he is also pretty funny.  He knows how to play to his strengths as the underdog you want to root for.  He might be fine in this role but I have to wonder if he can bring the wisdom & angst that Pat Morita brought to it.  I guess we’ll find out.

Chick 1 says:

A few more projects in development that have piqued my interest. Apparently, this week the theme is Harry Potter.

Old News: I’ve been mildly interested in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, currently filming in London.  Naturally, it features Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter but when Alan Rickman (Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series) was announced as the Caterpillar, I was completely sold.  I adore Rickman and would pay to watch him sort socks.  This movie has officially been moved to my I Can’t Wait list.  Check out the rest of this cast: Mia Wasikowska as Alice (Thank heavens Burton was original enough to cast someone besides Dakota Fanning or Abigail Breslin!  Yes, they’re talented but they’re not the only fish in the sea.), Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Michael Sheen as the Cheshire Cat, & Crispin Glover as the Knave of Hearts.  Yes, this will be weird but it could also be freakin’ awesome!

New News: Another person on my List of People I Would Pay to Watch Sort Socks is Emma Thompson.  She’s an amazing actress but an even better writer.  Her Oscar-winning adaptation of Sense & Sensibility had a huge impact on me.  It was published along with her production diaries which are very funny.  What I love about Thompson is that she combines that famous dry British wit with a surprisingly sentimental bent. 

She has played the near-sighted seer, Professor Trelawney, in the Harry Potter series and while she appears in the upcoming 6th installment, she has announced that she will not return for the 2-part finale.  Instead she will focus on writing, producing, & starring in a sequel to Nanny McPhee which she also wrote, produced, & starred in.  I can’t say I’m too disappointed.  Trelawney is a minor character in the Potter series &, if I remember the books correctly, her most important revelation occurs in the 6th book (or maybe it was book 5 & they left it out of the movie).  Anyway, Nanny McPhee is one of my favorite movies; an almost perfect fairy tale, a Mary Poppins for a new generation.  Just like Sense & Sensibility, Thompson adapted it from a book.  It’s funny, charming, romantic, and has the most creative, quirkiest art direction I’ve seen in a long time.  If you have not seen it, I highly recommend renting it!

Here are some recent (& not so recent) tidbits on casting upcoming projects.  Enjoy.

New News – Iron Man 2:  So reports are out that Terrence Howard is not returning to Iron Man 2 but will be replaced by Don Cheadle.  My first temper-tantrum like reaction is, “NOOOOOOOOOOO!  NOOOOOOO….. wait…Don…Don Cheadle…….that….that could be…..cool.”  While Robert Downey Jr’s performance & Jon Favreau’s direction & commitment to invisible CGI were the top reasons for Iron Man’s success, Downey was also backed up by a solid supporting cast.  I enjoyed Howard as Stark’s friend & military liaison James Rhodes, especially seeing a high ranking colonel with his strange little girl voice.  But let’s face it, Don Cheadle is an amazing actor & can easily fill & maybe even improve the role.  While I will miss what Howard would have done as War Machine, I very much look forward to seeing what Cheadle will do.

In a side note, while on tour promoting Tropic Thunder, RDJ reported that when the first pictures of him in black-face came out, Cheadle called him & asked, “Are you playing the black me?”

Old & New News – Sherlock Holmes: More RDJ related news – he’s currently starring in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes in London with Jude Law as his Watson.  During the casting phase, rumors circulated & were promptly shot down that Russell Crowe might play Professor Moriarty.  It appears that Moriarty is not a part of this story but when asked about the character at a London press conference, EmpireOnline reports that Downey responded with huge grin.  Here’s my theory: wouldn’t Crowe in a cameo as Moriarty be delicious?  And what a nice teaser for following installments.  Heehee.

Here are some recent set photos of Downey & Law, & of Holmes apparently in disguise.

Old News – Spiderman 4 & 5 (I’m not kidding): A couple of weeks ago it was announced that Kirsten Dunst is returning for Spiderman 4 & 5.  Tobey Maguire & Sam Raimi were already signed.  Seriously, people, doesn’t America have enough troubles right now without subjecting us to 2 more Spiderman movies?  Don’t get me wrong.  I really liked the 1st Spiderman movie.  It gave me quite the Tobey Maguire crush.  And Spiderman 2 was one of those rare sequels that’s actually better than the original.  But I think Spiderman 3 can best be summed up by the moment my sister leaned over to me & whispered, “What are they doing?”  What were they doing? 

I might be open to more sequels if I felt the love from the cast.  But I remember a series of clips that E Channel’s The Soup ran during the press tours for Spiderman 3.  They were various snippets of Maguire & Dunst promoting the film & sounding completely bored with the whole process.  And I believe that boredom showed up on the big screen.  Come on Hollywood, do we really need these movies?  And please don’t make Tobey Maguire dance anymore.  It physically hurts me to watch.

New News – Star Trek: My sister (that’s Chick 2 to you) has been teasing me about what she thinks is my sudden Star Trek obsession.  While I am a huge fantasy geek, I’ve never really been a Trekkie.  But I have been completely fascinated by the casting in J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the series.  There are so many interesting & up & coming actors in the movie.  New pics were released today.  Have a peek.  Yes, that’s Simon Pegg in the “red shirt” but the highlight for me is the yummy Karl Urban.