Author: Shawn Madden

Comic enthusiast. Lover of Mexican food. Movie watcher. Destroyer of worlds. Or...something like that.

‘Looper’: The 16-Bit Trailer!

by Shawn Madden

Who doesn’t like seeing stuff that they love reinterpreted in 8-bit and 16-bit form? Well, how about something that we don’t love yet but I am pretty sure we are going to? Take a look at what Looper would look like if it was still the 90’s and we were getting movie adaptations for our Super Nintendo. This fan made trailer for the upcoming movie is pretty damn awesome and I would totally play the hell out of this game.

In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. The film is written and directed by Rian Johnson and also stars Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels. Ram Bergman and James D. Stern produce.

Looper hits theaters September 28th!

Source: Slash Film

Geekscape Comics: The Weekly Pull List For The Week Of August 29th!

by Shawn Madden

Every week there’s plenty of titles that hit your local comic shop. Maybe you’re having a hard time deciding which issues to pick up this week? Or maybe you just want to check out something that you’re not reading yet? Well, have no fears long box junkies…I am here to help you out with The Weekly Pull List. Every week I will give you a heads up on what will be the six issues that should be on the top of your stacks and pull lists this coming Wednesday. So, let’s start it off with The Weekly Pull List for the week of August 29th, 2012!

ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #15

• DIVIDED WE FALL concludes with a startling ending that sends us into the next exciting chapter!
• A mutant refugee from one of the camps joins up, but where do their loyalties lie?
• The war for mutant liberation starts here!
• Guest-starring Nick Fury!

UNCANNY X-FORCE #30

• It’s all built to this: “Final Execution” enters its last act!
• The new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants makes their move!
• Fantomex’s deceptions come back to haunt the team!

WINTER SOLDIER #9

• Black Widow’s past has caught up to her! Can Bucky save her? And what happens if he can’t?

THE FLASH ANNUAL #1

• The Rogues – victorious? If THE FLASH had trouble with them individually, together they’ll kill him!
• Something worse than The Rogues is just waiting for the right moment to attack….

JUSTICE LEAGUE #12

• “THE VILLAIN’S JOURNEY” part four!
• The team struggles to stay together as they try to combat their newest foe.
• A shocking last page that will have the world talking about this issue!

POWERS #11

POWERS is back! With the pilot for the POWERS TV show on FX filmed, the creators of the comic book return in full force! Do not miss this startling game-changer in the life of Christian Walker as the latest powers homicide case comes right to his front door, bringing utter tragedy!

Check Out A New International Trailer For ‘Django Unchained’!

by Shawn Madden

A brand new subtitled trailer for director Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming spaghetti western, Django Unchained has been released online. The trailer features small bits of unseen footage with some previously seen.

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, “Django Unchained” stars Academy Award®-winner Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Academy Award®-winner Christoph Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles – dead or alive.

Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men choose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South’s most wanted criminals with Django by his side. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago.

Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (Academy Award®-nominee Leonardo DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation where slaves are groomed by trainer Ace Woody (Kurt Russell) to battle each other for sport. Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Academy Award®-nominee Samuel L. Jackson), Candie’s trusted house slave. Their moves are marked, and a treacherous organization closes in on them. If Django and Schultz are to escape with Broomhilda, they must choose between independence and solidarity, between sacrifice and survival…

Written and directed by Academy Award®-winner Quentin Tarantino, DJANGO UNCHAINED is produced by Stacey Sher, Pilar Savone and Reginald Hudlin. The executive producers are Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Michael Shamberg, Shannon McIntosh, and James Skotchdopole.

Django Unchained will hit theaters December 25th!

 

Geekscape Comics: USAgent Returns This December In ‘Dark Avengers’!

by Shawn Madden

Have you been reading Dark Avengers (the title formerly known as Thunderbolts)? Well, you should be definitely checking title out. There are some exciting things coming as writer Jeff Parker will be bringing the titles current era to an end. This December, the writer will once again be altering the status quo of the title well as bringing about the return of USAgent! Neal Edward will also be joining the title on art duties. Check out a few excerpts from an interview between Parker and Comic Book Resources below. This title is definitely one to keep an eye on. If you haven’t been keeping up on it I will highly recommend going back a few months and catching up. You will not be disappointed!

 

Discussing bringing the titles current era to an end:

The Timebolts come to a definitive conclusion that bookends the run from the time Luke Cage came on to run things. As you’ll see, “Thunderbolts” will shape what “Dark Avengers” becomes, the one grows out of the other. It’s going to be very different, but trust me and Neil. I know readers are anxious about the focus shifting, but remember when the Underbolts first arrived and no one wanted the focus to go to them? We’re keeping with our organic hand-offs. The tone and the types of thrills will feel familiar.

Regarding the new status quo:

It will have much the dynamic that “Thunderbolts” had, it’s still bad people being thrust into the role of heroes. I’m not so interested in the idea that they want to become better, but that sometimes circumstances give you a chance to go that way. You see this in the conclusion of the Thunderbolts super-arc, some characters that were pretty heinous when they arrived are doing some very noble things by the end.

On what USAgent’s role in the series will be:

Well, now the role to take is Captain Marvel! Moonstone likes to keep up with the times. We can change the books and go in wild directions, but she always finds the way to come along. And yes, USAgent will charge into the leadership role, but the question is, does he answer to just himself? The team gets separated at the beginning and really at that point wouldn’t care about being a team, but will have to to escape where they find themselves. This is a break-down and rebuilding foundation story where we start seeing what they’re really about.

On changing the series direction:

I’m so happy with the conclusion to this big story. It’s a big finale that brings together many threads we’ve had going for the past three years in what I think you’ll find a very satisfying way. Someone big and unstoppable is about to return and there are surprises with the Boss Cage character in the future. If you’ve been reading all along, there’s some big payoffs for you.

 

Geekscape Comics: Interlocking ‘All New X-Men’ Covers Reveal Who WON’T Be Dying In ‘AvX’

by Shawn Madden

Fans worried that Marvel may be killing Scott Summers or Emma Frost can now breathe a sigh of relief. Earlier today I received images of all three of the interlocking covers for the new upcoming series All New X-Men. In these covers you definitely see that the two characters will be surviving Avengers Vs. X-Men, which further leads me to believe that  my theory [click here to see who I think it’s going to be] for who will be dying at the end of this event may be correct. This also goes to show that the character in Marvel NOW! promo image everyone beli

ved to be a re-design for Scott Summers may actually indeed not be the character. There also appears to be a mystery character in the background of the first part of the cover. I guess we’re going to have to wait a few months before we find out just who that is. Check out Stuart Immonen’s interlocking covers for All New X-Men! His artwork is definitely going to be a welcome addition to X-family.

Geekscape Comics: Ramon Perez Joins ‘Wolverine & The X-Men’

by Shawn Madden

During Marvel’s X-Men panel at Toronto’s Fan Expo, it was announced that Ramon Perez, the artist of the Eisner Award winning Jim Henson’s Tale Of Sand (which you can see some of his art from below), will be joining the art team on Wolverine & The X-Men starting with a five issue arc that will take them to the savage land next January.

Perez is also the artist behind Marvel’s own John Carter: The Gods of Mars mini-series and has pencilled a number of one-shots and limited series for Marvel over the years, but this will be his first time doing an ongoing for Marvel. I dropped this title awhile ago and have only been picking up the tie-ins but with this announcement I may have to add this one back to my pull list.

Check out a first look at some of Perez’s pencils for issue #25 below [via iFanboy]:

Geekscape Comics: We Will See A New ‘Justice League Of America’ In 2013

by Shawn Madden

DC just announced at Fan Expo in that they will be  a brand new version of the Justice League Of America in 2013. Geoff Johns will write, with pencils by David Finch featuring a team that consists of Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Catwoman, Bash (the newest Green Lantern), Vibe, Stargirl, and Katana. But don’t worry, this does not mean they are cancelling Justice League. Apparently JLA will run alongside Justice League.

Geoff Johns on the new series:

The idea of why the JLA forms, and what it is, and what it’s in reaction to… It kind of spins out of Justice League #12; what happens in that, and then subsequent issues, because JLA comes out next year some time. But the book itself is a group of heroes that aren’t necessarily coming together because they want to be together… They’ve been selected specifically. They all want, or need something that Steve Trevor, and the other person behind the scenes that’s in charge of this team can provide.

The first arc is going to deal with something they learn is called The Secret Society of Super-Villains.

Johns discussing the team selected:

The characters that are selected like Stargirl, and Vibe, and Green Arrow, they have a lot of personality. If you remember the first couple of issues of Justice League, with their larger than life personalities, and the development… This takes it to the fifteenth degree, because we’re dealing with characters that are… Like, you don’t know where Vibe is coming from. He’s recruited to the JLA by his older brother, and he says, “Why would they want me? I’m just this kid from Detroit. I’ve stopped three liquor store robberies, and one was by mistake.” His brother looks at him and says, “Maybe they see potential in you that you and I don’t see.” And he’s like, “Thanks a lot.”

So you get these weird characters that are unexpected, and they’re thrust into the forefront of Justice League of America… You’ll see why they’re selected, and why this team is going to give the real Justice League a run for its money; because the relationships in this team are going to be incredibly significant. There’s going to be a real learning curve with all the teams, but has the benefit of a true leader in Steve Trevor. Steve Trevor has a heart and soul that’s going to bring these characters that, on first glance, might not ever gel – what does Stargirl ever have in common with Catwoman? How’s that going to work?

I love characters that are more obscure. On Justice League, Shazam will be joining, and the team dynamics will be changing quite a bit on that team, but this is going to be such a great opportunity to work on characters like Katana, who I think is such a great asset, and getting deeper into characters like Vibe… Reintroducing Stargirl… Seeing the new Green Lantern with Green Arrow, and revisiting that relationship with Green Arrow and Hawkman, because we think we know it, we think they’re always at odds… And we want to turn it on its head a little bit, and delve into it more, and see what makes those two characters tick, to find out there’s something in common they both have despite their differences.

So creating dynamics between these characters, and really making it a character driven, intense, intriguing book… One of the words I have on the outline for the series is intrigue. What I mean by that is I always want you to wonder why. Why is this happening, what is their motivation, what are they after, what do they need, what do they want? I just look forward to writing a book that harkens to some of my favorite team books, and mystery books… And hopefully its something that you won’t know what to expect, and when you get it you’ll think it’s what it should be, but you never could have imagined it.

Source: MTV Geek

The Cast Of ‘KICK-ASS 2’ Gets A ‘Tumor’

by Shawn Madden

According to his official website [via Bleeding Cool] English actor, writer, director and magician Andy Nyman has been cast in Jeff Wadlow’s upcoming sequel to KICK-ASS. Yes, he really is a magician. Nyman joins the cast as The Tumor, one of the members of the super-villain team, The Toxic Mega-Cunts.

Nyman may not be the most familiar name over here in the states but the actor has starred in movies such as Dead Babies, Severance, Death At A Funeral, and Black Death. With production set to begin in September there is still no word on who will be played Mother Russia, one of the major roles to be filled.

KICK-ASS 2 is set to be released June 28, 2013.

Lana And Andy Wachowski Warner Bros. Second Choice For ‘Justice League’?

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago word broke that Warner Bros. wanted Ben Affleck to helm their upcoming Justice League movie. Well, earlier this week Ben Affleck revealed that he is in fact not working on the upcoming Justice League movie:

“I’m not working on the Justice League. One of the problems with entertainment web sites is that they need to fill pages, and that’s how rumours get started. Justice League sounds really exciting, but it’s not something I’m working on.”

It appears now that there a couple of new names that have popped up as possible candidates for the job and they may be going with more than one director. Moviehole is reporting that Lana and Andy Wachowski are WB’s second choice for the film. Warner Bros are apparently so impressed with Cloud Atlas that they’ve put the directors under consideration for the upcoming superhero epic. The directing duo is responsible for giving the studio one of their most successful film trilogies of all time, The Matrix trilogy. This wouldn’t be the first time the Wachowski’s have considered doing a comic book film. They were the duo behind V For Vendetta, had contemplated doing a Plastic Man film in the past and ever were in the running for Man Of Steel before Zack Snyder took on the project. Would they consider doing it? Possibly. Would it be a good choice to have them do it? Most definitely.

Geekscape Comics: Judd Winick Leaving ‘Batwing’

by Shawn Madden

DC has had another writer decide to depart from their creative team. Last week Rob Liefeld decided to leave and now it’s been announced that Judd Winick will be leaving Batwing. He told the following to Newsarama:

“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that I’ll be leaving the DC monthly Batwing. I’ve had a terrific time on the title and have loved crafting this adventure with some phenomenal people. Artists Ben Oliver, Marcus To, and Brain Reber have made these stories come to life. I will miss telling the tales of David Zavimbe, the Batman of Africa in many ways, but I’m proud of the work we’ve done. My departure is simply a time issue. I’m pursing a few other projects that make it impossible for me continue doing a monthly book.

My departure is simply a time issue. I’m pursing a few other projects that make it impossible for me continue doing a monthly book.”

Winick had previously walked away from Catwoman after receiving excessive amounts of criticism for his writing of the title. His departure from the comic is definitely not as blown up and excessive as Liefeld’s and definitely hasn’t gone on to him calling out writer Scott Snyder. Oh, if you didn’t know about that one…it’s something to look up. Winick has not confirmed what his last issue will be, but DC has him as the writer on the title through November’s issue #14. No new writer has been announced by DC yet.

Geekscape Comics: ANOTHER ‘Before Watchmen’ Series Is On Its Way

by Shawn Madden

Earlier today at the Fan Expo in Toronto, DC Comics announced that this November and December will see the release of Before Watchmen: Moloch #1 and #2. Yes, you read that one right, this time around one of the villains is getting his own prequel. The series will be brought to us by the legendary writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Eduardo Risso. JMS talked to Comic Book Resources more about his plans for the series and why exactly he believes that Moloch deserves his own prequel. Check out a few highlights below as well as a preview of Eduardo Risso’s artwork from the series.

Regarding how this series came about:

In our early conversations, Dan [DiDio] indicated that he really wanted to explore Moloch because he’s central to the mythology of the original “Watchmen,” even though only see him at the end of his life, and the rest is just a few facts and dates tossed around in text or dialogue. He would’ve liked to have included this from the git-go, but felt that everybody was maxed out on what was already on our plates. Fortunately, I got my scripts finished, done and in before anybody else, and long before they were due, so when I was done Dan asked if I’d be willing, and of course I said yes.


On why he felt this character deserved his own prequel:

If you step back and just look at his story, it’s a real tragedy, in a way the most tragic of all of the characters. He started out in great difficulty, turned to crime, was sent to prison repeatedly, found religion, converted to Catholicism, and came out of prison determined to lead a changed life. It was a new beginning, a fresh start…and what happens? He falls prey to Ozymandias’ plans and becomes one of the first sacrificial lambs to that slaughter. How is that not a compelling story worth telling? Most of what we know from the material in the first book is expressed in narrative, in bits and pieces in “Under the Hood” and elsewhere — we don’t actually see any of it, and thus we don’t understand the why of the what. Yes, we know he went through all these changes, but what prompted it? How did it happen and what did it mean? I wanted to give his history the same serious treatment we were giving to all the heroic characters. A character is stretched too thin when you can’t tell any more good stories about them, and with the Watchmen characters, we’ve barely scratched the surface, even though I kinda doubt they’re going to go back to the well on this again too often or too soon.

Does this mean we can expect more Before Watchmen series coming our way? Quite possibly. Is this a good thing or bad thing? I’m not really sure. I’ve been pretty let down by these books minus Ozymandias and Rorschach’s outings, but it could go either way.

Geekscape Comics: Get A First Look At Skottie Young’s Marvel NOW! Variants

by Shawn Madden

Check out the Skottie Young Baby variant covers for a good chunk of the Marvel NOW! debut issues below. Thanks to the guys at Bleeding Cool for this first look at these covers. Tell your kids in advance that I am sorry for their college funds disappearing. I can’t wait to get my own hands on the Uncanny Avengers and Deadpool ones.

Uncanny Avengers

Deadpool

Fantastic Four

All New X-Men

Indestructible Hulk

Thor: God Of Thunder

Invincible Iron Man

A+X

Geekscape Comics: Spider-Man Teams Up With Aunt May In ‘Avenging Spider-Man #11’!

by Shawn Madden

• Special 50TH Anniversary Story!
• Spider-Man teams up with the hero he admires most – May Parker!

AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #11
Written by Zeb Wells
Pencils by Steve Dillon
Cover by Chris Samnee

Geekscape Comics: Jason Latour Taking Over Writing Duties On ‘Winter Soldier’

by Shawn Madden

Well, in a very surprising announcement earlier today, Marvel Comics revealed at Fan Expo Canada that Ed Brubaker will be leaving Winter Soldier effective January 2013. As of issue #15 he will be replaced by Jason Latour (Loose Ends) on writing duties. Latour is probably best known as an artist, having worked on issues of Wolverine, Scalped and Invincible.

In an interview with Comic Book Resources when asked about how he received the opportunity:

I was surprised to get the chance, simply because I didn’t think this character would ever be in play. Brubaker’s work on this character has been great. He’s really built such a strong and compelling foundation– that when the possibility was introduced my mind went off like a nuclear test site.

As for how it came about — I’d drawn a few stories for my editor, Lauren Sankovitch, in the past and I’d made it clear I was interested in writing for hire, too. Fortunately she seemed to like my creator-owned work and when the time came to cast the book she asked me if I would be interested.

And in regards to his upcoming story for Winter Soldier:

Chiefly it’s going to focus around a new threat and a new ally. Two people who were once caught in the Winter Soldier’s swath. Our big antagonist is a new take on Bucky’s rogues’ gallery in the sense that she’s the first indirect casualty of his actions. She’s got plans much larger than revenge, but their personal connection is going to make things very complicated for Bucky.

Ed Brubaker commented regarding his departure on Twitter:

To end all speculation: Cap 19 and Winter Soldier 14 are my last Marvel books for now. But I may return, because Marvel has been my home.

My next comic project, beside Fatale, will be announced in December or January. And you’ll sh*t when you hear about it. In YOUR PANTS.

When it was recently announced that Brubaker would be leaving Captain America, he talked a good deal about heading creator owned mostly, but indicated that he would stick around on Winter Soldier for a while. This news is sure to disappoint many who have loved what Brubaker has done with this character since bringing him back from the dead in 2005.

Jason Momoa Joins Cast Of David Hayter’s ‘Wolves’

by Shawn Madden

Earlier this month we reported that Lucas Till (X-Men: First Class) would be starring in the upcoming Wolves, the directorial debut of David Hayter, the writer behind X-Men, X2 and the Watchmen adaptation as well as the voice of Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid. He is now being joined by Jason Momoa, who you may know best as Khal Drago from Game Of Thrones or the most recent incarnation of Conan The Barbarian, as well as the unknown Merritt Patterson.

The story is said to focus an eighteen-year-old werewolf (Lucas Till) accused of murdering his own parents, who goes on the run and winds up in a small town named Lupine Ridge that has a history of supernatural happenings. Momoa will play the “badass werewolf patriarch of the town.” Patterson’s role is currently unknown. It’s been quite some time since there has been a decent werewolf movie, the last of them probably being An American Werewolf In London and Dog Soldiers. Hopefully that’s about to change and this movie will be a silver bullet to the heart of the teenie-bopper werewolf movies.

Source: THR

Clive Owen Could Be Replacing Hugh Laurie In ‘Robocop’

by Shawn Madden

Last night news broke that talks with actor Hugh Laurie (House) to join the cast of Robocop had ceased. Laurie was originally set to play the movies villain as head of OMNI CORP. Well, just as I stated last we are going to be getting our first word of the other actors who many step into the role. In Deadline’s report regarding Laurie’s dropping out they mention that the studio already has a short list of actors to replace him. But the only actor who they share on the list is Clive Owen (Children Of Men).

There’s currently no word on whether or not Owen is the front runner for the role but with production set to begin next month we should definitely expect an announcement very soon. Clive Owen is a fantastic actor and I would actually prefer to see him in this one over Laurie. So, what are your thoughts?

Geekscape Comics: First Look At Tony Moore’s Artwork From ‘Deadpool #1’!

by Shawn Madden

As part of the Marvel NOW! relaunch, the merc with the mouth will be getting a new issue #1 this November. The book will be brought to us by creative team of writers Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan as well as artist Tony Moore, who you may know as the original artist of a little book called The Walking Dead. Thanks to the folks over at MTV Geek, we’ve got a first look at some of the interior inked artwork from the upcoming first issue. Yes, those are undead versions of former Presidents Truman and Roosevelt. Yes, you are going to be buying this one.

Want To Know Learn About The Dibbuk Box From Sam Raimi’s ‘The Possession’?

by Shawn Madden

Check out this featurette from Sam Raimi’s The Possession, the Sam Raimi/Ghost House Pictures produced supernatural chiller. Learn about the Dibbuk Box from the upcoming movie that is based on real events that transpired after a family wound up in possession of a haunted box, setting off a harrowing struggle to rid themselves of the box’s evil curse.

Clyde (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Stephanie Brenek (Kyra Sedgwick) see little cause for alarm when their youngest daughter Em becomes oddly obsessed with an antique wooden box she purchased at a yard sale. But as Em’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, the couple fears the presence of a malevolent force in their midst, only to discover that the box was built to contain a dibbuk, a dislocated spirit that inhabits and ultimately devours its human host.

The Possession hits theaters August 31st.

Chuck Norris Won’t Be Back For ‘The Expendables 3’

by Shawn Madden

Work on a third chapter in The Expendables series is already underway. However, there will be one lone wolf not returning for a third outting of blood and carnage. There is currently no reason given for his departure, but Chuck Norris will not be back for The Expendables 3. Maybe they told him they were contacting Liam Neeson and he feared for his own life? I am fully prepared for the repercussions of that statement.

Norris told Access Hollywood (via The Playlist):

“Nope. Just number 2. This is it for me…Oh, yeah. This is very special. Just to be able to do the film with guys I’ve known for many, many years. To get a chance to get in and fight with them, it was a lot of fun. Plus getting a chance to meet Terry Crews, who I hadn’t met before. And Jason Statham, whom I hadn’t met before. It was fun just to do that.”

The team behind The Expendables series has currently got their sights set on bringing Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford and Wesley Snipes into the franchise with Nicolas Cage reported to have already signed on. But can these actors fill the void that Norrs will leave? Probably not. You know who can though? Liam Neeson. Oh, and can we get a little more Jet Li this time around? He was totally wasted again this time around. Cue the internet memes!

Neil Burger No Longer Helming ‘Uncharted’ Movie Adaptation

by Shawn Madden

Director Neil Burger (Limitless) was set to helm the upcoming movie adaptation of Uncharted after David Russel (The Fighter) dropped out from the project. Well, it looks like he no longer will be doing this one and that the film will be getting a re-write. A re-write from the team behind National Treasure. We’ll see how that one works out.

Variety reports that the team of Marianne and Cormac Wibberley  have been hired by Sony Pictures to rewrite the movie adaptation of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. With Neil Burger’s departure from the project the studio will now reportedly look for a new director once this latest draft of the script has been completed.The story will follow Nathan Drake as he seeks the fabled lost treasure of El Dorado.

Hugh Laurie Will NOT Play The Villain In ‘Robocop’

by Shawn Madden

A little over a month ago reports came in that Hugh Laurie (House) would be joining the cast of Robocop. Well, it appears that those reports came in a little premature. The actor was in talks to play “the evil and ultra-rich CEO of Omnicorp, the company that makes Robocop.” Well, I am sure many will be disappointed to hear that talks have ceased and Laurie will not be appearing in the film. Variety’s Jeff Sneider tweeted earlier:

MGM RUMOR #1: While he was never officially confirmed, sources telling Variety that HUGH LAURIE has ended talks to play villain in ROBOCOP.

While this may appear to be bad news for the film to some…to others this will be great news. I do like Laurie as an actor but I do think they can possibly find a more menacing actor to play the role. With production set to start next month I am sure we will get news regarding this role very shortly.

 

Eli Roth Confirms That ‘Thanksgiving’ IS Happening!

by Shawn Madden

Who remembers that fake trailer for Thanksgiving that Eli Roth directed back  in 2007 for Grindhouse? Well, it appears that the talk that Roth would be turning that trailer into a full-length movie are true! In a recent interview with Behind The Thrills, discussing The Goretoreum, Roth let out some details regarding the movie. Already the fake trailers for Machete and Hobo With A Shotgun have been turned into full-length films and Roth is now letting us know that Thanksgiving is next in line. Roth will team up with Jon Watts and Christopher D. Ford (Robot And Frank) to get a screenplay going for this project. He has recently worked with the two on the movie Clown, a horror film that Roth is producing.

“Dude, it’s gonna happen. I’m working with the CLOWN writers on it. We have a call scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Jeff Rundell, my co-writer and I have a very extensive treatment. We finally cracked the story and how to make it really really scary, and the reason to do it, and I’m really excited about it. So the CLOWN script was one of the best scripts I’ve ever read, and we’re like ‘before Jon [Watts] shoots CLOWN, he has a window.’ Chris Ford, who’s movie ROBOT & FRANK just opened… Chris and John are going to write the screenplay with me and my partner Jeff, so we’ll have a screenplay soon.”

Roth expects to have a draft soon, but at the moment it is unclear who will direct, if not Roth. Now, all we need is some news on Don’t being made into a movie right? Maybe it’s just me on that one.

Source: Behind The Thrills [via Bloody Disgusting]

First Official Look At The ‘Carrie’ Remake Starring Chloe Moretz

by Shawn Madden

So, when I was a small child my mom let me watch Carrie late at night in order to fuck with me. And Brian De Palma’s 1976 film definitely did. Well, not as bad as IT did…but that’s an entirely different story for another time. At first when I heard that they would be remaking this movie I was definitely against. But upon hearing that it would follow the Steven King story (I have actually read it) closer than the original movie would and after finding out the cast as well I am definitely going to give this one a chance. Take a first look at some pictures of the re-creation of probably one of the most memorable scenes in the movie.

The quiet suburb of Chamberlain, Maine is home to the deeply religious and conservative Margaret White (Moore) and her daughter Carrie (Moretz). Carrie is a sweet but meek outcast whom Margaret has sheltered from society. Gym teacher Miss Desjardin (Greer) tries in vain to protect Carrie from local mean girls led by the popular and haughty Chris Hargenson (Portia Doubleday, Youth in Revolt), but only Chris’ best friend, Sue Snell (Gabriella Wilde, The Three Musketeers), regrets their actions. In an effort to make amends, Sue asks her boyfriend, high school heartthrob Tommy Ross (newcomer Ansel Elgort), to take Carrie to prom. Pushed to the limit by her peers at the dance, Carrie unleashes telekinetic havoc.

Carrie hits theaters March 13, 2013

Source: Bloody-Disgusting

‘The Girl Who Played With Fire’ Gets Delayed Until 2014

by Shawn Madden

Well, it seems that the sequel to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, has been delayed. Funny, I was just discussing this movie today. Sony was planning on a late 2013 release for the sequel, although that is not the case anymore. Steven Zaillian is still currently working on the script, and the project will not move ahead until they have the screenplay locked in. The 2011 film was moderately successful making $220 million on a $90 million budget.

David Fincher, who directed the first movie, remains the studios top choice to make this follow-up, but no deals have been made yet. Apparently Sony is in zero rush when it comes to this sequel. Hopefully that is a good thing. Back in November, it was confirmed that Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara were both set to reprise their roles in the sequel.

Source: EW

There Will Be No Extra Charge To See ‘The Hobbit’ In 48 Frames-Per-Second

by Shawn Madden

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Warner Bros. would only be releasing the 48 frames-per-second version of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in select locations across North America. This news led to disappointment from numerous fans who do not live near major locations. This decision was made in order to be careful while judging the reaction to the presentation. Why might they do that you say? At CinemaCon earlier this year, the footage was shown at 48fps and definitely received quite mixed reactions from those that viewed it. However, there is some  good news here from Showblitz.  You will not have to pay extra to see this version of the film come December. Warner Bros. has expressed a desire for exhibitors not to charge even more on top of the already high 3D ticket price, with 3D already costing on average $3-$5 more than a 2D ticket, and the exhibitors have agreed. So, if you live near a theater that will be showing this version…you’re in luck! If not…I am sure you’re already planning a road trip.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey returns to middle-earth on December 14th.

Adam Berg Set To Helm A Remake Of Cronenberg’s ‘Videodrome’

by Shawn Madden

It appears that nothing is safe from the remake and reboot process these days. Deadline reports that Adam Berg, who had his name once attached to the Deadpool movie, is set to make his big debut as the director of an updated version of Videodrome for Universal Pictures. The remake is scripted by Ehren Kruger (Transformers: Dark Of The Moon) and will be produced by Daniel Bobker (Dream House).

The original film, which was released in 1983 and starring James Woods, was set in Toronto during the early 1980s, and follows the CEO of a small cable station who stumbles upon a broadcast signal featuring extreme violence and torture. The layers of deception and mind-control conspiracy unfold as he uncovers the signal’s source and loses touch with reality in a series of increasingly bizarre and violent organic hallucinations. The film has been described as “techno-surrealist”. This news probably won’t be very well received by many fans of the cult classic. This is especially due to Deadline reporting Universal’s plans to “modernize the concept, infusing it with the possibilities of nano-technology and blow it up into a large-scale sci-fi action thriller.” I’m curious what David Cronenberg thinks about it.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Joins The Cast Of ‘Thor: The Dark World’

by Shawn Madden

Another new cast addition has joined the upcoming sequel, Thor: The Dark World, which is currently filming overseas in London. Variety reports that British actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (GI Joe: The Rise Of Cobra) has joined the anticipated sequel and will be joining Christopher Eccleston, who will play Malekith The Accursed, as one of the lead villains of the film. Akinnuoye-Agbaje will be playing the villain Kurse.

“Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje has joined the cast of Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” as one of the lead villains, playing the dual roles of Kurse and Algrim.”

The character Kurse was originally Algrim the Strong, one of the Dark Elves of the extra dimensional realm of Svartalfheim who served the Dark Elves’ ruler, Malekith the Accursed. While this was originally my least anticipated of Marvel Studios “Phase Two” movies, the recent cast additions have definitely been making me a bit more excited for it.

Thor: The Dark World smashes into theaters November 8, 2013.

Geekscape Comics: After Zero Issues Rob Liefeld Is Leaving DC Comics

by Shawn Madden

We all knew that Rob Liefeld would be leaving DC but it seemed that he would be sticking it out through next year. But just today Rob Liefeld announced on Twitter than he would be gone after September’s zero issues. No, he will not be staying on any of the titles. Yes, he is leaving DC entirely. Liefeld tweeted the following:

The 0′s are my last issues. Thanks for all the love.

This is the 4th time I quit in the last 4 months. This time it will stick.

Never thought the Image section of my book would be topped. This last year was a humdinger. The DC 52 chapters will go top all of it.

Reasons are the same as everyone’s that you hear. I lasted a few months longer than I thought possible.

Massive indecision, last minute and I mean LAST minute changes that alter everything. Editor pissing contests… No thxnjs

Last week my editor said ” early on we had a lot of indie talent that weren’t used to re-writes and changes..made it hard”. Uh, no, it’s you

While, I think many people may be happy that Rob Liefeld is leaving, alot of his complaints have been stated by numerous creators working on DC’s New 52. This makes it appear that upcoming creator changes may be happening sooner than later and we may possibly even see the cancellation of some of these titles. I had heard rumors a bit back that Savage Hawkman was definitely on the chopping block and it looks like DC may either now choose to give it a new team or just cut it. Cue numerous comments about his lack of ability to draw feet.

Source: Twitter

Geekscape Comics: The Four Characters Most Likely To Die At The End Of ‘AvX’!

by Shawn Madden

Avengers Vs. X-Men is nearing the epic-conclusion with issue #11 hitting stands in three weeks and the finale shortly after. We all knew that this story would not be ending happy for everybody. At the end of the storyline one major character WILL die as seen by the cover of AvX: Consequences.

Based on the numerous interviews with the creative teams behind these books you can detect that this incident will have a greater effect on the X-Men than the Avengers. This most likely implies that the character that will die will indeed be a mutant. So, let’s discuss the most likely candidates to go out at the end of AvX.

Scott Summers

This seems to be the one on the top of everyone’s list. Personally, I have to disagree with him though. It’s too obvious and I can’t see Marvel building up the character over the past years just to lead to this. And, even though Marvel is denying it, that Marvel NOW! teaser image features a character that sure does look alot like Mr. Summers.

Emma Frost

Based on the cover to number 11 andseeing her and Cyclops going at it she is definitely on the list. And my personal pick to die. She’s one character I really can’t stand and hope is the one that Marvel takes out. One can only hope right?

 

Hope Summers

The “mutant messiah” is a definite candidate for being the one that goes out here. This battle began over her and most likely will end with her. I think she will make the ultimate sacrifice and that is how she is going to be the one who will “save the mutant race”. Phoenixes tend to flame out, particularly if there’s some noble world-saving to be done in the process, so it stands to reason that Hope would follow in Jean’s footsteps.

Charles Xavier

The top candidate is definitely Xavier. With the plot synopsis for X-Men: Legacy containing the line “in a post-Avengers vs. X-Men world that may – or may not – be without Xavier himself” it is highly possible that Xavier could sacrifice himself to save the mutant race or possibly even Scott from The Phoenix Force. In New Avengers #29, he stated “I’m prepared to stop Scott, no matter what the cost.” That one doesn’t sound too good for ol’ Charles.

So, these here are just my thoughts but there is quite a bit of evidence indicating that Xavier may die at the end of Avengers Vs. X-Men. So, who do you think is going to die? Sound off in the box below!

 

Sam Claflin Cast As Finnick In ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’!

by Shawn Madden

Over the past couple of weeks there has been a ton of cast announcements for the upcoming sequel, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. But there has been one role that fans have been waiting to hear and it was announced today. Sam Claflin, who you probably know best from Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White And The Hunstman, has been cast as Finnick!

Charismatic and clever, Finnick was a District 4 Hunger Games victor when he was fourteen. The character is best known for his proficiency with a trident, his skills as a swimmer, and his irresistible charm and good looks. With addition of Claflin as Finnick, the last major piece of the casting puzzle has fallen into place for the upcoming sequel. Claflin joins Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, and Amanda Plummer as one of the main new additions to the franchise.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire hits theaters November 22, 2013.

Source: EW