Source: SuperHero Hype

On the hills of the premiere of Marvel Entertainment’s Thor, starring Chris Helmsworth, Idris Elba was asked at a press conference if there were any other Marvel characters he was interested in playing.  He said that he would be interested in Luke Cage.  Currently, he’s playing Heimdall in Thor.  This puts him in direct competition with Isaiah Mustafa who also expressed interest in playing Power Man.  Previous rumors had Tyrese Gibson in the role if the movie was to be directed by John Singleton.

I like Elba and think he’s a brilliant actor.  He was great as Stringer Bell in The Wire, and even better as DCI John Luther.  He was also going to takeover for Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross, but that role is now being played by Tyler Perry.  I’m not going to get my hopes up for Idris as Luke Cage.  I think he might be a little old, and though he has the acting ability, I don’t think he could physically handle the role.

I’ve always thought Tyrese Gibson would be a good choice.  We’ve posted a bunch of stuff about a Luke Cage movie and potential actors for the role over the last few years.  For example, John Singleton talked about casting Tyrese Gibson or Chiwetel Ejiofor.  I’ve even posted a list of possibles here, including Michael Jai White, Morris Chestnut, and Taye Diggs.  Personally, I would like to see what Isaiah Mustafa could do.  I know his acting is unproven, but I think it would be good to see someone new who doesn’t have any history of portraying an iconic hero already.

Idris Elba can be seen in Thor starting May 6.  Isaiah Mustafa can sometimes be seen on Chuck, Mondays at 8:00 on NBC.

Souce: Hitfix

UPDATE: According to Hitfix, Eva Longoria would love to be a superhero, but she says she won’t be Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp, in an Ant-Man or Avengers movie.  She confirmed that she had discussions with Marvel about a movie, but wouldn’t give details.

I still think she’d make a great Wasp or even Scarlett Witch.  She can’t be Black Widow since Scarlett Johansson has taken that role in Iron Man 2.

Previous Post: Eva Longoria Up for Wasp?

Saw this rumor a couple of weeks ago, and was waiting for some confirmation.  It  was reported that Eva was photographed leaving Marvel’s L.A. office clutching what appeared to be some Avenger comic books.  It was later reported that she was in talks to take the role of Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp, in an upcoming Marvel Movie (Iron Man 2 or Captain America: The First Avenger or The Avengers).  The thing is that this came out a couple of weeks ago, and then everything went silent.  It was reported as  both fact and rumor.  We’ll I think she would do well in any role that they shoved her in, the Wasp, Black Widow, Scarlett Witch.  I just assume that they are going to go for the hot factor regardless of the role.  Unlike the X-Movies where everyone, except Raven, was completely covered from head to toe.

.  Would she make a good Black Widow?  Possibly.

Would she make a good Scarlet Witch?  Maybe.

She pretty much would be worth the price of admission for anything they want her to be in a superhero movie.

Souce: Blastr (formerly SciFi Wire)

Smallville fans always speculate on whether or not Tom Welling would ever don the most iconic costume in the comic book world.  This article over at Blastr has some interesting quotes from Smallville executive producers Kelly Souders and Brian Wayne Peterson.  I hope it’s true.  The show has teased fans with glimpses of the cape in several episodes over the years, but have never actually shown Welling in the costume.

I admit that I can be more than a little negative about upcoming movies that look like bad ideas.  So, in order to do something different, I am going to write positive things about a movie which should be avoided at all cost.  I am going to give you 10 reasons I am going to go see Conan.

1.  Jason Momoa: I liked Jason Momoa’s character in Stargate: Atlantis.  If he plays Conan with the same amount of intensity that he played Ronin, then you can be sure he’s going to throw everything he has into the role.  I want to see him do well.  The Sci-Fi Fantasy genre could use a good young minority lead actor.

2.  Mickey Rourke: Mickey Rourke will most likely be cast as Conan’s dad.  This is  a good choice.  No one in Hollywood is as rugged and haggard looking as Rourke.  He’s been riding his success in the movie The Wrestler and has turned it into numerous upcoming roles, especially as Whiplash in the upcoming Iron Man sequel.  He’s a great actor, and is especially good at playing characters who aren’t necessarily evil, but have a skewed moral compass.

3.  Conan:  I am a fan of the character Conan.  Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer starring Arnold Schwarzenegger are a couple of my favorite movies.  It makes me happy to see a possibility that the franchise could be resurrected.  Conan the Cimmerian is one of the few comics I follow every month.  He’s a great character who often times finds a way to come out on top no matter the odds.  He’s relentless, unforgiving, and fears nothing.

4.  Arnold Schwarzenegger:  Just a whisper of a rumor that he could make an appearance in the movie.  That would be worth seeing it.

5.  I saw Pathfinder (Marcus Nispel director of Conan, also directed Pathfinder) and 10,000 B.C. in the theaters….If I can spend good movie theater money on them, I can do the same for Conan.

6.  Epic Fantasies are the reason I go to the movies.  And I believe that Conan is going to be an epic fantasy.  The interest level is so high for a Conan movie, and the studio has to be hoping for a franchise, so this has to be bigger than Pathfinder and 10,000 B.C.

7.  Bob Sapp. MMA star Bob Sapp is apparently cast as a villain according to /Film.  Sapp  was pretty impressive in the last match I saw him in.  So, the fight scenes will be good.  And it’ll keep him off the streets.

8.  It’ll be in 3-D more than likely, and I haven’t seen any 3-D movie in the theater, ever.  Not even Avatar.  Actually, when I was 11 I saw Starchaser: The Legend of Orin in 3-D, but I don’t count that. (at least I think I saw it in 3-D)

9.  Djimon Hounsou:  This movie will open up the possibility that the Thulsa  Doom movie starring and produced by Djimon Hounsou will become a reality. Thulsa Doom was an immortal sorcerer who was originally played by James Earl Jones in Conan the Barbarian.  He’s a prominent character in the comics and in.  According to Lobo, this movie will give us a chance to see an African culture that isn’t Egyptian in a movie.

Okay. I came up with 9.  It was an ambitious list to begin with.  Oh, and Conan the Cimmerian or Conan the Barbarian is a character created by Robert E. Howard.  There’s a really good movie called The Whole Wide World starring Vincent D’Onofrio as Howard.  Check it out.

Source: IMDB

According to IMDB, Brad Pitt has agreed to portray Sherlock Holmes nemesis in the upcoming Guy Ritchie movie starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law.   Honestly, I didn’t really see the point of doing a Sherlock Holmes big budget flick without Moriarty in at least a cameo.  Now, my feelings are justified.  It seems the studio isn’t happy with the rough cut.  However, I am going to side with the studio on this one.  Sherlock Holmes isn’t Sherlock Holmes without a Moriarty.  Eve if it is just to set up the sequels, I think a cameo by his greatest foe would be welcome, especially for Sherlock Holmes fans like me.

Sherlock Holmes hits theaters this Christmas.  Guy Ritchie directs Robert Downey, Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson.

Source:  Scifi Wire

“No flight, no tights.”  Those were the rules established at the beginning of Smallville’s run.  We have seen Clark fly (as Kal-El), and he’s been running around as the Red/Blue Blur.  Now it appears that they are going to put him in tights, well sort of.  Here it is.

LL Cool J is in talks to join the spinoff of popular CBS TV Show NCIS.  The show will be about the NCIS undercover division based in L.A.  LL Cool J would play Sam Hannah, a former U.S. Navy Seal.  It’s not genre news, but anytime a brother gets a job in Prime Time Television, I think that’s news.

Source:  The Los Angeles Times

It’s being reported that talks have broken down between Samuel L. Jackson and Marvel about reprising his role as the one-eyed superspy and Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.  To me, it sounds like these hard economic times are making the fledgling movie studio is tightening its budget (taking into account its breakdown of talks with Terrance Howard), especially with the slate of future movies that it has already announced.  Maybe Marvel thinks it can sell its movies just based on characters and fanboys alone.  But I hope they realize that mainstream consumers aren’t interested in the Ultimate Marvel Universe, but do want to see the actors they know in big action movies.

If this interests you, please read the L.A. Times article by Geoff Boucher.

Three months ago, Lobo posted a story saying that there was going to be a relaunch of the Black Panther.  The story behind that was that T’Challa would be replaced by a woman. Now, we think that that woman is going to be Echo.  Apparently, after Dark Reign (if you don’t know what that is, go grab the one shot) Echo, also known as Ronin, quits the Avengers only to end up in Wakanda after T’Challa is attacked.  Given, she is Hispanic-Native American, but could this spell the end for Black Panther as a viable comic book series?  Who really knows who Echo is?  I am not completely against it, but this move somewhat vexes me.  Are there any other women who could be the Black Panther?  Storm?   But other than Echo, is there any one remotely qualified?  Probably not.  So, we will have to see.

Source:  IGN

I called it, sort of.  (Thor Has a Director).  Kevin McKidd is in talks to play the Norse God of Thunder.  This was reported by IGN straight from McKidd himself.  I think he’d be perfect.  The only other person who comes close to the gravitas he would bring would be Karl Urban.  But if they wanted to go young, I wouldn’t have a problem with True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgard.

McKidd seems to be as excited about Kenneth Branagh directing as I am.  This movie would make a perfect complement to Iron Man if done properly.

My only problem is that I am still stumped on who to play Captain America.

If you wanted to shake things up then this it the way to go.  The source Rich Johnston mentioned in the article is pretty reliable, but I will still keep my fingers crossed.

Source Scifi.com

David Tennant hasn’t yet abandoned his starring role in the BBC SF series Doctor Who, but rumors have already begun circulating that Paterson Joseph–who guest-starred in the first season–may be the leading candidate to replace Tennant as the 11th Doctor. Joseph would be the first black actor to assay the iconic role.

Joseph’s agent reportedy denied the Doctor Who rumor when approached about it last week. When SCI FI Wire contacted Joseph directly, his initial response was a text message that said, “I am on a list of God knows how many others, but flattered to be considered.”

That was followed by an e-mail a day later, saying, “The news on Who was news to me as of last Wednesday, when my agent said they’d had lots of journos asking if the rumors were true. That’s all I know, and I’m very pleased to even be thought of in this way. It’s a blast!”

The rumor, which should be taken with a grain of salt, was first reported by British journalist Richard Johnston last week in his online column “Lying in the Gutters.”

Joseph played Roderick in the Doctor Who two-part episode “Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways.”

Joseph’s recent TV appearances include the U.K. series Peep Show, Green Wing and Hyperdrive, but he is probably best known to genre fans for his scene-stealing performance as the Marquis de Carabas in writer Neil Gaiman’s short-lived 1996 BBC series Neverwhere.

Perhaps more germane to this particular story is the actor’s work in last year’s Jekyll miniseries, which was created by Steven Moffat, who will be taking over as the new Doctor Who show runner in the upcoming fifth season in 2010. Did that role give Joseph the inside track? Only time will tell.

While many Doctor Who purists are already resisting the notion of a black actor taking on the role, the biggest obstacle could actually be Joseph’s role as Greg Preston in the BBC’s upcoming revival of the 1970s post-apocalyptic drama Survivors. According to the show’s producer Adrian Hodges (Primeval), “He’s a lovely actor, and he has immense likability on screen. To me, he has hero written and integrity written all over him, and he’s a great actor. We’re very pleased with him, and we won’t kill him off anytime soon, I promise you that!”

The fourth season of Doctor Who will be released in the United States on Nov. 18. The series is currently on hiatus in the United Kingdom but will continue with a series of one-off specials, after which a new production team will take over with season five in 2010. –Joe Nazzaro

This movie sounds better and better, a Hulk vs (Iron man, Thor, Captain America,  etc.)  in a film is too good to be true.   You cant pass that up.   In the comics the Avengers came together to stop a rampaging Hulk( who was manipulated by Loki Thor’s brother).   In comic book style the team up to fight the true villain Loki.     I have a feeling that Marvel is planning a film that’s based on the Ultimates Vol. 1 ( where General Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D.establishes a strike force of government-sponsored meta humans which includes Captain America; scientist couple Henry and Janet Pym (Giant-Man and the Wasp); Bruce Banner (the Hulk) and Tony Stark (Iron Man). Together they are based at the S.H.I.E.L.D facility, the Triskelion. When Banner injects himself with the super-soldier serum and goes on a bloody rampage as the Hulk, he is eventually stopped by the other metahumans with the aid of Thor. The team then join forces with the mutants Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch and agents Hawkeye and Black Widow against the alien shape-shifters the Chitauri, who are defeated.)

Source: MTVNews

Everything in the Marvel Film Universe is leading to the eventual superhero tag team-up, “The Avengers,” with Iron Man, Ant-Man, Thor, and Captain America all fighting side-by-side. What possible villain could compete with that?

“The Incredible Hulk” director Louis Leterrier told MTV News this past June that he didn’t think any villain could, and suggested that they use a hero instead: his.

“Iron Man” writers Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, who themselves may be writing another Marvel movie in the near future, couldn’t agree more, they told MTV News, insisting that everything is building towards making The Hulk the villain in the eagerly anticipated 2011 movie.

“I hope ‘The Avengers’ embraces that,” Fergus said of having the Hulk as misunderstood baddie. “You don’t want like 10 super-badass good guys fighting together. Where’s the fun in that? Let’s break it off a little. Friends or colleagues who become enemies is always an interesting thing because you know it’s based on love and friendship and that’s always the worst thing to have turn bad — is someone you actually care about and someone you actually believe in.”

Hulk, of course, has fought nearly every Marvel hero at some point in the comics, and because he already had his own movie, wouldn’t need to be set-up in the new one. In fact, all the hard work is already done.

“I left the door open for whoever’s going to direct ‘The Avengers’ with our last shot. Edward [Norton] and I, we consciously decided to make the last shot of the movie when he opens his eyes and he smirks at the camera,” Leterrier told us. “Is he enjoying it? Is he malicious? That’s what’s great about Edward. You don’t know if he’s a good guy or bad guy. He’s always on this edge and we’ve been sort of surfing that edge, that very thin edge during the entire movie.”

Recall, also that Downey Jr. as Tony Stark appears to General Ross at the very end of “Hulk,” a scene Leterrier called the first scene of “The Avengers.”

Sign Stark and them up for more, Fergus said.

“I personally like when good-guy characters have to fight each other,” he said. “Good guys going against good guys who both believe in an issue is way more interesting than a villain clearly into evil and I like when former friends become committed enemies.”

Source: Variety

Continuing the long line of comic book movies Josh Brolin is in negotiations to play Jonah Hex. Jonah Hex is a comic book about a confederate soldier who later becomes a bounty hunter.  I don’t care for westerns, much less comic books that are about westerns.  When I was younger, I did read a few issues of Hex after he had been teleported to the future.  But other than that, I have nothing good or bad to say about the comic.  However, its funny how it seems that every comic book character is about to be put on the big screen.  I have complete faith that no one will go see this movie, no matter how much the fanboys sing the praises of Jonah Hex’s exploits.  The mainstream does not know who he is, and I bet that he doesn’t have a big enough fanboy base to even register as a blip on opening weekend, if and when this movie ever comes to fruition.

Westerns generally don’t do well, and C-List comic book characters can’t possibly do well.  So it stands to follow that a movie featuring a C-list comic book character is doomed for failure. This is going to be a part of a long line of movies that could really make DC and Marvel look bad (how much faith can they really put in a movie about Ant-Man?)  If this movie can get made, where the hell is my Black Panther movie?  Where is the Wonder Woman movie?  Where’s Green Lantern?  The list goes on and on of more deserving movies.  But alas, we are going to have to wade through the deep end of whatever Hollywood and the comic book giants give us.

Saw this rumor a couple of weeks ago, and was waiting for some confirmation.  It  was reported that Eva was photographed leaving Marvel’s L.A. office clutching what appeared to be some Avenger comic books.  It was later reported that she was in talks to take the role of Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp, in an upcoming Marvel Movie (Iron Man 2 or Captain America: The First Avenger or The Avengers).  The thing is that this came out a couple of weeks ago, and then everything went silent.  It was reported as  both fact and rumor.  We’ll I think she would do well in any role that they shoved her in, the Wasp, Black Widow, Scarlett Witch.  I just assume that they are going to go for the hot factor regardless of the role.  Unlike the X-Movies where everyone, except Raven, was completely covered from head to toe.

.  Would she make a good Black Widow?  Possibly.

Would she make a good Scarlet Witch?  Maybe.

She pretty much would be worth the price of admission for anything they want her to be in a superhero movie.

Source:  Variety

In an interesting turn of events, Kenneth Branagh has been in talks to direct Marvel’s live action adaptation of Thor.  This movie will be a part of the announced Avenger series of movies culminating in the Avengers movie projected for release in 2011.  Marvel will again self finance this movie like it did with Iron Man and Hulk and will only need to select a distributor.

Kenneth Branagh joins other arthouse directors such as Ang Lee, Jon Favreau, Christopher Nolan, and Gavin Hood in turning a revered comic book icon into a big screen phenomenon. 

If this is true, this would be a masterstroke for Marvel.  Kenneth Branagh is one of those unique individuals who understands adapting literature for the big screen.  Okay, I know that Thor is a comic, but its still literature.  If Kenneth Branagh were younger, he’d make a great Thor.  A Shakespearean director/actor is perfect for Thor.  And any actor chosen to play Thor would benefit greatly from Branagh’s guidance.   What do I know about Branagh?  I know that Dead Again, Frankenstein, Hamlet, and Othello are some of my favorite movies of all time.  And anyone who had a high school literature teacher worth their salt has seen Henry V, which is the best Shakespearean work turned into movie.  I am a little biased because Branagh is one of my favorite actors.

Now, let’s see who they cast as Thor.  My preferences:  Kevin McKidd or Karl Urban .

The above picture didn’t come with the story below, but I thought it interesting.  I can’t see anyway that the powers that be would had this franchise over to Will Smith.  Not that we don’t like Will Smith, in fact, he’s our poster boy for genre actors.  Now, if they wanted to do a movie about isaiah Bradley, the first Captain America, then I say go for it.  But I am torn over him being cast for Steve Rogers.  Part of me says “great, another color blinding cast” and another says, “this can’t be right.”  I guess I’ll reserve comment until it happens.

If Will Smith has been offered the part, I can’t imagine he won’t take it. He might be busy, but he’s not going to say no because he’s not white enough. Him taking the role would be a seriously big deal in the world of race and mass media, let alone our little nerd/comics world.

read more | digg story

Source:  firstshowing.net 

Is this Cap’s Shield in the Iron Man movie?  Look below Tony’s right arm on the table.   Marvel is really doing a good job planting the seeds for an Avengers film.   It seems like marvel is leanin toward the Ultimate as the version of Avengers tehy will be using in the film.  In the Ultimates Cap was given his shield after he was unthawed.   Factor in  Sam Jackson as Fury (the Ultimate verison of Fury was based on Jackson)  in Iron Man, its almost too much .

(EDIT) No….I still haven’t seen Iron Man; however, I have it on pretty good authority that Nick Fury does indeed have a cameo.  Barring something terribly wrong, I am going to go with it.

Originally Posted June 21, 2007:

We haven’t reported any news on the Iron Man movie, rumor has it that Samuel L. Jackson is filming a cameo in the upcoming movie as Nick Fury. This is made even more interesting since Marvel has announced a Fury movie on its independent slate of films. Source: Ain’t It Cool News. No doubt that the Marvel Ultimate version of Nick Fury is drawn with Samuel L. Jackson in mind. Definitely an upgrade over David Hasselhoff, Nick Fury: Agent of Shield.

Honestly, I stay away from blogging about Battlestar Galactica for several reasons.  One of which is that they made Col. Saul Tigh a white man and totally white-washed the main cast. (disparaging the memory of original cast member and excellent actor Terry Carter)  Except for a minor character (who we will discuss in a moment), black cast members are few and far between.  But that’s neither here nor there. Sometimes it rambles on and gets caught up in its own mythology and politics, but overall its a well written show,  which brings me to another reason I don’t blog about it. 

It can be difficult to follow, but that’s because I have no patience.  I like sci-fi shows, and I don’t like soap operas.  Battlestar Galactica is a mixture of both.  Soap operas are short on action and long on exposition.  The payoff of any particular storyline or action is similar to waiting around for the consequences as the result of the butterfly effect.

I am intently watching this final season of Battlestar Galactica for one reason and one reason alone.  I want to know who is the fifth cylon.  This storyline has got me anticipating every episode and watching every episode intently for clues.  It has me scouring the internet looking for hints, theories, and explanations.  It has me watching previous seasons’ episodes for clues that I missed.  Is it Agathon, Adm. Adama, Lee, Kara Thrace, Pres. Roslin, Gaeta, Baltar, or Dr. Cottle?  Or is it Anastasia Dualla?

I have been convinced now that it’s Dualla.  Why?  I found a very  convincing theory here, more convincing than any other theory that any one else has come up with, even my own.  I was thinking that it was Pres. Roslin.  Roslin’s had too many visions and too many second chances at life.  But after reading that theory and the arguments behind it, I am convinced that he’s right.  I am not going to go into too deep other than point out what convinced me.  I was convinced by D’Anna.  In her vision she was surprised at who it was and apologized.  Dualla was assigned to escort D’Anna around treated Dualla like crap.  Also, Number 2 whispered to Roslin that Adama was a cylon.  At first this could be a deception. However, could Number 2, a self proclaimed prophet, be talking about Dualla, who’s surname later legally became Adama after marrying Lee.  The theory is not perfect, but I that those are the most convincing ideas from the article.  There are a lot of other reasons.  Like the Caprica series theory, but I have no idea how the person who wrote their article got all that information about a series that is still in pre-production.  And you can look at the “Last Supper” and fold it and cruch it, and twist it all you want, but the picture isn’t compelling enough for me, since its just a promo pic. (except that Ron Moore says that the last cylon isn’t in the picture)  Read it for your self and see what you think.

Souce:  The Final Cylon Will Be Revealed

The “Last Supper” Picture, click picture for a closer look.

 I didn’t forget that Boomer (Grace Park)  was orginally a black man also.

She’s definitely easier on the eyes.

On Superherohype, they have an interview with Terrence Howard about the future of Jim Rhodes in the War Machine armor.  I found him  thoughtful and somewhat insightful on the future of not only his character in the upcoming Iron Man movie but also on the future of the Iron Man franchise. 

Obviously, Jon Favreau has talked with him and maybe others about the direction that the franchise should take.  Terrence Howard is one of a handful of actors who could not only pull this roll off but could also carry a potential spin-off movie and maybe even a franchise.  Iron Man looks like its going to be an instant blockbuster for Marvel and I predict that they are going to make this a franchise as all their movies should be.

Previous Terrence Howard and Iron Man Posts:

Interview with ComingSoon.net

Interview with Comics2Film

Iron Man Trailer

Movie Stills

Video Game Trailer

Here’s a picture of the Enterprise from the new prequel movie, Star Trek.

Previous post about the new Star Trek movie.

Tyler Perry in New Star Trek Movie

Eric Bana cast as Star Trek Villian

Zoe Saldana cast as Uhura

Chris Pine on set of New Star Trek movie

Images of Zachary Quinto as Spock

Here’s the official theatrical trailer for Cloverfield, due in theaters January 18, 2007.

Spoiler Alert

If you want a special treat, read this full post to see what are rumored to be the original art renderings of the Cloverfield monster.  You’ve been warned.

Click Pictures for larger size.

I wonder how many people will go to the movie hoping to see Madea.  I can here it now.  

Lil Tony -   “You in line to see Madea in that Star Trek film”

JT -   ” Hell yeah but I thought it was Madea goes to Space.  I didn’t know it was a Star Trek movie”

Lil Tony  -   ” So whats she suppose to do in the movie”

JT -    “Who knows , they told me she was in it and I came running, that old lady keeps it real”

Lil Tony -   “Maybe they will let her drive the Enterprise or something, All I know its that it better be good if im going to pay all this money to see it at the theater, I usually just run by the barber shop”

JT -   ” Doesn’t matter if its good or not, its Madea, it doesnt have to be good, I’ll come see it anyway.  I love me some Madea, I got all of her bootlegs, “Madea Goes to Jail”, Madea’s Family Reunion”, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”……”

Lil Tony -  ” I hope its not a bunch of aliens and shit.  I can’t stand watching people dressed up in all those crazy ass costumes” 

JT -  “Thats True, Why would a grown-ass man want to play dress up”

Lil Tony -  “I can’t call it”

Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Source: UnderGroundOnline

I heard some reeeeaallly interesting things today about J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie. I’ll share all the details eventually but for the moment let’s break a piece of exclusive info: that writer/director Tyler Perry has a role in the new Star Trek movie. If you want to know who Perry is playing and how his character impacts the lives of young Kirk and Spock, beware of spoilers and click on through to read about it. And I mean that: SPOILERS ARE AHEAD! 

It looks like Perry is playing the head of Starfleet Academy. Before you go asking if the character is going to be a human being or one of those funky aliens with a dozen more nostrils, it looks like Perry’s character is a plain old fashioned human.

Here’s some background on the dude: Tyler Perry is one of the bigger breakthrough success stories that Hollywood has had recently. He began his career and won acclaim as a playwright before moving into film. He’s directed and written the screen stories for Madea’s Family Reunion, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Daddy’s Little Girls and his latest hit which came out earlier in the year, Why Did I Get Married?. If the man’s a Trekkie he’s kept it quiet or maybe J.J. is just a fan of Madea.

My informant tells me about a big scene that was filmed a couple of weeks back that involved Perry, Chris Pine (the young James T. Kirk), Zachary Quinto (young Spock) and dozens of other extras. Now really, if you’re here then you already decided that you wanted to be spoiled, but here comes the bigger spoilers…

…Tyler’s character is overseeing some kind of Starfleet courtroom/assembly event where young Kirk is facing expulsion from Starfleet. It turns out that the Starfleet prez didn’t look too favorably on Cadet Kirk for “cheating” on one of his critical tests. And all you Trekkies out there know exactly what it is Kirk did: he rigged the Kobayashi Maru test so he could win it.

(For those that don’t know their Tribbles from Andorians, the Kobayashi Maru is a piece of Trek lore introduced in Star Trek II. Starfleet cadets are placed inside a starship simulator and given a no-win scenario: either try and rescue the survivors of a stranded space freighter trapped behind the Klingon Neutral Zone and thus in enemy space or listen to them die when they are found by the Klingons. The test is designed that there is no possible outcome where you save the Maru survivors and beat the Klingons; it’s supposed to give cadets a taste of what it’s like to be working under pressure as you face probably death. Kirk won the Kobayashi Maru test by reprogramming the scenario so he could actually win it because, as the dude himself said, “I don’t like to lose.”)

So young Kirk is standing in front of his peers (human and alien Starfleet cadets and officers) and facing immediate expulsion from the Academy. After hearing the charge from Perry’s character, Chris Pine-as-Kirk delivers a speech in the same vein as some of the classic Kirk speeches from the TV series. He wants to know how his cheating was found out, and it’s revealed that there was a witness to Kirk’s act. Kirk immediately demands to know who the witness was so he can face his accuser.

And that’s when Zachary Quinto-as-Spock stands up. Yup, he’s the one that ratted on Kirk reprogramming the Kobayashi Maru test and he’s the reason why Kirk is about to be expelled from Starfleet. And then…

I’m going to cut it short there for now because I want to follow up with my source and ask some more questions about what happens next. Yeah, I’m leaving you hanging here but it can’t be helped. Besides, it’s the holidays and breaking news is practically non-existent so if I can stretch this out and come back with more spoilers from Star Trek, why not? Plus I want to be able to explain how the new costumes fit into Trek continuity and what they look like…

I promise to be back tomorrow with more. But before I close hailing frequencies I’ve got one final story detail to relate to you: at the start of that day’s filming J.J. addressed the assembled cast and told them that he was extremely happy to have Tyler Perry being a part of his Star Trek movie for many reasons, but one of the biggest was that this would mark the first time that Perry has appeared in a movie outside of his own projects.

Seacrest out!

The Official Website for the Iron Man movie has been updated. You can read info about the story, get cast information, new images, and the trailer. Check it out here.

I am stoked about this movie. I think that the anticipation is building up gradually. It’s hard to not try and find out about the script, even though the trailer I have seen looks like it gives the whole story away. The one thing that does bother me is that the rumor mill says we won’t get to see the Iron Man suit that we’ve seen in the posters, or the scene where he’s flying with the jets. Either way, I don’t think that’s going to make or break this movie.

Source: Lying In The Gutters

Rich Johnston has uncovered the promo trailer for a live action He-man film. You gotta love the 80′s. Now if we could only get a live action Go-Bots movie (just kidding).

Source: IGN

Could there be a new, reworked version of Marvel’s Blade headed to the big screen? Initially, the thought of a Blade franchise reboot sounds kind of crazy, but when you think about it, the first film in the series is already almost 10 years old. And with the later films in the franchise becoming increasingly cheesy, maybe it’s not a bad idea.

The Bloody-Digusting.com website reports that just such a move is being plotted right now in Hollywood. A source for the website contends that the “comic property” (we assume this means Marvel and/or the creative team currently working on the comic) is pushing for the redo rather than New Line, who may or may not be involved.

Marvel is currently attempting to relaunch the Hulk franchise in a similar fashion, which could have them feeling their oats and looking for other stale properties to freshen up.  The Blade do-over chatter could also be fueled by the hot-as-fire vampire movie trend that just won’t let up (see Underworld 3).

Im usually a some is better than nothing type of person.  I never understand when fans of a show, movie or comic say thats its time to end the show or give it a break (mostly from Star Trek fans).   If its still entertaining you then why would you end it.   That being said, Im going to contradict myself.   I really think that its time to retire Blade at least for a while.   I can’t think of any Blade story that waiting to be told.  The article mentions the recent popularity of Vampires as a reason for the remake.  I think that’s the reason that they  should wait, the market is flooded with these movies.   I think that Blade would end up being just another vamp film.  Maybe it will take  3 to 4 years for this happen and enough time will have passed to justify a remake.

Source:  UnderGroundOnline 

Transformers star Tyrese Gibson is in the running to play the part of Green Lantern John Stewart in the Justice League of America movie. I learned this information from a source who added the preference that Tyrese is merely one of several potential candidates that Warner Bros. is considering for Green Lantern. Whether or not Tyrese lands the part remains to be seen.

After having an importing role in this summer’s biggest movie, Transformers, Gibson may very well be in a bright position to be hired as DC’s emerald protector. Remember that the talk concerning who will play the roles of Superman, Batman and the rest of the League members began as unknowns having a the edge over established names like Christian Bale (Batman Begins), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) and Tom Welling (Smallville). Earlier this week Variety reported that Jessica Biel was a candidate to play Wonder Woman. That was immediately after a story surfaced that an Australian actress named Victoria Hill had also audition for the part of the Amazonian princess. It seems that both lesser known and higher profile actors are all either auditioning for the JLA parts or being considered.

The movie’s makers could decide to cast the seven JLA members using a mixture of recognizable and up-and-coming talent or go with established names. Certainly Tyrese Gibson and Jessica Biel are higher profile Hollywood actors than T.I. and Victoria Hill—but that doesn’t mean a thing until we know what the JLA filmmakers have in their minds. The recent past track record for WB superhero movies doesn’t really help us out much either: for Batman Begins WB made a decision to go with Christian Bale, by no means an unknown actor but also not an A-list star; and for Superman Returns the biggest career credits that the man that eventually got the job to play the Man of Steel were guest appearances on Will and Grace and The Gilmore Girls. It seems that everyone except the biggest name actors in show business (the Brad Pitts, the George Clooneys, the Leonardo DiCaprios, etc.) are up for membership in the JLA—most likely in effort to keep the budget for this summer tentpole more manageable.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is in negotiations to star in “Shazam” which is based on the comic book hero Captain Marvel.   In the comic  the wizard Shazam gives the young Billy Batson the ability to transform himself into Captain Marvel who has the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury.It’s still to be determined if the Rock will play the hero Captain Marvel or the evil version of Captain Marvel called Black Adam. Click here for an interview with The Rock discussing both roles.

TrekMovie.com has another Star Trek casting scoop (remember we were first with Quinto as Spock. Sources close to the production tell TrekMovie.com that 29-year-old actress Zoë Saldana has been offered the part of Uhura – the USS Enterprise’s communications officer originally played by Nichelle Nichols. Apparently the deal is not yet final and one outstanding issue may be related to her schedule starring in the James Cameron sci-fi mega movie Avatar which is still in production. Sources indicate that Avatar will be doing location shooting starting in October and Star Trek is slated to start shooting in November. Dealing with a busy actor’s schedules is not new to the Star Trek producers – the same had to be done for Quinto. Insiders tell TrekMovie.com that casting for other Star Trek characters is still ongoing.

Source ISEB

Theres a rumor going around that Warner Brothers first choice to play the Martain Manhunter in the Justice League Movie is Lawrence Fishburne.

This doesn’t seem that surprising to me it seems to follow a pattern, I have noticed. Fishburne would be the second African-American to play the character on film. Phil Morris recently portrayed J’onn J’onnz on Smallville this past season. For some reason the powers that be seem to have made an association between African-American actors and the character. On the Justice League animated series he was voiced by Carl Lumbly who starred in “M.A.N.T.I.S”. but his most visible role was that of Marcus Dixon on “Alias”. On the “The Batman” animated series he was voiced by Dorian Harewood who starred in “The Jesse Owens Story” and played Simon Haley in “Roots: The Next Generation”.

I think we get the message J’onn J’onnz is a black man. I will will refrain from making any comments about him fighting the White Martians (It’s to easy)

The Justice League Movie mentioned earlier this week. Maybe a CGI film similar to “Beowulf” if the some of the rumors are true over at ISEB

Written by Robert Sanchez 

We have just received an interesting email that indicates the Justice League of America film might be headed to the world of Motion Capture!

I wasn’t sure about the validity of the email, so I went in search of some confirmation. I got it. I got confirmation from several sources from ILM to Rhythm and Hues that said the same thing. From what we are hearing, there may be some truth to this, but again, right now it’s a rumor and we will post final confirmation if this is true or not when we have it.

This would also explain how The Dark Knight films would continue on, same goes for Superman.

Also, this explains the quick casting starting next week and the speedy production date of first quarter 2008. But, mo-cap films take a lot of time, so this may not be ready by Summer 2009 like a traditional film would be. Are we looking at Summer of 2010 or 2011? This would give time for the Batman and Superman sequels. Plus with George Miller’s success with singing pigs and dancing penguins, It finally all makes sense! But who knows!

This would put our League of Superheroes in a world much like Paramount’s Beowulf or Cameron’s Avatar, where they could hire any actor they wanted and tweak and change them accordingly.

Here is the email with the information that was sent in and stay tuned as we expect to get more news shortly! Again, it’s a rumor until we bring you final confirmation -

I’m in Europe on business right now, but managed to check my email (filled to the brim with spam of course) and noticed a very interesting message from a contact over at Sony Imageworks.

It seems that although they did cgi work on Superman Returns, there has been no talk of them coming back to work on the sequel. However, and take this with a grain of salt, Imageworks are apparently in the running to provide services on the JLA film, competing with R&H and possibly WETA (the latter being unconfirmed).

But the real interesting thing about this is that the contract is for an all-cgi “photo-real” motion capture movie, much like the upcoming Beowulf.

This is unsurprising, given George Miller’s recent track record with the likes of Happy Feet, and motion capture cgi would certainly account for the casting sessions that are supposedly starting next week, meaning that Miller can cast actors rather than faces for the roles, use their performances and tweak things as he sees fit.

Now a real-looking cgi JLA does seem likely, but I wonder what will become of Man of Steel given that Imageworks won’t be returning for that project. I know there were some rumblings within the company that Singer wasn’t satisfied with their work on Returns and is looking elsewhere for the sequel (ILM would be my preferred choice…but can Singer afford them?) and with Spider-Man 4 on hold (another Imageworks project), a mo-cap JLA would become their only major project for the next few years.

I just wonder if JLA might end up being pushed back….these cgi films take a long time to make, and a photo-real cgi JLA movie is quite a big project.

I’ll try to find out more when I get back to the States,

Source: iseb.net

When the news broke that JLA (Justice League of America) was moving forward with a script written by Kiernan and Michele Mulroney, speculations began that the follow-up to Superman Returns, The Man of Steel, would be delayed or even completely scrapped.

WB studio sources quickly said that was just mere speculation and The Man of Steel was still planned for a first quarter 2008 start date. Even recently, Brandon Routh told us the same thing during a quick red carpet interview at the premiere for Transformers.

At the same time, we are hearing some execs over WB were not happy with the way Superman Returns performed regardless of the $390 million plus worldwide box office take and that’s why Justice League is being pushed through the studio at a record pace.

The JLA script has been received with open arms by Warners and the goal is for the film to be the launching point for The Flash, Wonder Woman, The Green Lantern and Aquaman as well as rejuvenate Superman.

When do the powers-that-be want to start production on Justice League? Apparently, as soon as the first quarter of 2008, that’s right, WB sources have informed the IESB that execs behind the Justice League of America want it to be in production as early as February/March 2008 to be ready for a summer of 2009 release.

What’s the rush? The pending strikes are definitely one of the reasons that Warner Bros. wants to move quickly on the ensemble pic. They also want to start building a fan base behind the new heroes that will help them go on to have their own stand-alone films.

Some questions arise. What will happen to The Man of Steel film that Bryan Singer has already signed on to do? Would Warner Brothers be willing to lose the money they would have to pay to Singer regardless if he directs the film or not? Will Christian Bale and Brandon Routh reprise their roles as Batman and Superman?

Some rumors indicate that studio execs have considered recasting Superman and a few names have popped up. But the honest truth is that the studio just does not know at this time whether Routh will return or not. We’ll just have to wait and see.

And Batman? If Justice League starts production early ‘08 that would give Bale a three to five month break between “Batman” films. Would he do it? Would the production team behind the Batman films be accommodating? Would they allow one of their three-picture-options with Bale to be used on an ensemble film? Would Justice League be the last Batman film that Bale takes part in?

Those questions are the ones I have been trying to get answered but have not been able to get anyone to comment officially.

I want to be very clear about this, I want to see a JLA film very badly and I am pretty certain that George Miller will direct. The problem that I have is I can’t foresee the Nolan camp, including producer Charles Roven, to lose the third stand-alone Batman film by allowing Bale to JLA instead. Maybe Warners should bring a few of the Batman/TDK producers on board the JLA production to keep that camp happy.

Bottom line, the decision will come from Warner Bros., both Christian Bale and Brandon Routh are signed for a total of three films and one film can be an ensemble pic.

I have to wonder if they are willing to pay the huge amount of money to Bale to keep him for possible future JLA and Batman films. I definitely think he’s worth it but it’s not my checkbook.

Routh’s price tag is no where near Bale’s and I’d bet he’d be willing to do possible future JLA and Superman films.

Finally, what about Singer’s The Man of Steel? At this stage in the game, yes, it appears that the Man of Steel will be pushed back to accommodate Justice League.

Does that mean that Singer is out and the sequel to Superman Returns scrapped? Not likely.

As I mentioned earlier, Bryan Singer has already signed on to do The Man of Steel and his team is reportedly already working on the film. I find it hard to believe that the studio would be willing to lose the money that will have to be paid to Singer if they decide to drop the project. I just can’t see that happening.

Our sources have confirmed earlier reports that the Justice League of America film will consist of at least Superman (Clark Kent), Batman (Bruce Wayne), Wonder Woman (Princess Diana), The Flash (Barry Allen), Aquaman and the Green Lantern (John Stewart) and will follow the OMAC storyline and also feature Maxwell Lord.

Within a few weeks, George Miller should be confirmed as the director and casting should commence immediately. The priority for the studio will have to be to figure out what they are doing with Superman and Batman.

It would be a mistake on Warner Bros. part to recast Superman, Brandon did a fine job and under Miller’s direction he could do great, besides I hear that Warner Bros. really dug Bryan Singer’s take for the sequel and Michael Dougherty is already working on the new script.

Bottom line, Justice League of America will start shooting early 2008.

While talking about casting Tyrese Gibson as Luke Cage, Singleton dropped the name Chiwetel Ejiofor (Children of Men, Inside Man, Serenity, Four Brothers) as a possible person to play the Black Panther. I will be the one to say that we first mentioned that here, see comments here. See the full quote and article here at ReelzChannel.com.

The Alchemist is a novel written by Paulo Coelho that follows a young Spaniard during the time of the Inquisition who seeks Egyptian treasure, but on his journey he finds spiritual enlightenment. The movie had been in development by Warner Brothers with Fishburne set to star; however, Fishburne has teamed with A-Mark Entertainment to aquire the movie rights from Warner Bros. The script is reportedly written by Fishburne with him set to be director.

The book, released in 1988, has been translated into 56 languages and has sold more than 40 million copies in more than 150 countries.

Another of Lucious Fox’s wondrous inventions.