SPECULATION: Black Cat To Appear In Amazing Spider-Man 2?
There is speculation that we could finally see Spidey get a crime fighting partner in Amazing Spider-Man 2. In the new film’s video game the infamous Black Cat comes into play and seems to give the impression that she will make an appearance in future films. Sony had been calling the shots with what made it in this connected game so the chances are good. This has led to rumblings online that Black Cat could be making her way into the sequel.
One of the biggest problems with the Spider-Man film mythology is that Parker ends up getting his ass handed to him by every villain. It would be fresh to see him finally partner up with one of the few other heroes in the Spidey universe. Considering a decent amount of characters in this world are at Sony’s disposal but have yet to be used in the movies. Now that Marvel Studios has created their own Marvel universe it would be nice to see Sony attempt this with their Spider-Man characters. The few other heroes include Scarlet Spider/Kaine (clones of Peter Parker), Morbius The Living Vampire (rights could be with Marvel), mercenary Silver Sable, along with anti-heroes Scream and Venom (getting spin-off film).
Black Cat is the secret identity of New York socialite Felicia Hardy, who just happens to be a friend of Peter Parker and moonlights as a cat bugler. While she turns out to be a villain at first her new interest in Spidey makes her change sides to win his heart. Considering the limited amount of Marvel heroines in these films it would be a welcomed change to the cliched damsel in distress.
This isn’t hard to believe since the character Felicia Hardy had been wanted for Sam Raimi’s axed Spider-Man 4. io9 had word actresses such as Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes) and Romola Garai (Atonement, The Last Days of Mars) had been rumored for the role. Anne Hathaway had been cast in Spider-Man 4 as the daughter of The Vulture which might have been turned out her becoming Black Cat. Of course the film was scrapped and Anne ended up landing the role of Catwoman in the The Dark Knight Rises. Considering the ages of the new leads I’m sure if they do end up casting the role they might go a bit younger.
Day Of The Triffids Lands A Writer, Could Sam Raimi Direct?
HeatVision reports that The Day of The Triffids remake from Sam Raimi’s production company Ghost House has finally landed a writer. Neil Cross best known for writing the BBC series Luther and Spooks will write the film’s script. Cross recently wrote the upcoming horror film Mama from producer Guillermo del Toro which stars Oscar nominated actress Jessica Chastain and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Headhunters, Game of Thrones). Not to mention helping with rewrites on Guillermo’s Pacific Rim.
While there hasn’t been a director named for Triffids the property is classic enough that it very well might be a project that Raimi could direct himself. We haven’t seen a horror film from Raimi since 2009’s Drag Me To Hell, so Sam’s horror itch might come back. Currently, Raimi will be busy with post-production on Oz, The Great And Powerful until it’s release in March of next year.
Jane Levy Replaces Lily Collins In Evil Dead
Deadline reports that Jane Levy has replaced Lily Collins as the lead actress in the Evil Dead remake. Jane will play Mia who is basically the new Ash character.
Shiloh Fernandez Joins Evil Dead Remake
Variety reports Shiloh Fernandez (Red Riding Hood) has nabbed the male lead in the Evil Dead remake. The film written by Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body, Young Adult) originally had Lily Collins attached for the role of Mia but she ended up dropping out. Shiloh had role on Diablo Cody’s show United States of Tara.
Lily Collins Drops Out Of Evil Dead Remake
Jeff Sneider of ShowBlitz/Variety reported via Twitter today that Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror) has left talks to star in the Diablo Cody written Evil Dead reboot. Collins would have played the female lead Mia who is basically the new Ash in the film. Jeff briefly states that Lily’s exit is over a conflict with other commitments which could mean a lot of things. I really hope that we end up more inspired names than Collins in the future.
Is Lily Collins The Lead In The Evil Dead Reboot?
BloodyDisgusting is reporting that Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror, The Blindside) will play Mia the female lead of the Evil Dead reboot. It had been mentioned previously that Community actress Gillian Jacobs and Jurnee Smollett were also in the mix.
RUMOR: Gillian Jacobs Joining The Evil Dead Remake?
DestroyTheBrain claims an exclusive casting rumor that could see two actresses possibly joining the Evil Dead remake. One of the actresses is former child star Jurnee Smollett (Full House, Friday Night Lights) and the other is Gillian Jacobs (Choke) best known from Community. This seems to be the first word of casting so if true we should be hearing more names attached soon.
Patty Jenkins Won’t Direct Thor 2
Deadline reports that Monster director Patty Jenkins won’t be directing Thor 2. The studio and Patty had a disagreement over creative issues which lead to her exit. However, they state Jenkins could end up directing another one of Marvel’s laundry list projects. Marvel will have to move quickly as production is expected to start in September of next year with a release date a little over a year after that date. Giving a director enough time to put together pre-production, set creation and new casting additions. Thor 2 is expected to be a rather large sequel with it’s Asgardian population rumored to be doubling in size. Not to mention the fact there has been talk the movie is likely to be set in other realms which is very costly for the studio.
Brian Kirk (Luther, Game of Thrones) had also been in talks with the studio but also left over creative and budget issues. This isn’t new for Marvel as the original Thor film went through a similar process to find it’s director. Names like Matthew Vaughn and Sam Raimi were once attached to direct before Kenneth Branagh was ultimately hired. Jenkins could better suit a majority of the other projects in development and I’m sure will be back at Marvel in the future.
If Rupert Sanders wasn’t busy with Snow White and The Huntsman I would have felt he was the director for the job. The film has a similar scale and tone which also stars Chris Hemsworth.
SFX Guru Gregory Nicotero Talks Evil Dead Reboot
Gregory Nicotero is one of the best special effects artists working in Hollywood today. He’s not as well known as Tom Savini or Rick Baker but he has just as an impressive resume. It includes The Walking Dead, Predators, Planet Terror, Jennifer’s Body, Drag Me To Hell, The Mist, Scream, John Carpenter’s Vampires, From Dusk Till Dawn, Once Upon A Time In Mexico, Inglourious Basterds, Sin City, Death Proof, Land of The Dead, Kill Bill and Hostel 1-2. Greg is best known for his stunning gore effects along with interesting makeup concepts he also worked on Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness. So when he was asked by STYD if he was going to return for the Evil Dead remake he gave this answer.
“We would love to do [that project]. I believe they might be shooting in New Zealand, so that might be prohibitive. I know they would love to have us and I know we’d love to do it, I just don’t know where it’s going to go. I spoke to [producer] Rob [Tapert] and said, with the stuff we’re doing on The Walking Dead, I can only imagine how cool it would be to do something with the make-up would be so much fun.”
Diablo Cody Talks Evil Dead Remake
While most Evil Dead fans aren’t sure what to make of Fede Alvarez’s new reboot. It was recently revealed by producer Bruce Campbell the Ash character he originally played in the trilogy won’t be showing up. Giving the impression a younger actor won’t be taking over the role either. A sigh of relief as this makes me believe they are really going a different route while keep the original concept intact.
“Five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin where they discover a Book Of The Dead and unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.”
Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body, Young Adult) who was recently hired to do some rework on the script talked to Collider about what we can expect from the new movie.
I know, honestly I was so excited to do it. I wouldn’t have even gotten involved if Sam [Raimi] and Bruce Campbell hadn’t been involved as well, they’re producing it, and so of course I was like “Alright I have to do this” because I’m such a fan of the original, and the whole original series in fact. But I was nervous to take the job because I thought “Ugh, I’m gonna get shit for this. People are not gonna like this, because all people know of me is like Juno and they think I’m gonna pollute Evil Dead with like wacky dialogue and cute stuff and folk music, and it’s like “No, look I understand what this is. I’m interested in storytelling here and making it scary and good and true to the original.” I feel like people will hopefully see Young Adult and go “Oh, okay that’s a horrifying movie maybe she could pull it off (laughs).”
Because the director’s draft was really scary, I tried to stay away from some of the big horror set pieces. I didn’t wanna mess with his vision, because he’s the one who ultimately has to shoot it. That being said, there is a moment near the—I mean it’s unbelievably violent (laughs). Occasionally I threw in a wound here or there. I didn’t write anything extravagant.
Diablo Cody Writing Evil Dead Remake?
In a recent report that Ash may or may not appear in The Evil Dead remake from CinemaBlend. It was revealed that Oscar winning screenwriter Diablo Cody would be contributing to the film’s script. A key detail of the remake that I haven’t posted before. Cody is best known for her work on Juno, Jennifer’s Body, United States Of Tara and the upcoming Young Adult. Like her or hate her she has a contemporary way of writing dialog and seems a good fit for the horror genre. It’s expected that the film could hit theaters around 2013 with newcomer Fede Alvarez directing.
Disney Could Look To Burton, Raimi, & Cuarón To Direct Pirates 5
CinemaBlend has word that Disney is eager to start developing Pirates 5 and are looking for a director. Not surprising as the fourth film is already north of $640 million. While they have a script in place from Terry Rossio as reported by HollywoodReporter. The curious thing is that Rob Marshall hasn’t officially signed on to direct, yet is still wanted by the studio (just lip-service?). While successful financially the fourth film got only average reviews from critics. Blend has word that Disney is looking at Tim Burton, Sam Raimi, Shawn Levy, Alfonso Cuarón and Chris Weitz for the fifth installment.
Burton had been looked at for Pirates 4 but never signed on. He’s becoming a studio stable with Alice In Wonderland, Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie and his Sleeping Beauty project Maleficent. I like the idea of Burton entering the world of Pirates but I’m not sure he would deliver a film any better than the previous ones.
Sam Raimi is directing the studio’s next big fairy tale picture Oz, The Great & Powerful the Oz prequel which focuses on a young wizard. Raimi seems like the safest choice out of the bunch and could give audiences a fun film if given breathing room. My only concern is that he also had been working on pre-production for Warcraft which is likely his next film.
Alfonso Cuarón is the director that should be turning heads. His wonderful film Children of Men proved he’s got the visual and storytelling chops that most directors inspired to have. Giving audiences family friendly entertainment with The Prisoner of Azkaban while keeping his dark style. Alfonso also has the promise of pumping the new blood needed to keep the franchise going. Unlike Raimi and Burton, Cuarón isn’t deep in development on other large projects.
The filler choices seem to be Shawn Levy (Date Night, Real Steel) and Chris Weitz (Golden Compass) neither directors of garnered praise or success for their previous films as of yet. Levy is set to direct a remake of The Fantastic Voyage for producer James Cameron. There have also been talk of other projects with Hugh Jackman including a Real Steel sequel. Weitz seems an odd choice and left field when compared to the other candidates.
Zach Braff In Talks To Join Oz, The Great & Poweful
Deadline reports that Zach Braff (Scrubs) is in final talks to join Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great & Powerful. Braff is taking the role of the Wizard’s (Franco) assistant which had been originally offered to John C. Rielly. A big step down in my opinion and hope there are some charismatic male actors added to this cast. Zach joins James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Joey King.
Child Actress Joey King Lands Roles In Dark Knight Rises & Oz, The Great & Powerful
ShowBlitz reports that up and coming child actress Joey King (Battle: Los Angeles) has been cast in two rather large films. First she joined The Dark Knight Rises along with new additions Brett Cullen (Apollo 13) and Chris Ellis (Transformers). The role in that film is currently unknown but I wouldn’t count out a young Talia al Ghul or Rachel Dawes. The site also reports that Joey has joined Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great & Powerful. Playing China Girl, a young girl made of porcelain who the Wizard (Franco) becomes somewhat of a father figure to after an evil witch (Weisz) kills her family. She joins James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz.
Michelle Williams Confirmed As Glinda In Sam Raimi’s OZ
It’s been confirmed by Variety that Michelle Williams will play Glinda the good witch in Oz, The Great & Powerful. She will star alongside James Franco, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis in the Disney film directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Evil Dead).
Rachel Weisz In Talks For Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great & Powerful
HeatVision confirms that Rachel Weisz is in talks to play evil witch Evanora in Oz, The Great & Powerful. She is one of three sisters who wants to rule Oz using dark magic. Michelle Williams, Hilary Swank and Blake Lively are likely to be still in contentions for the role of Glinda. James Franco (Wizard) and Mila Kunis (Theadora) are currently the only other cast members in the Sam Raimi film.
Disney Wants Michelle Williams For Oz
Vulture reports that Disney is trying to cast the rest of the roles for Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great & Powerful. They say that Raimi is championing Hilary Swank for the role of the elder witch while Disney wants Michelle Williams. I believe most of the time a director is right on the money but Sam has a trend of hiring plain-Jane actresses for his leads. From what I know about the synopsis the witches are supposed to be beyond gorgeous while Swank can be pretty at times she isn’t as stunning as say Mila Kunis, Blake Lively or Michelle Williams. I have to side with Disney as Michelle is coming off some impressive roles in Shutter Island and Blue Valentine the latter earned her second Oscar nomination.
It’s unknown if Blake Lively is still involved with the film as she just joined Oliver Stone’s Savages. Vulture also reported that John C. Rilley was in talks to play the Wizard’s (Franco) sidekick but is expected to get an offer for a role in Hunger Games instead. To be honest I’d rather see Rilley in Oz but let’s hope Disney continues to give us a solid cast.
Blake Lively Could Play Glinda In Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great & Powerful
Also in the Variety article that focuses on Blake Lively is another project she could be involved with. Blake is also up for a major role in Disney’s Oz, The Great & Powerful. She would play Glinda the witch in the Sam Raimi film that focuses on the arrival of the Wizard (James Franco) via hot air balloon to the land of Oz. Mila Kunis (Black Swan) previously joined the film playing Theodora the sister of Glinda and eventually becomes an evil witch.
Mila Kunis WIll Play Theodora In Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great & Powerful
Variety has official news that Mila Kunis (Book of Eli, Black Swan) has landed the role of good witch turned evil Theodora in Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great & Powerful. The Disney film which stars James Franco as a young Wizard who is a sexually charged snake oil salesman/illusionist. They also name Glinda and Evanora as the other witch roles which should be cast soon.
Mila Kunis Turns Down Akira To Star In Oz
Rising actress Mila Kunis is gathering praise for her performance in Black Swan and she’s now being offered some big roles. According to Vulture Mila had been offered a role in The Hugh Brothers’ Akira but turned it down to star opposite James Franco in Oz, The Great & Powerful. The Sam Raimi directed film for Disney chronicles the origin of The Wizard of Oz who will played by Franco. Kunis would play a young witch Theodorah who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of The West. Franco had also been linked to Akira but it looks like he’s chosen to work on Oz instead.
James Franco In Talks For Oz, The Great & Powerful
HeatVision reports that James Franco (Pineapple Express, 127 Hours) is in early talks to take the lead role in Disney’s Oz, The Great & Powerful. Robert Downey Jr. who had been rumored previously for the role has passed on it along with other projects to focus on Avengers. There had been speculation that Johnny Depp would be the studio’s second choice but he recently passed too.
James isn’t the type of actor you’d expect in this womanizing/conman role but he’s never been pinned down as certain type of actor. Franco is also being linked to other big projects like Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Wrath of The Titans. I’m still holding out hope that Franco will join the Prometheus cast. I wouldn’t be shocked to see director Sam Raimi hire him since they’ve worked together on the Spider-Man films.
RDJ Exits Sam Raimi’s OZ: The Great & Powerful , Depp To Replace Him?
HeatVision reports that Robert Downey Jr. has left Disney’s Oz: The Great & Powerful which is being directed by Sam Raimi (Evil Dead & Spider-Man Trilogies). The site expects Johnny Depp could very well step in to save the production for the studio. It would be a safer choice for Disney as they have a strong relationship with Depp and he’s already been involved in a re-imagining of a classic story with Alice In Wonderland.
The only issue would be his availability since he’s starting production on Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows next. Depp will also be busy starring in three other Disney films with Lone Ranger playing Tonto along with Pirates 5 and Pirates 6. The last two have been rumored to be shooting back to back. The site mentions that Oz is further along than Ranger and could start production in the second half of the year.
CINEMA INVASION 