Screen Rant » jonah hex

Producer Talks ‘Lobo,’ ‘Jonah Hex,’ ‘Swamp Thing’ and More

Kofi Outlaw — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:26:56 +0000

Akiva Goldsman, the screenwriter/producer who has brought us such gems as Batman & Robin, Lost in Space, The Da Vinci Code, Hancock and I am Legend, recently spoke to the L.A. Times and dropped a few tidbits of info on the many comic book films he currently has in the pipeline as a producer.

So, if you want some updates on DC Comic films Lobo, Swamp Thing, Jonah Hex and more, keep on reading as I cut down the lengthy interview into some easy-to-absorb snippets for you to feast on.

Check it out:

Starting with Lobo, which is being directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes):

“There’s something hyperbolic and authentic about a Guy Ritchie movie. His best movie are deeply, deeply stylized yet they are all grounded; there’s a grit of stylization, which sounds like an oxymoron but it makes perfect sense when you’ve seen his films…We’ve never seen Guy’s sensibility married to a project with such a large special effects budget.

We’ve got the character design pretty much done…and the test will get us moving forward to the next step.”

According to Goldsman, a test scene for Lobo will be shot in November and after that we can expect to hear some casting news. Check out our own Lobo casting post for some choice nominees to play the character.

Next let’s get word on the upcoming adaptation of Jonah Hex, a comic book western starring Josh Brolin, Megan Fox, Will Arnett and John Malkovich. Said Goldsman:

“He’s a character that has been described as having one foot on Earth and one foot beyond the grave, that he speaks to the dead . . . at the same time he is very much [like Sergio Leone's] ‘The Man With No Name.’ “

A lot of people around the blogosphere seem to still be on the fence when it comes to Jonah Hex – although our own Vic Holtreman seemed to like what he saw of the film at this summer’s San Diego Comic Con. A lot of guys have gone ga-ga about the prospect of seeing Megan Fox do a spicy love scene (Hex is going to be R-rated) but then again, that prospect never panned out into profit for Jennifer’s Body.

My only concern is that Jonah Hex is being directed by Jimmy Hayward, whose biggest achievements up until now have been in the Pixar animation department, or helming Horton Hears a Who! – Will he do well with a live-action western? We shall see…

Finally, on the subject of a new Swamp Thing film (one more closely based on Alan “Watchmen” Moore’s run of the character):

“We want a film with real Southern, dark horror overtones, a little bit like a classic Universal horror film,”

Guillermo del Toro has said that Swamp Thing is one of the last “holy grails” of comic book lore that could be turned into a movie. Those of us who remember Wes Craven’s 1982 film adaptation of the character (the even worse 1989 sequel or early 90s TV series) are still reeling from just how bad a Swamp Thing adaptation can turn out when placed in the wrong hands. Too early to say for sure, but I surely can ask: do you consider Akiva Goldsman to be “the right hands” for the character?

You can check out the extensive interview and history of Akiva Goldsman in the comic book movie business by going HERE. He talks about such things as The Losers, Fringe and more.

In the meantime – what do you think of a guy like Goldsman being handed the keys to so many comic book movies (you really do have to read the interview to know just how involved in the genre he is). Is he a fanboy’s crusader? Or are you one of those people still sending him death threats because of Batman & Robin?

Source: Hero Complex (L.A. Times)

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Warner Bros. Creates DC Entertainment Inc.

Kofi Outlaw — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:49:39 +0000

After the Disney/Marvel merger DC Comics and longtime-partner Warner Bros. had to be shaking in their boots. “The House of the Mouse” is already looking like a force that few will likely be able to reckon with.

Well, in an effort to become one of those few forces able to take on Disney/Marvel, Nikke Finke reports that Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. has launched a new division, DC Entertainment Inc., in order to better expand the DC Brand.

Marvel fanboys have already been having heart palpitations wondering what the fate of their favorite characters will be in the hands of Disney. Now DC fans can officially share in that anxiety.

Diane Nelson will be the lady in charge of DC Entertainment Inc., as announced yesterday by Warner Bros. CEO Barry Meyer, and COO, Alan Horn. The mission statement of DC Entertainment Inc. will be to “strategically integrate the DC Comics business, brand and characters deeply into Warner Bros. Entertainment and all its content and distribution businesses.” Basically that constitutes Warner Bros. taking a more hands-on approach to developing DC Comic properties into successful film and TV franchises, interactive and new platform media, etc. In the midst of all this, DC Comics will remain as is for the most part, serving as the creative cornerstone of DC Entertainment Inc.

Of course this new structure means that DC’s comic book division has officially become a limb on a much larger body. As a result, Paul Levitz, President & Publisher of DC Comics since 2002, will vacate his exec post and return to a writing position, lending his three decades of experience to the “new DC” as a contributing editor and consultant.

Said Levitz:

“After so many roles at DC, it’s exciting to look forward to focusing on my writing and being able to remain a part of the company I love as it grows into its next stage. It’s a new golden age for comics and DC’s great characters, and I hope my new position will allow me to contribute to that magic time.”

Diane Nelson (Click Image for Source)

Nelson is leaving her post as President of Warner Premiere to take on the DC Entertainment job. If you’re wondering about her qualifications and experience: in her two decades working in creative brand management, strategic marketing and content development and production, Nelson has most notably had a big hand in adapting and managing the Harry Potter franchise for WB. Taking J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels and turning them into a juggernaut (read: cash cow) movie franchise is no small accomplishment; IMO, it demonstrates that Nelson understands how to maintain the balance between being true to source material, while making the needed changes to create successful multimedia ventures – an area where DC has admittedly had some trouble (See: Superman Returns).

Said Nelson:

“The founding of DC Entertainment fully recognizes our desire to provide both the DC properties and fans the type of content that is only possible through a concerted cross-company, multi-platform effort…DC Entertainment will help us to formally take the great working relationships between DC Comics and various Warner Bros. businesses to the next level in order to maximize every opportunity to bring DC’s unrivalled collection of titles and characters to life.”

For a great in-depth explanation of all this (with more quotes from the players involved) head on over to Deadline Hollywood.

Personally, I’m not at all upset (or surprised, really) about any of this. For better or worse, comic book fans, these are chicks we raised that are coming home to roost. We were the ones who pushed for so long to see our favorite heroes grace the big and small screens; our money fed the box office and gave rise to the “Era of Geek-Chic.” And in that proud era, our favorite comic books and superheroes have had their market value shoot WAY up – they are now worldwide icons and potential cash cows. When you think about it like that, it’s only logical that the big dawgs have come a barkin’ and comic book publishers have had to answer the call by stepping up into the corporate big leagues.

But will the source material – our beloved comic books – survive and flourish under these bright neon corporate banners, or whither and be forever tainted? As the zen master says “We shall see…”

What do you think about the creation of DC Entertainment Inc.? Will it be a good way for DC to catch up to Marvel in the multimedia market, or are you DC fans worrying that this is the end of the age of innocence for your beloved universe?

(And be sure to check our list of tags below to know which DC/WB movies are currently in the pipeline . Will this re-structuring affect them too?)

Source: Deadline Hollywood

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Mid-Week Movie News Wrap Up – July 30, 2009

Niall Browne — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:01:51 +0000

In the Wrap Up this week:

Warner Bros get jiggy with their release dates; Paul W.S. Anderson is The Warded Man; Schwentke sees Red with Willis and Freeman; [UPDATED] Will Spielberg helm Helm? Russell Crowe and Paul Haggis are busy for The Next Three Days and Matthew McConaughey and Eva Mendes are Southbound.

1. Warner Bros seem to be conducting a merry dance of release date shuffles. The water tower studio has changed the release dates of three high profile films.

A Nightmare on Elm Street has been pushed back two weeks from April 16, 2010 to April 30th.

Meanwhile the Josh Broli n/ Megan Fox comic book western Jonah Hex has been moved forward from August 30 to June 18 2010. This switch to a prime mid-summer slot gives the indication that Warner Bros have a lot of confidence in the film, as late August is often seen as a movie dumping ground.

John Cusack’s The Factory will now open in on January 28, 2011 – three years after it started shooting! That is not a good sign.

Source: Shock Till You Drop

2. The very busy Paul W.S. Anderson and his producing partner Jeremy Bolt have bought the rights to Peter V. Brett’s The Warded Man.

According to the Hollywood Reporter:

“The book is set in an undetermined future where mankind is beset by nightly attacks from demon-kind and has been thrown back into a feudal state. Three young people emerge with the potential power to turn the tide, including the title character, a man who has wards (spells) tattooed on his body.”

The book is the first in The Demon Cycle trilogy. Anderson and Bolt hope that the book and film will become the new Lord of The Rings. I thought that The Hobbit was the new Lord of the Rings. Oh well…

Anderson is attached to direct the film, which I assume will start shooting next year at the earliest, as Anderson will be busy calling the shots on Resident Evil 4.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

3. Robert Schwentke the director of the forthcoming The Time Traveler’s Wife (featuring onetime Hulk Eric Bana) is in negotiations to direct Red, the film adaptation of the WildStorm/DC comic.

“The spy film follows a former black-ops agent forced out of retirement when a high-tech assassin threatens him and his girlfriend.”

The film is set to star Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. Who knew that Freeman was such a comic fan? In the last few years he has starred in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and Wanted.

Willis too seems to be getting in on the comic action with Sin City and the soon-to-be-released Surrogates and now Red.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

4. Steven Spielberg is rumored to be interested in directing a new film version of Matt Helm, the old franchise that starred Dean Martin in the 1960’s and which was a pastiche of the Connery-era James Bond films.

The film has been in development for several years but apparently Spielberg’s interested in a new rewrite by Paul Attanasio (Donnie Brasko) which is supposed to be more in the vein of the new Bond and Jason Bourne films.

Matt Helm was originally developed by Dreamworks when they had the short-lived marriage with Paramount Pictures, but after a messy divorce, Paramount received sole custody of the project. Paramount has been cost-cutting lately and Spielberg’s attachment means a big payday and the studio is wary of spending big bucks on hiring the über-expensive director.

The last time Spielberg tried to make a Bond-esque action film he ended up with the Indiana Jones trilogy, so it would appear that it’s a pretty sound financial choice for the studio, who hope that Matt Helm will be a franchise starter.

The studio (and producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci) will have a choice of 27 Matt Helm novels to choose from for a script. The books were written by the prolific Donald Hamilton.

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First Poster For Jonah Hex

Ross Miller — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:09:54 +0000

Just one of the many movies being marketed at Comic-Con this year is the upcoming comic book Western adaptation, Jonah Hex. The movie stars Josh Brolin in the lead role, with support from John Malkovich, Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Michael Fassbender and Michael Shannon. The film is based on the DC comic series about a horribly scarred antihero who is, “a rough-and-tumble gunslinger and part-time bounty hunter whose adventures always ended in blood.”

Sounds prime for a movie to me…

The first poster for Jonah Hex premiered in banner form at Comic-Con yesterday, but later a good quality version of it appeared online. I think the poster is pretty cool, but not great. It’s definitely intriguing and I’m digging the blue color of it, but something about it leaves me wanting something a bit more. Check out the poster below, both in the good quality and the banner versions (click for larger):

The fact that Megan Fox figures so prominently on the Jonah Hex poster (arguably more so than Brolin) is equal parts predictable and miffing. It’s predictable because Fox is a hot property (pun intended) at the moment, coming off of her stint in this summer’s box office smash, Transformers 2. With Jonah Hex being considerably lesser known than something like the Transformers to the general movie going public, it’s no wonder they’re featuring her so prominently on the poster for it.

However, it’s also a bit miffing she’s even on the Jonah Hex poster as news came out a little while ago (from Fox herself) that Fox’s role in the film is virtually just a bit part. We haven’t seen the movie yet to know just or big or small her role is, but if it’s really that small it’s kind of weird she’s on the first poster for the movie.

Even if the film has Horton Hears A Who! director, Jimmy Hayward, at the helm (I still have no idea how they thought he’s a good fit), I’m still eagerly anticipating Jonah Hex. The cast is killer, and I really think the whole idea of it from the DC comic series will make for one badass movie.

What do you think of the first poster for Jonah Hex? Are you looking forward to seeing Josh Brolin scarred up and kicking ass on the big-screen?

Jonah Hex is set to hit theaters on August 6th, 2010.

Sources: Yahoo and Joblo

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Warner Bros. Panel – Comic-Con 2009

Vic Holtreman — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:42:10 +0000

There was an opening video where writer of the original book Maurice Sendack and director Spike Jonze talked about the approach to the film. Sendack is very, very happy with Jonze’ vision of his original story and couldn’t say enough positive things. He said it is true to the spirit of the book and it’s an expansion of the story.

Max Records who plays the young boy in Where the Wild Things Are was the first guest and he was quite charming. They – showed about 5 clips which looked great – very rich and textured and Max is going to steal the film.

Book of Eli

For The Book of Eli there was an animatic that frankly I have no idea what had to do with the Denzel Washington / Gary Oldman starring film. When they showed the trailer however – it was very impressive. I really enjoyed seeing Denzel as a bad-ass action hero.

Denzel, Gary and Mila Kunis were on hand along with co-directors Albert and Allen Hughes.

The film takes place 30 years in the future after a war and not too many people are left behind. Denzel and Oldman were cutting it up and the crowd enjoyed it. It’s yet another post-apocalyptic film – but I guess you can never have too many post-apocalyptic films.

Nightmare On Elm Street

Jackie Earle Haley was present along with Brad Fuller, Sam Bayer and Andrew Form were in attendance.

They showed a series of scenes from the film – it looked like a trailer actually – and it was actually very good. Jackie Earle Haley looks like a great fit for the role. The footage opened with the townspeople chasing Freddie and lighting the warehouse where he is hiding on fire (no spoiler there, come on). It hinted that maybe Krueger was innocent, but it could just be him trying to save his own butt.

In this film Freddy will not be joking and it will be more of a straight-up terrorizing angle on the character. They’re looking to reintroduce the character to a new generation.

It does look like it’s going to be a fresh approach – not going for the black humor so much as an all-out horror movie.

The Box

Richard Kelly, director of Donnie Darko and now The Box, along with Cameron Diaz and James Marsten were in attendance. Based on short story Button, Button by Richard Matheson. They showed 4 1/2 minutes from the film and here’s the concept: Frank Langella (with a horribly disfigured but obviously CGI-effects face) shows up and offers Cameron Diaz a box with a large red button. If she presses the button, two things happen: Someone, somewhere dies – and he will bring her one million dollars in cash. Of course beyond the death of someone she doesn’t know there will be very serious consequences that Langella neglected to mention.

The film is set in 1976 and looked very interesting and unusual, and it seemed like there will be more to it then just a thriller.

Kelly said it’s the most personal film he ever made and it was a tribute to his parents and older films.

Jonah Hex

Director Jimmy Hayward was on hand along with Michael Fassbender, Megan Fox and Josh Brolin.

They just finished shooting the movie, Megan Fox’s last shot was done two days ago. Footage cut exclusively for Comic-Con. The footage was impressive – lots of action and tough guy dialog/scenes by Josh Brolin. It won’t be a “slow” Western – tons of actions, gunfights, explosions, etc. It looked really great and Brolin was good, but I couldn’t help thinking that I still would have loved to see Nathan Fillion in the role.

Megan Fox plays a prostitute that Hex has been seeing for years – he keeps her at a distance because everyone that comes into his life dies.

Some moron asked Megan Fox if she’d be interested in helping him kick-off his film career by filming a sex tape. He was pulled away immediately.

The audience reaction when Hayward asked if people would see the movie was good, but nowhere close to “bring the house down” like the reaction during the Kick-Ass panel yesterday. Josh Brolin said the film was only made for approximately $35MM – all the money is onscreen, there were no big paychecks for the actors and they did it for the love of the script/movie.

Josh Brolin was really very funny, goofing on one of the people who asked a question – but in a very nice way. He talked about how he liked working on really original stories.

Sherlock Holmes

Robert Downey Jr. walked out and the crowd went nuts. Personally I think this is a hint of how the Iron Man 2 panel is going to go tomorrow. He said Sherlock Holmes was the first superhero – an intellectual superhero and martial artist.

They showed and extended Comic-Con trailer for the film and it was very engaging, action packed and a lot of fun. It really highlighted what Downey is bringing to the role and I enjoyed the relationship between Downey and Jude Law as Watson. Watson is not as subservient in this version but more of a partner who actually sometimes saves Sherlock’s bacon.

They had one scene in particular that really highlighted Holmes’ great intelligence – in the boxing scene already shown in the trailer they go through his step by step thought processes on how to take down his huge opponent. Very analytical down to the consequences and recovery time, and then after that they show him execute his plan and it goes perfectly as he takes the guy down in about 4 quick steps.

Producers Susan Downey, Joel Silver and Lionel, Wigram along with Rachel McAdams were also in attendance. Downey Jr. had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand – he really is incredibly charming. He also talked about he and Joel Silver really wanting to go for it if they were going to attack such a well known and classic property, with the possibility of creating a franchise. He said that that actually most incarnations had really veered away from the original concept of the character and stories.

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Masters Of The Web Panel – Comic-Con 2009

Bruce Simmons — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:45:07 +0000

At this morning’s Masters Of The Web Panel at Comic-Con, Robert Sanchez (IESB), George Roush (Latino Reviwe), Wilson Morales (BlackFilm), Paul Christensen (MovieWeb), Vic Holtreman (Screen Rant), Ryan Rotten (Shock Till YOu Drop), Drew McWeeny (HitFix), Devin Faraci (CHUD), Mike Sampson (Jo Blo), Jeremy Smith (AICN) & Brad Miska (Bloody Disgusting) gathered to discuss the ins and outs of writing for movie sites.

Kevin Munroe (Director Dead of Night) moderated the panel and in the second half of the panel, Brandon Routh and Anita Briem joined in on the fun.

Everyone on the panel wore their “favorite” Twilight t-shirts and while the crowd was assembling they seemed confused, trying to figure out if the panelists were making a statement or a joke.

Robert Sanchez started it up and asked if anyone in audience wanted to know anything from the guys on panel about the online community and that got the ball rolling.

The first question was “Do you guys get paid?” Ryan Rotten said it took about 7 years of writing before he started to get paid for what he does enough to do it full time. The audience recognized that these guys do what they do because they love what they do.

Robert Sanchez chimed in that ad revenue helps pay the bills.

The question was raised if there are conflicts with what they report vs what advertisers they have. Jeremy Smith said that for him, there’s no conflict with ads and movie reviews. He doesn’t play favorites.

Drew McWeeny added that if they actually pandered to the advertisers, that readers will smell it and that would have an adverse affect on how a site is percieved. Besides, He runs Adblocker so he doesn’t see the ads on his own site. (The audience got a kick out of that.)

Someone in the audience was curious: “Are you journalists or bloggers?”

The general atmosphere was that it’s tricky to put a name on it. One perspective is that journalists just report the facts while bloggers tend to add opinion to the news articles.

Ryan Rotten, in his reply, added that Forest Ackerman may be considered the earliest “blogger” but he doesn’t consider himself a blogger. Sites that pander to delivering bad opinions on a regular basis, those are who he considers to be bloggers.

Our own Vic Holtreman then chimed in to say that he must be the only blogger on the panel. Screen Rant doesn’t often “break” news but uses other sites as news sources and we add editorial commentary that our readers enjoy.

Jeremy Smith said adding commentary to the news makes it more interesting. Devin Faraci said that he considers himself a film activist and though he adds objectivity, he does add opinion.

Someone in the audience then asked if anyone on the panel had advice on how to get started, or to get their stuff on major websites.

Drew McWeeny made reference to Ryan Rotten having worked for 7 years before getting paid and said to just start a web or blog and write about film and develop your voice. Don’t worry about how your website looks, just start writing – but do bring something unique to your writing. Things can be spiffed up later.

Devin said it takes patience, to start from the bottom and work at it. Too many people have only been in the realm of web site entertainment reporting for a few years and seem to expect to get the big interviews (and money) and that just isn’t realistic.

McWeeny said that one of the more difficult things to do is to distinguish your site. Everyone is covering the same thing, day in and day out and sites need that individual identity.

Smith added that being snarky full time is not a substitute for real news and but that what you say that shows that you love movies in the process is the important part of the process.

It was mentioned that there are sites that look to over serve their readership and get too eager to present information to their readers. In one case, Devin talked about sites that grab items and put them up too early against studios requests, or sites that snag videos from other sites and then put their watermark on it, despite the video being exclusive to a site.

Robert said that IESB doesn’t do too many reviews but dispenses news and let the readers make their own judgments.

A question was asked that was first thought to be a question about reader demographics and what percentage are female site readers, but it seemed to be a question about whether the sites have female writers.

Robert made note after looking over the panel that they have no women on the panel, and promptly apologized.

Robert also said that his wife runs the site and does most of the writing and that most of the sites have female writers.

Faraci said that sites have a lot of different demographics of readers, across lifestyles, genders, etc..

Drew McWeeny mentioned that where he works now is more about web SEO, keywords and social tools. He loves the writing but these are new (to him) and necessary parts of the job.

Robert Sanchez then turned a question to their moderator, Kevin Munroe and asked him how he feels about being a filmmaker and his take on the web.

Kevin said that he loves what he’s doing and enjoys the interactive environment. If he needs to filter out some of the BS out there, he checks our panelists websites to verify some things.

We then were treated to a behind the scenes, raw footage filled preview of Dead of Night.

The preview looked pretty cool. It will help change my image of Brandon Routh and what roles he’s able to play.

Kevin Munroe said that in making the film, you try to keep the tone of the original material as one adapts it.

Brandon Routh said he liked the few comics (that were in English) that he read that this was adapted from.

Anita Briem addressed the rumor about her fling with Megan Fox in New Orleans. Basically Jonah Hex was in New Orleans at the same time they were there. Supposedly Briem had a steamy affair with Fox, but she put the kibosh on that silly rumor.

When Brandon Routh was asked if there was any news on the next Superman project and he basically said no there wasn’t, but that it sounds like there is momentum out there and that he would be happy to jump on the train when that gets going.

Routh and Sam Huntington enjoyed working together again (they were both in Superman Returns).

To finish out the panel, Robert Sanchez tossed out some trivia questions, and the correct answers got 10 pairs of tickets given away to the Wrath of Con party on Friday night. Of course, it seemed that hot chicks kept getting picked to answer the questions. Nice!

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Countdown To San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con!

Vic Holtreman — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:51:53 +0000

Wow, Comic-Con 2009 is already less than three weeks away. Seems like only a couple of months ago since we were there. Last year was a ton of work but also a blast (click here for our wrap up of the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con), and this year we’ll be providing even more extensive coverage for you with additional staff to cover the event.

Unfortunately if you want to attend this year and don’t already have tickets you’re probably out of luck as it’s been sold out for a while. But fear not, we’ll try to give you all the goods here on the site over the course of the event. It starts with preview night on Wednesday, July 22nd and runs through Sunday July 26th.

Included among the movies and TV shows that will be covered this year are:

James Cameron’s Avatar (with 3D (rumored) footage from the film)
The upcoming Sci-Fi alien invasion flick with a twist: District 9 (including an appearance by Peter Jackson).
Mike Judge will be on hand to promote his new comedy Extract.
The premiere of Mystery Team.
Where the Wild Things Are.
Tron
Sherlock Holmes
Jonah Hex
2012
Thirst
Ninja Assassin
Lost
The pilot for the TV series remake V.
Doctor Who (with an appearance by David Tennant)
FlashForward
Caprica & Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

Oh, and of course Iron Man 2, for which I’m sure director Jon Favreau has something very special planned.

Also, this year Screen Rant has been invited to participate in the “Masters of the Web” panel (shocking, I know – I certainly didn’t expect it!). The panel will be moderated by director Kevin Munroe and will include an appearance by Brandon Routh and Sam Huntington, along with a preview of their upcoming film Dead of Night.

Here is the list of panelists:

Robert Sanchez (IESB.net)
Ryan Rotten (ShockTilYouDrop.com)
Mike Sampson (JoBlo.com)
Jeremy Smith (AintItCool.com)
Brad Miska (Bloody-Disgusting.com)
Drew McWeeny (HitFix.com)
Devin Faraci (CHUD.com)
Paul Christensen (MovieWeb.com)
Wilson Morales (BlackFilm.com/AOL Black Voices)
George Roush (LatinoReview.com)
and me, Vic Holtreman (ScreenRant.com)

It will be held Thursday, July 23rd at 3pm – 4pm in Room 32AB.

Robert Sanchez of IESB.net organizes the panel and puts together what is arguably the most awesome party every year at Comic-Con: The Wrath of Con party (one of my highlights of Comic-Con).

Last year at the Masters of the Web panel tickets to the party were given away to some lucky winners. Here’s my favorite pic from last year’s party.

Doug Nagy, Alex Billington and me with the beauties from the movie 'Bitch Slap': Erin Cummings, America Olivo and Julia Voth.

As Comic-Con approaches, keep up to date with our San Diego Comic-Con updates (check the logo on the right) here on Screen Rant and on Twitter.com by searching for #sdcc or #cc09. I’ll be there along with SR writers Kofi Outlaw, Bruce Simmons, Rob Keyes (and maybe) Paul Young. We’ll be doing live-blogging, panel summaries and hopefully we’ll get you an exclusive or two.

We may try to schedule an impromptu dinner, probably on Sunday night, where we’ll get together to decompress after the whole thing. If you’re around downtown San Diego maybe you can join us. We’ll firm this up as we get closer to the actual date.

Anyway, we’re all looking forward to it and we hope you are, too.

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WB Comic-Con Lineup, Featuring Green Lantern: First Flight

Kofi Outlaw — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:50:28 +0000

Warner Bros. recently released the lineup of panels they’ll be presenting at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International. So if you are headed to Comic-Con this year and are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, Where The Wild Things Are, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Book Of Eli, Jonah Hex or even The Final Destination, then you’ll need to know where and when to show up for the panels.

Lucky for you Screent Rant loves our readers and has a nice list of the Warner Bros. panels at Comic-Con all ready for you, including the one that is my most anticipated: a preview screening of DC Universe’s animated feature Green Lantern: First Flight!

If you weren’t at the New York Comic Con screening of DC Universe’s last animated feature, Wonder Woman, you have no idea how enjoyable an event it can be. DC Universe tends to make more adult-oriented animated fare (Superman:Doomsday), which is a perfect blend for a Comic-Con crowd, a.k.a., a room full of adults who love animated superheroes.

Green Lantern: First Flight will premiere on Thursday July 23, 2009, in the San Diego Convention Center’s Ballroom 20 @8pm. If you want a look at the trailer for First Flight, go here.

First Flight is being helmed by DC Universe’s Lauren Montgomery (Wonder Woman) with Bruce Timm producing. Lending their voices to the film will be Christopher Meloni (Law And Order: SVU) as Hal Jordan; Victor Garber (ALIAS) as Hal Jordan’s nemesis, Sinestro; Michael Madsen as Hal Jordan’s alien mentor, Kilowog; and the lovely Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) as Green Lantern Corps member, Boodikka.

Green Lantern: First Flight will also be available as a special edition 2-disc DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def on July 28, 2009. A sincgle disc DVD will also be available.

Here is a quick itinerary on the other films Warner Bros. will be showing off at Comic Con this year:

Thursday, July 23rd
3:30pm-4:30pm 3D SHOWCASE PRESENTATION IN HALL H
Film: The Final Destination
Talent: Craig Perry (producer)

Friday, July 24th
10:15am-12:30pm WARNER BROS. PRESENTATION IN HALL H
Films: Where The Wild Things Are, The Book Of Eli, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Box, Jonah Hex, Sherlock Holmes
Talent: TBD

1:45pm-2:45pm PRESENTATION AND Q & A W/ ROBERT RODRIGUEZ IN ROOM 6DE
Film: Shorts
Talent: Robert Rodriguez (director)

Which Warner Bros. film are you most looking forward to?

Sources: Slash Film & IESB

Header Image Source: Film School Rejects

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First Look at Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex

Kofi Outlaw — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:29:11 +0000

This is already all over the Net, but we thought you guys might like to have a look at how actor Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, W.) is looking as Jonah Hex in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of the DC Comics series.

The pic shows Brolin looking tough and rugged as Jonah Hex, as well as showcasing the makeup work being used to create the character’s trademark scars. Have a look:

The photo comes our way courtesy of Lainey Gossip:

Brolin as Hex (click image for larger size)

I’ll admit, this pic isn’t nearly as lovely as the ones of Megan Fox on the set of Jonah Hex wearing that waist-vanishing corset, but it’ll do. Brolin is one of my favorite actors right now (he was a riot in W.), and it looks like he’s going to bring the badass swagger of Jonah Hex to life the right way.

Although, up to this point I’m sure the only reason people have taken any notice of Jonah Hex at all is because of Megan Fox. I love the character and want this film to do well but they really need some kind of publicity boost soon to sell it. This ain’t exactly Batman we’re talking about here… Westerns are already a hard sell in Hollywood and I would imagine it’s going to be extra tricky selling a western to the modern comic book movie crowd…

What do you think about the pic of Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex? Looking good or just ho-hum?

Jonah Hex is slated to hit theaters on August 6, 2010.

Source: Lainey Gossip

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Hot First Look At Megan Fox In ‘Jonah Hex’

Rob Keyes — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:26:22 +0000

Megan Fox, star of this summer’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is currently shooting one of her upcoming movies, the comic book adaptation Jonah Hex, and we finally have a first look at her in costume.

In the film, Fox plays the character Leila, an ex-prostitute rescued from a brothel by Hex (played by Josh Brolin). The gun-wielding love interest of the title character sure looks the part in this stylish dress.

Enough talking, take a look:

How does she breathe in that?! Michael Bay would not approve (he made her gain weight for the Transformers sequel).

Apparently, sites were putting up some shots of Fox on set for Jonah Hex before but she was wearing a robe to conceal her “outfit.” These are the first pics of her actually in costume.

In addition to Megan Fox, the strong cast of Jonah Hex so far includes Josh Brolin as the lead, Will Arnett, John Malkovich, Michael Fassbender and Michael Shannon.

What do you think of Megan Fox and her new attire?

Jonah Hex is scheduled to hit theaters August 6, 2010.

Source: Movie Gab

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Mid-Week Movie News Wrap Up – April 17, 2009

Niall Browne — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:11:13 +0000

In this Weeks spell check busting installment: Matthew McConaughey is an Exchange Student; Heffalump writer Spiliotopoulos will write Bekmambetov’s Wanted 2 – will Angelina Jolie be involved? Megan Fox is Crossing over; John Carter of Mars is Chabon and which one of the Watchmen has Morning Glory for Star Trek’s Abram?

1. Matthew McConaughey’s production company J.K. Livin is producing a comedy called Exchange Student. According to The Hollywood Reporter:

“The story revolves around two exchange students, one who ships out from the U.S. and one who comes in, who experience new environments in very different ways: One has the time of his life, the other goes off the rails. The tenor of the project is described as a family comedy with wry overtones a la Wes Anderson.”

Mike Vukadinovich will write a script from the idea that originated with “Bongos” McConaughey, who may also take a role in the film.

The Sahara star will next be seen in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past opposite Jennifer Garner.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

2. Evan Spiliotopoulos will write the sequel to last years surprise smash Wanted.
The writer who previously wrote Pooh’s Heffalump Movie will take over writing duties from Michael Brandt and Derek Haas and Chris Morgan.

The Timur Bekmambetov directed film was based on a comic by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones.

The main question is will Angelina Jolie be written into the script or will it focus on James McAvoy’s blossoming hitman career?

I’d expect every effort be made to have Jolie return – but they might just have another actress star opposite McAvoy.

Megan Fox anyone?

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

3. Speaking of Megan Fox, the actress will take the lead role in The Crossing.

“(In the film) a couple returning from a Mexican vacation is carjacked and the husband kidnapped. The wife (Fox) must smuggle heroin across the border in order to spring him.”

No director is yet attached to the Screen Gems production, but several directors have met with the producers. If one is hired soon then the film might start shooting by July.

Megan Fox has a busy year ahead with Passion Plays with Mickey Rourke; Josh Brolin’s Jonah Hex and Fathom all on the way.

She’ll next be seen in low budget art house drama Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

4. Screenwriter and Novelist Michael Chabon is doing a rewrite on John Carter of Mars for Disney.
Chabon said:

“I’ve been hired to do some revisions to an already strong script by Andrew Stanton and Mark Andrews. I wrote my original screenplay The Martian Agent back in 1995 because I wished I could do (Edgar Rice) Burroughs’s Barsoom. So this is pretty much a dream come true for me.”

Andrew Stanton is slated to direct the film which could be released in 2012.

Source: Sugarbombs.com

5. Watchmen star Patrick Wilson has joined the cast of Morning Glory. Wilson will join the stellar line-up of Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Jeff Goldblum in the J.J Abrams produced comedy.

Morning Glory is the story of two warring television anchors (Ford and Keaton) who host a morning television show. McAdams is the producer brought in to try and sooth them and boost ratings. Wilson will play her romantic interest.

The Roger Michell directed comedy will start shooting in New York next month.

Abrams’ Star Trek opens on May 8th.

Source: Variety

That’s it for now. See you at the movies!

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Megan Fox Plays Passion For Mickey Rourke

Niall Browne — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:26:16 +0000

With Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen getting ready for release, the Diablo Cody penned Jennifer’s Body already in the can and Jonah Hex and Fathom on the way, it looks like Megan Fox is getting ready to take over cinema screens across the globe.

The actress has now signed on to star opposite Mickey Rourke in Passion Plays, a 1940’s set dramatic thriller. The Transformers star’s character is described as “a slender beauty with wings who is part of a carnival.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

“Rourke will play a down-on-his-heels trumpet player, and Fox will play an angel in 1950s Los Angeles, with Rourke finding redemption in Fox after he attempts to save her from a gangster. Those familiar with the project describe it as a dramatic but heartwarming tale.”

Heartwarming and redemption? Period setting? Does anybody else think that this will get Mickey Rourke another Oscar nomination?

Passion Plays sounds like an interesting film with a period setting that can only add to the intriguing premise . Rourke does redemption with aplomb – one only has to watch The Wrestler and even Sin City to see this but will Fox be able to match the Iron Man 2 star’s intensity?

It’s doubtful – Fox is hardly known for her acting talent, but I’m sure her attachment wont harm the film getting funding or getting bums on seats for that matter.

Passion Plays will be directed by screenwriter Mitch Glazer.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

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Will Arnett And Michael Shannon Join ‘Jonah Hex’

Ross Miller — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:23:46 +0000

The upcoming big-screen adaptation of Jonah Hex, has boasted quite an established cast so far, including Josh Brolin, John Malkovich and Megan Fox. Now you can add to that cast list comedian Will Arnett (Arrested Development) and recent Oscar nominee, Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road).

Arnett will make a departure from his usually comedic fare to play the role of a Union soldier who enlists Jonah Hex (Brolin) for a mission, and Shannon will play the character of Doc Cross Williams, “a ringer leader of a gladiatorial event Jonah finds himself in.”

Jonah Hex is a Western comic book that looks like it’ll make for one hell of a kick ass movie. Although I haven’t read the source material myself, just from the artwork, I have to say it looks pretty damn cool. They’ve proven on the casting front that they’re taking this thing seriously as opposed to just making if for the sake of it. And the fact that it’s written by Crank and Pathology writers Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (who were actually originally attached to direct but dropped out and were subsequently replaced by Jimmy Hayward) affirms that it’s going to be a lot of fun as we all hope.

On the UK side of the pond, Arnett isn’t really a household name (at least not yet – although time may change that), but I know he’s pretty big in the US and is considered a fantastic comedic talent. So it’s strange for him to take on what is presumably a far more serious role like this – we’ll have to wait and see how it works out for him.

However, Shannon is a different story – for a good few years now he’s been a very under-appreciated actor, and it’s only with his Best Supporting Actor nomination for Revolutionary Road that he’s starting to get the recognition he deserves.

Do you think Arnett and Shannon will work well in a comic book Western?

Jonah Hex is scheduled to start shooting later this month in Louisiana. It’s still slated as a 2010 release.

Source: Empire

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Confirmed: Megan Fox To Star In ‘Fathom’ & ‘Jonah Hex’

Kofi Outlaw — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:01:36 +0000

We told you way back in September that Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen star Megan Fox had signed-on to play the lead role of Aspen, in Fox Atomic’s adaptation of Michael Turner’s Fathom.

Well now comes word that the project is indeed moving ahead, with the newly single Fox still attached to star and co-produce the film…along with her ex-fiancé???

Yes, oddly enough Megan Fox will be sharing production duties on Fathom with Safran Productions, whose roster includes Peter Safran, Steve Bessen and Fox’s ex-amour, Brian Austin Green. Won’t that make for some awkward situations on the set…

Especially since playing Aspen will likely require Megan Fox to be repeatedly drenched with water while draped in sure-to-be-skimpy “costumes.” Fathom, after all, is the story of an orphaned girl who discovers that she is actually a super-powered member of an undersea race. That kind of role demands a lot of time in the dunk tank. And poor Brian will be forced to watch and remember the time when she used to be his…

OUCH.

The script is being written by Prince of Persia video game designer, Jordan Mechner. The late Micheal Turner will be an executive producer on the film along with Frank Mastromauro. Fathom is currently slated for a 2011 release date. No word yet on who will direct.

You can learn more about what Fathom is all about by going here.

Does Megan Fox seem like a good fit for the role of Aspen? Do you think working on a film with her ex will provide us, the public, with hilarious on-set rumors and/or controversy? Do you think that somewhere, Michael Turner is happy with how Fathom is progressing?

[UPDATE: Fox is also in final talks to star alongside Josh Brolin in Jonah Hex, which is slated for a August 6, 2010 release.]

Source: Variety

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Which One Of These Release Dates Will Change?

Vic Holtreman — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:40:21 +0000

Some new release dates have been announced by Warner Bros. for some pretty big movies, including Green Lantern, the final Harry Potter film, Sherlock Holmes, Jonah Hex and Clash of the Titans. The dates range from late 2009 all the way to summer 2011, and one of these movies picked a date that will make things interesting as far as a box office battle (if the date sticks).

Sherlock Holmes – December 5, 2009

Clash of the Titans – March 26th, 2010

Inception (Christopher Nolan’s next film) – July 16, 2010

Jonah Hex – August 6, 2010

Sucker Punch (Zack Snyder’s next film)- October 8, 2010

Green Lantern – December 17, 2010

Harry Potter – July 15, 2011

Clash of the Titans will be directed by Louis Letterier (The Incredible Hulk) and it seems pretty clear that we won’t be getting another Batman film for a while with Chris Nolan tackling Inception next (described as a sci-fi action film). Zack Snyder will follow up Watchmen (which at this point people aren’t hazarding a guess whether it will be huge or bomb) with Sucker Punch, which Snyder describes as “Alice in Wonderland with machine guns.”

One interesting release date is the one assigned to Green Lantern. A Christmas release for a superhero movie? That is quite strange and I don’t know what significance we can ascribe to that at this point. Right now Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) is still slated to direct.

What box office battle am I referring to? Well back in September, Marvel announced its Avengers movie release date: July 15, 2011.

So what is Warner Bros. thinking with releasing the final Harry Potter film (Deathly Hallows part 2) on the same date as The Avengers? Are they trying to get Marvel to move their date? Do they think these two films cater to completely different audiences so it doesn’t matter? Or are they really spoiling for a box office showdown?

Source: ERC Box Office via Cinematical

Image: Joe Bergeron

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John Malkovich Joins ‘Jonah Hex’

Ross Miller — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:48:30 +0000

After what for months was a rocky road for comic-book adaptation Jonah Hex, things now seem to be smoothing out after all. As we already know, although Crank writers/directors Mark Nevaldine and Brian Taylor are off directing because of “creative differences” (star Josh Brolin pushed for Horton Hears A Who! director Jimmy Hayward), they are still involved via their script.

So with Brolin in place as the star, Hayward locked down as the director and Nevaldine and Taylor’s script still in full play, who shall play the much needed villain of this adaptation? Well, none other than Oscar nominated actor John Malkovich.

Things just got a little more interesting, didn’t they?

Malkovich will play Quentin Turnbull, apparently (as I have next to no knowledge of the original comic) Hex’s most consistent and recurring villain. Here’s a character description to help those not in the know (which includes me) out:

Turnbull, heir to a Southern plantation, grew up with young Jonah in the days before the Civil War. Jonah joined the rebels and the animosity began when he was framed by a Union soldier for slaughtering his own men – among them Quentin Turnbull’s son. Naturally, Turnbull vows vengeance – long, complicated vengeance.

Now not knowing anything about the original comic (nor the story or the characters), but instead going by that above description alone – I can’t see why Malkovich couldn’t pull it off. He’s rarely failed at a movie role – whether it be fun action roles (such as Con Air – man he was awesome in that) or more dramatic roles – having him in your movie is never a bad thing (I don’t think… correct me if he flat-out sucked in anything).

Jonah Hex is an adaptation I anticipate greatly, not just because of Brolin and now Malkovich but because the direction they seem to be taking with the plot just sounds so damn cool – with a lot of potential to turn out to be some seriously kick-ass viewing.

Here’s hoping the weak link in the chain (the director, who I have no idea why Brolin has so much faith in since he’s only ever done animation before) doesn’t ruin the whole thing.

Jonah Hex is set to start shooting in April this year.

Source: Collider

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Brolin Brought Hayward Onto Hex

Niall Browne — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:07:58 +0000

There was much confusion (and worry) last week when it was announced that Horton Hears A Who! director Jimmy Hayward was onboard to direct the film adaptation of the comic book Jonah Hex. Many thought that it was a crazy (and poor) choice, but it now appears that the choice was that of the film’s star: Josh Brolin!

Brolin spoke with Collider and he explained how and why the former animator was the right man for the job.

When asked about Hayward’s involvement Brolin said:

“I just think that Jimmy is truly brilliant. I was going to talk about that earlier. He got an e-mail to me somehow, someway. He wasn’t somebody we were even beginning to look at and I read the e-mail and was completely blown away by it. I had to meet the guy. I ended up meeting the guy and I think he’s so far beyond most of us in his expertise and his filmic abilities. It was one of those things where I brought him to the studio and I said, ‘I think this is the guy. I don’t know why.’ But I think he’s a brilliant, brilliant filmmaker. I can’t wait to see what he does. So I don’t know how to answer your question, but I can’t wait to see what he does.”

The film was previously going to be helmed by Crank directors Mark Nevaldine and Brian Taylor, but they left the project due to “creative differences.” It would now appear that either Hayward has an incredible skill at persuasive writing or he has a take on the material that has Brolin’s juices flowing.

So is the movie starting from square one or is Hayward going to use the existing screenplay? Who knows… but I’m guessing that we’re going to be seeing Jonah Hex sooner rather than after – before the heat is off Brolin’s No Country For Old Men and W appearances.

More from Screen Rant on Jonah Hex when we get it.

Source: Collider

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‘Jonah Hex’ Gets New Director

Ross Miller — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:40:33 +0000

It seemed that the comic book adaptation Jonah Hex was in trouble when Crank director’s Mark Nevaldine and Brian Taylor dropped from directing the project because of “creative differences” (although their script will still be used). However it now seems that the project is back on track as another director has been brought on board – he is Horton Hears a Who! director Jimmy Hayward, making his live-action directorial debut.

I know, I know… what the hell, eh?

For those of you fretting don’t worry – No Country for Old Men star Josh Brolin is still on-board to star, so at least we still have that to cling to. But why did Warner Bros. decide to give the directing gig to the guy who did Horton Hears a Who!?

I can’t comment on the quality of that film, not having seen it, but I can’t see the logic in giving the directing responsibility of this sort of project to someone who’s entire history is in kid-friendly animation (he’s worked as an animator on many Pixar films). I’m just hoping Hayman does a good job and doesn’t mess up what is potentially a really great comic-to-film adaptation.

Just as a reminder about who Jonah Hex is:

The character of Hex, known for having the right side of his face disfigured and wearing a Confederate army uniform, was a rough-and-tumble gunslinger and part-time bounty hunter whose adventures always ended in blood.

No official word has been let out about the exact plot of the film itself, but courtesy of ComingSoon.net we have a hint at the path it’s going to take:

One incarnation of his comic book series saw the Western genre combined with supernatural elements, and it’s this aspect that was featured in Neveldine and Taylor’s script.

Now even in spite of the peculiar and worrying news that WB has given the director’s spot to a guy who’s never had experience with a live-action, non-kid-targeted movie before, I’m still excited as hell for this film. Although I’ve never actually read any of the DC Comics that it’s based on I have been looking up information and images from it and I have to say I’m thoroughly impressed by it.

The character has such potential for a great feature film, perhaps even for a franchise, and since it’s a bit darker than your average comic book adaptation it offers something pretty unique. And Brolin seems perfect for the role both in look and with his charisma; he’s a much sought after actor after his brilliant performance in No Country for Old Men and Jonah Hex will probably produce him his iconic character that will be remembered.

So are you still excited for this flick in spite of the news of this director coming on-board?

Jonah Hex is hoped to start production in March or April this year.

Source: ComingSoon.net

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Mid-Week Movie News Wrap Up – Nov. 20, 2008

Niall Browne — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:42:34 +0000

Yep, it really is that time of the week again.

This week:

Harrison Ford talks Indy 5; we check out Johnny Depp in Alice In Wonderland; Jonah Hex is in trouble; John Carpenter is a Prince; and The X-Files’ Frank Spotnitz plans 2012.

1. Harrison Ford has discussed Indiana Jones 5 with MTV and It looks like the film is moving ahead – albeit slowly.

Ford had the following chin-wag with MTV:

MTV: Is a fifth Indiana Jones film inevitable?

Ford: I don’t know. If we come up with a good idea…

MTV: Is the ball in George’s court at this point?

Ford: It is. That’s the process. With some general input he goes off and searches for the MacGuffin and then stumbles into a story. And at some point we have a chance to take a look at and give some input.

MTV: And he hasn’t found the MacGuffin yet?

Ford: No, we’re still in the primary stages.

MTV: The end of the last film leaves your character in a very intriguing position. He has a wife and a kid. Can he still be that man of adventure with those commitments?

Ford: And he’s seen something. Remember those are the only witness to what he’s seen. That’s kind of interesting.

It looks like we may just see Indiana Jones one last time.

I must say that I watched Kingdom of the Crystal Skull again on DVD and it was far better on that second viewing. The CGI moments that irked me originally hardly annoyed be on the second go around.

Source: MTV

2. Like Johnny Depp? Wanna see what he might look like in Tim Burton’s forthcoming adaptation of Alice in Wonderland (maybe, this is most likely a fake)?

He looks like Johnny Depp in a Tim Burton movie. Like we’ve never seen that before.

Source: Just Jared

3. It looked like Josh Brolin was all set to star in the film version of Jonah Hex. However, it now looks like there is No Movie For Old Men as Mark Nelvedine and Brian Taylor have left the directors chair(s) for the film. The oft cited creative differences have been mentioned as the reason.

A Spring start is a certainty as the studio want to keep “the hot” Brolin on board. I mean hot as in hot property. Not…you know…hot, hot. However, I’m sure a few female Screen Ranters would disagree.

Source: Variety

4. John Carpenter seems to be trying to match Ridley Scott as a direcor with a bucket-load of films attached to his name. We already know about Riot (aka Scared Straight) with Nic Cage, but now CHUD has some news on a new gangster called The Prince.

According to the films co-writer Jeremy Passmore:

“We [Passmore and co-writer Andre Fabrizio] were trying to do Unforgiven as a gangster movie, because we’re both just huge fans of that.

It’s a bit of a departure. It’s definitely more of a very character based crime movie. I don’t know what’s going on with it right now, but the premise is that this guy was the most [badass] gangster of all time in Las Vegas, and he’s left the life and created this whole new world. His wife died but he’s raising his kid. He’s living in the middle of nowhere and he’s this very religious, trying to live a straight life guy. His daughter is now going to school at UCLA and she disappears, and he goes looking for her. The trail leads to Vegas and he has to go get her, and the entire city kind of comes down on top of him.”

Sounds odd for Carpenter, but don’t forget that his cinematic hero was Howard Hawks – master of all genres and director of the original Scarface.

Source: CHUD

5. X-Files fans – there is more news out there on a third film in the franchise.

Producer/ Writer of the recent I Want To Believe Fran Spotnitz has stated (again) that a new film depends on the DVD sales of the film.

He has also hinted that the film will focus on the 2012 invasion story hinted during the series.

Spotnitz said:

“As you know the date of December 2012 is an important one in The X-Files, and I’d like to focus on that.”

It’s interesting, but I’d have loved to have seen a series of stand-alone X-Files movies that offer a good batch of thrills to adults and not kids.

However, having said that – “never look a gift horse in the mouth”.

Source: Sci-Fi Movie Page

That’s it for now. See you at the movies.

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Weekend Movie News Wrap Up: October 12, 2008

Niall Browne — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:43:58 +0000

It’s that time of the week again.

This week we see who is riding high at the box office; Hex marks the spot for Josh Brolin; Eric Bana is Armored; Frank Darabont isn’t a Law Abiding Citizen and we discover what Robert Downey Jr looks like as Sherlock Holmes.

Box Office

This week Beverly Hills Chihuahua remained top dog with a second week gross of around $18 million. Frightener flick Quarantine opened strongly in second place with a solid $14 million, while Ridley Scott’s Leonardo DiCaprio/ Russell Crowe starrer Body of Lies bowed to $13 million. That’s gotta hurt. Scott, Crowe and Di Caprio don’t come cheap, so the film will have to scoop some major award nods to help it make some solid bank. Having said that; with the film’s pedigree there should be some big international numbers to help off-set the lacklustre US gross. The Dennis Quaid/ Rob Brown (no relation) inspirational sports film The Express dropped the ball with a mild $5 million weekend. The Bill Murray kids Pic City of Ember tanked with a pathetic $3 million gross. A shame really – but its failure might just make Ghostbusters 3 happen. Meanwhile Shia La Boeuf’s Eagle Eye has flown to $70 million.

Movie News

1. Word on the street is that former Goonie and No Country for Old Men star Josh Brolin is apparently locked and loaded to play Jonah Hex in a film adaptation of the comic book of the same name, that is to be titled…er…Jonah Hex.

Earlier in the year Thomas Jane pitched for the role – even going so far as to produce photographs to persuade the filmmakers. Alas, they don’t seem to have taken the bait.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Thomas Jane ain’t going to be happy.

Source: Holywood Elsewhere

2. One time Hulk Eric Bana will star in Armored, a remake of the French film Le Convoyeur.

The adaptation was written by David Ayer and Andrew Kevin Walker. According to Variety:

“(The) Story follows a man who takes a job for an armored car company and ingratiates himself with his co-workers, who trust him enough to make him part of their heist plans. Unbeknownst to his colleagues, the man had his own motives for taking the job.”

F. Gary Grey will helm the pic, which will net Bana $7.5 million. However, the deal does rely on scheduling – the film starts shooting on April 1^st (that’s no joke), but Bana will have press duties for Star Trek in May.

Oh, and the film should more than likely undergo a title change!

Source: Variety

3. Forrest Whitaker will star in and direct a biopic of Louis Armstrong. The film titled It’s a Wonderful World (original) hopes to follow in the critical and box office success of Walk the Line and Ray.

Sounds like solid casting. Let’s just hope when Forrest comes down to editing the movie he doesn’t feel that we have all the time in the world. Ahem.

Source: Variety

4. Wanna see Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Holmes?

Does anybody else think Chaplin?

Source: Just Jared

That’s it for this week. See you at the movies.

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