Screen Rant » wanted 2

Wanted 2 Director Talks Resurrecting Angelina

Kofi Outlaw — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:51:29 +0000

So we recently reported on the rumor that Angelina Jolie is returning for Wanted 2, even though her character, Fox, [SPOILER ALERT!] was on the receiving end of a bullet to the head at the end of Wanted. Naturally, being the masters of deduction that we are here at Screen Rant we asked the question “How can they pull off resurrecting Fox without completely jumping the shark???”

Well, Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov recently let MTV Splash Page know exactly how he plans to do just that. Take a look at what he had to say and judge for yourself where it falls on your “shark jumping” meter.

“If you remember from the first film, we have a recovery room with the baths of wax…But there has to be a reason for her to come back… and we know the reason…”

Head over to MTV News for the full quotes, but I’ll tell you now: Bekmambetov never cops to what this grand logic for the character’s return actually is. Oh the suspense! Seriously though, if he were to give any answer OTHER than “The reason is we want to hold onto our biggest movie star so a bunch of people actually come see this thing,” I doubt I would believe him (way too cynical).

I said it before, I’ll say it again: this is a ploy, we all know it’s a ploy, and damn you, Hollywood, damn you. I already think Wanted was an overrated comic book; the movie was an underwhelming film; and this sequel is going to likely be like seeing a paled copy of a pale copy of a mute-color original.

However, everybody (contracted to be) involved with Wanted 2 should be on their knees right now, making offerings to the gods in the hopes that Jolie does return to this franchise. If not for her gracing the screen, is there really any firepower left in the Wanted gun?

At the end of the interview with MTV Bekmambetov again asserts that Wanted 2 will start filming by the end of the year. We’ll let you know what develops from that claim as it does.

Source: MTV

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SDCC ‘09: Wanted 2 Update

Jacob Waldman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:27:14 +0000

Ok, so if you’ve been keeping abreast of our coverage of the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, which I’m sure you have, then you know that our boys have been out there running themselves ragged, attending quorums and panels, asking the hard hitting questions.

Well during the SDCC the subject of Wanted 2 came up. It seems that Mark Millar, the mind behind Wanted, is getting a bit ahead of himself; he told Coming Soon during a conversation about Kick-Ass that production for the sequel, set to star James MacAvoy again, will begin in eight weeks?

That sounded fishy to the guys over at Coming Soon, so they went over Millar’s head to Timur Bekmambetov, the director of the Wanted and its sequel, who told them that Millar, rather than presenting the facts, may just have been playing the provocateur. Bekmambetov adjusted Millar’s comment, saying that pre-production on Wanted 2 will most likely begin in eight weeks, a process that could take several months.

Mark Millar

Timur Bekmambetov

Chalk this up to Millar’s excitement over the sequel. If you’ve read his comic miniseries, the source material for the movies, then you know that the first film departed rather broadly from the original text. So is the coming sequel going to be an adaptation of the comic, an extension of the movie’s version of the comic, or some amalgamation of the two? And, can they really resurrect Angelina Jolie’s character?

Either way, if the sequel can repeat the success of the first ($75 million, earned $341.4 million worldwide in theaters), it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. And regardless of how much we question its potential, Millar’s comments on his website demonstrate his confidence in the project: “We’ll see…but everyone knows this is going to make a LOT of dough.” A little healthy self confidence never hurt anyone right? Maybe that’s why Millar’s IMDB page already indicates a Wanted 3 in the works.

Source: Coming Soon, Movie Moron

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Angelina Jolie Back (from the dead) For Wanted 2

Kofi Outlaw — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:28:27 +0000

Coventry Telegraph is reporting that Angelina Jolie will be back – apparently from the dead – for Wanted 2. That’s right, in order for Wanted 2 to have a snowball’s chance in hell, somebody has cut Angelina Jolie a big enough check to return as “Fox” for another go at a half-decent movie based on a half-decent graphic novel.

All this “official news” comes our way by means of Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov, who was interviewed recently by Russian news site RIA Novosti about the upcoming sequel, and took the opportunity to drop the news about Angelina’s involvement, plus a few other gems like what locations the film will shoot in and which other characters may return for the sequel. We’ve got your links to the full interview below.

If you can read Russian then go here, if not, go here.

If you can’t tell by now, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Wanted. Somebody gave me the graphic novel for Christmas one year, thinking I’d like it… And it was all right. Saw the trailer the for movie… It was all right. When the studio moved the film into a summer slot I thought, “Must be a good sign.”

And then I saw it.

I’m not going to rehash the experience, but let me just say: resurrecting Angelina’s character, for whatever reason, is STUPID. It’s a ploy, we all know it’s a ploy, and damn you Hollywood. Damn you.

Is the ploy going to work? Probably. I don’t want it to, I’m not going to support it, but I’ll probably be overruled by the masses. Wanted ended up making over 340 million worldwide – no telling what numbers the sequel will do. Creatively speaking, unless it’s a complete 180° from the first one I’m not interested – Jolie or no Jolie.

Wanted 2 is slated as a 2011 release.

Discuss.

Source: RIA Novosti & Coventry Telegraph

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Movie News Wrap Up: June 14, 2009

Niall Browne — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:42:06 +0000

This week:

The box office has a severe Hangover; Vertigo tries to find the real Exorcist; Ed Neumeier talks RoboCop; Angelina Jolie is Wanted; Megan Fox is a Vampire Slayer and Dwayne Johnson goes Commando.

Box office
The Hangover was a holdover this week in the number 1 position. The R-rated comedy should bank another $33 million over the weekend to bring the total of the film up to $100 million after one week on release. With a sequel already in development it looks like this is a new lucrative franchise for Warner Bros – one that doesn’t involve costly special effects. Up held onto the runner-up spot with a weekend take of about $30 million showing that people just love Pixar movies.

Tony Scott’s The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 arrived at number 3 this weekend with a gross of $25 million. The Denzel Washingtion/ John Travolta starrer faced some hefty competition but its opening is pretty normal for a Washington-led action film. It should have decent legs and a total of $70 million isn’t out of the question.

Night At The Museum 2 grabbed another $9.5 million this weekend, helping Ben Stiller secure at least one more family comedy in his future.

Will Ferrell’s summer bomb Land of the Lost managed another $9 million but the end is in sight and it looks like it’ll have to wait for DVD in order for it to see profit.

Speaking of bombs – Eddie Murphy’s Imagine That will eek out about $6 million. It looks like Murphy’s career may be over. Once he was the king of the box office with a slew of adult oriented comedies and then when things looked shaky, he moved into the family comedy arena where he had a very lucrative career. Now it looks like the family comedy genre is more interested in the likes of Ben Stiller. Does Murphy need Beverly Hills Cop 4? Probably – imagine that!

Long running franchise films Star Trek and Terminator Salvation are pretty much neck and neck with just under $5 million a piece. Their totals on the other hand couldn’t be more different. Star Trek has over $230 million while Terminator has about half that.

Drag Me To Hell and Angels and Demons are also a close call with about $3-4 million each. The Sam Raimi fright pic stands at about $35 million while the Tom Hanks starrer has banked about $125 million. I wonder how much Dan Brown is getting?

Movie News

1. Everyone loves a good scare, that’s why the horror genre is one of the most profitable genres. Horror films are usually relatively cheap to produce and if done right are cross generational (The Sixth Sense).

One of the most successful horror films of all time is William Freidkin’s The Exorcist. The 1970’s classic has spawned sequels, prequels and countless knock-offs. Now Vertigo Entertainment are set to adapt The Real Story Behind The Exorcist: A Study of the Haunted Boy and Other True-Life Horror Legends from Around the Nation’s Capital for the big screen.

The book (and I presume the film) follows a reporter who attempts to track down the real person who inspired the Freidkin movie. The reporter discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye.

It sounds like it could be promising in a Mothman Prophecies sort of way.

Source: Bloody Disgusting

2. Ed Neumeier, producer and writer of Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop, has discussed the currently in development remake with Moviehole.

Neumeier who isn’t involved in the film said:

‘’Obviously, I hope they do a good job and don’t make a mess of it like they managed to with RoboCop 2 and 3. Darren Aronofsky, the director of record last time I checked, is a talented guy and I presume he’ll do something interesting. The biggest problem the new movie may face is MGM’s shaky financial health”.

Not an awful lot to go on but I presume that no news is good news. Having said that – it’s a shame that neither the writer nor Verhoeven are involved in the film, however the duo are developing a film together. Neumeier said:

“Verhoeven and I are hard at work on our epic about Los Angeles, the LAPD, marriage, divorce and bank robbery called Black & White and Red All Over.”

Source: Moviehole

3. Timur Bekmabetov is preparing Wanted 2 and Angelina Jolie is set to return in the sequel to last year’s action hit.

Bekmabetov told Russian site RIA Novosti:

“In July we will start preparation for the film. I think in the late autumn or winter shooting will be performed. The shooting will take place in America, India and Russia.”

Apparently the budget of the film will be in the region of $150 million. Expect a good chunk of that to go to Jolie.

Source: Comingsoon

4. Cinefools have some interesting (and far fetched) rumors.
The first being that Megan Fox is set to star in the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer film. Now, I’m pretty sure that this will never happen – but it’s probably safe to assume that Fox’s name at the very top of the producer’s wish list. However she is a very busy young lady and I’m not too certain that they’ll be able to snag her.

The Transformers 2 star is a hot commodity at the moment and just the kind of name that would probably make some fans forget that Joss Whedon isn’t involved in the reboot.

5. The second rumor (and slightly more likely) is that Dwayne Johnson is set to step into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fatigues in the remake of Commando.

The Schwarzenegger remake/reboot bandwagon has been rolling on for some time with Terminator Salvation on release; Predators in development and Conan on the way. However, why remake Commando? It’s a pretty silly but highly enjoyable film that works because of Scwarzenegger and he is what separates it from a multitude of forgetful action films with D-list talent.

Johnson was all set to become the new Schwarzenegger until he was sidetracked by family comedy. Maybe he saw what happened to Eddie Murphy and decided that it’s time to get out the guns.

Source: Cinefools

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

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Mark Millar Defends Writer Hired For ‘Wanted 2′

Carl Lee — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:22:54 +0000

Last week, we reported Evan Spiliotopoulos was set to write Wanted 2–the other comic book movie. Yeah, you read that right, the writer who wrote Pooh’s Heffalump Movie and The Nutty Professor is writing the sequel to last year’s just-above-average summer “blockbuster.” Mark Millar, graphic novel creator and producer of the sequel, tried to quiet concerns but the Spiliotopoulos’ repertoire speaks for itself.

Millar, opting to create a story with producers instead of writing another comic book, had a number of comments on his message board regarding the issue. He had this to say in response:

“Never listen to any commentators as they never know anything about who’s coming back, etc. It’s just speculation and 99% of the time these guys don’t have access to the people who know. ‘Wanted 2′ is being made in a very tight circle at the moment.”

Looks like he had to crack the whip and put his ducks in a row. He also shared his thoughts on the sequel.

“As a producer on the thing, I’m excited. I know who’s in it and after doing 342 million at the box office we have [serious] money to spend on everything from cast to crew to script.”

That’s all fine and dandy, but Millar’s quotes should be taken with a grain of salt. Spiliotopoulos’ work includes a number of direct-to-DVD movies for Disney: The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers, The Lion King 1½, The Jungle Book 2 and the aforementioned titles. Nevertheless, Millar had this last bit to share:

“This guy is supposed to be really good. He did a GREAT action script recently (on an unproduced movie) and that’s what got him this gig.”

Didn’t Millar just say it was “being made with a very tight circle?”

Spiliotopoulos will have his chance to prove himself when he joins the expected-to-return director, Timur Bekmambetov, and actor, James McAvoy. No word on whether or not Angelina Jolie will be in the sequel, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Although, Millar did say the big money earned from the first film will allow them to hire a big cast.

Can a Disney director improve this franchise and make an adult-oriented action flick?

Source: MillarWorld.tv

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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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Writers Attached To Beverly Hills Cop 4

Jamie Williams — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:58 +0000

Earlier this summer, Paramount Pictures officially announced Beverly Hills Cop 4 would grace the silver screen. This despite the fact that they had yet to hire screenwriters and didn’t even have a story in place. They only had Eddie Murphy signed on to return and Brett Ratner was “in negotiations” to direct.

Cut to a few months later, and we now have screenwriters, ladies and germs!

Michael Brandt and Derek Haas (i.e. the screenwriting duo behind 3:10 to Yuma and Wanted) have been officially hired after submitting an outline/treatment that was given the thumbs up by studio big-wigs, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Ratner and Murphy himself.

I guess this takes Brandt and Haas out of Wanted 2 despite earlier reports.

Beverly Hills Cop 4 will begin filming next year for a Summer 2010 release.

Source: Variety

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Want More Wanted? Wanted 2 Is For You

Niall Browne — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:22:29 +0000

I don’t think that you need me to say that Hollywood loves a franchise – but darn it – I just said it. If it’s not a franchise then it’s just not worth it, and that seems to be the case with Wanted. The James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie starrer has recently crossed the magic $100 million barrier and now Universial Pictures wants a sequel.

“Easily done” I hear you say.

Not quite. There’s a problem or two.

Beware there are major Wanted Spoilers below.

Don’t say that I didn’t warn you!

In the new film version of Mark Millar’s comic book, the two major stars Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman… die. Yes – they bite the big one, leaving only McAvoy’s Wesley Gibson standing to kick ass in the follow-up.

While the film clearly has sequel written all over it – it will be quite difficult to match the box office gross because McAvoy is hardly a big draw when it comes to selling tickets. That said, a lot of women went to see McAvoy in the film following his recent starring role in Atonement.

Director Timur Bekmambetove and writers Michael Brandt and Derek Haas are already hammering out ideas for a potential continuation.

Producer Mark Platt said:

“The writers are at work already, and those creative discussions are taking place”

What direction this new film will take is anybody’s guess. Heck that might even bring Angelina Jolie’s twin into the film. What – you think that’s too far fetched?

Man – you’ve never seen Dallas.

They’ve got a 300 sequel in development and they spent years writing a follow up to Gladiator.

I’ll even bet that someone, somewhere also tried to get a Sixth Sense sequel made – The Seventh Sense – anyone?

Whatever happens you can bet they get a sequel out in three years at the very most. I don’t see the Wanted franchise having a very long shelf life.

Soon it could be Unwanted.

Source: Variety

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