News Round-Up: Daredevil, The Hateful Eight, 21 Jump Street, Bad Boys 3 and More
News round-up is a compilation of stories, castings and news tidbits that where announced during the week.
'The Boondock Saints' prequel TV series in the works
IM Global Television has acquired the rights to cult 1999 movie The Boondock Saints for aTV series adaptation. Troy Duffy, writer-director of the original film and its sequel, The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, will write the potential series which will be envisioned as a prequel to the movies. Duffy will also direct the first episode.
Netflix Lands distribution rights to Brad Pitt’s 'War Machine'
Netflix has acquired distribution rights to War Machine, the David Michod-directed drama which will star Brad Pitt as a four-star rock star U.S. military general. The film is a satirical comedy inspired by the bestselling book The Operators: The Wild And Terrifying Inside Story Of America’s War In Afghanistan, by the late journalist Michael Hastings. Script was written by Michod. Netflix reportedly paid in the region of $30 million — the biggest investment Netflix has made in a feature to date.
Tarantino’s 'The Hateful Eight' will be shown in 70mm
Tarantino shot his latest film, The Hateful Eight, in the 70mm format using a rare variant of the 70mm format, called Ultra Panavision 70, which results in a very wide image. As you can expect from any filmmaker, having shot the film in a rare format, you’d like to have it displayed in such a way. A report says that he has helped put 70mm projectors equipped with the proper anamorphic gear into 50 theatres worldwide for the release of ‘The Hateful Eight’ this November.
'Daredevil' showrunner will write new adaptation of 'Akira'
New Daredevil showrunner Marco J. Ramirez is set to write yet another draft of the Akira screenplay for Warner Brothers. Ramirez – who also worked on Sons of Anarchy and DaVinci’s Demons – is taking over showrunning duties on the Marvel Netflix series from previous head honcho Steven S. DeKnight, who is moving on to join theTransformers writing room. Warner Bros. have owned the rights to an AMerican adaptation of Akira since 2008 but have failed in each attempt to get the project off the ground.
Jon Bernthal cast as The Punisher in ‘Daredevil'
‘The Walking Dead’s’ Jon Bernthal has landed a killer role on the second season of Netflix's Daredevil. Bernthal has been tapped to portray Marvel favourite the Punisher on the series starring Charlie Cox, Marvel announced Tuesday.
“Jon Bernthal brings an unmatched intensity to every role he takes on, with a potent blend of power, motivation and vulnerability that will connect with audiences,” Marvel head of TV Jeph Loeb said. “Castle’s appearance will bring dramatic changes to the world of Matt Murdock and nothing will be the same.”
Daredevil returns to Netflix in 2016 with new showrunners Doug Petrie and Marco Ramirez.
Sony's '21 Jump Street' female lead spin-off get its writers
According to The Hollywood Reporter, sibling writers Lizzie and Wendy Molyneux, who work on Fox’s animated comedy Bob’s Burgers, have been commissioned to pen a script for the new 21 Jump Street offshoot. However, Sony has already hired the duo of Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs (who write Broad City) to write their own script. When both scripts are finished, we’re guessing Sony executives will choose which one they prefer, or will create a hybrid of both scripts.
Sony Pictures wanting to revive 'Bad Boys'
Bad Boys 3 looks like it’s going to happen. Safe House screenwriter David Guggenheim wrote a strong draft the studio liked with Sony currently in talks with director Joe Carnahan to helm the third movie. They’re apparently wanting to offer Will Smith the script to read as soon as possible, with the hope to him considering it his next slot after Suicide Squad.
'Punk'd' co-creator developing tHE show for big screen?
‘Punk’d’ co-creator Jason Goldberg has partnered with upstart studio STX Entertainment for a series of movies to be made around the $5 million budget range that would be similar to hit TV show ‘Punk’d.’ The idea revolves around the movie being released around April Fool's Day, according to sources. There is currently no title for the project, and neither Ashton Kutcher or MTV are not involved with the concept.
'Fast Times At Ridgemont High’ live read will close LA Film Festival
33 years ago Fast Times At Ridgemont High hit movie screens, and now Spicoli, Damone, Rat, Linda and the Hamilton sibs are back for a live reading that will close the 21st Los Angeles Film Festival on June 18 – instead of a closing-night film. Eli Roth will direct the the take on Film Independent’s Live Read series. The cast will be announced in the coming days.
Kay Cannon in negotiations with Universal to write 'Pitch Perfect 3'
After Pitch Perfect 2's massive $160.9 million in domestic box office, Universal and Gold Circle are moving ahead on a third instalment. Sources say negotiations have begun with Kay Cannon, who wrote the first two movies, to return for a third. It’s unsure as to whether co-star Elizabeth Banks, one of the movies producers, will return to the director's chair.
