News Round-Up: Star Wars, Maleficent, Fantastic Beasts, Pitch Perfect, Transformers 5, and More
News round-up is a compilation of stories, castings and news tidbits that where announced during the week.
Forest Whitaker Joins Cast of ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’
Forest Whitaker is in negotiations to join the cast of Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars’ anthology movie, ‘Rogue One.’ The film stars Felicity Jones, Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna and Ben Mendelsohn, with Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) directing. Disney and Lucasfilm had no comment on the casting. The film will take place between Episode III and Episode IV, but closer chronologically to ‘A New Hope.’ It’s set for release on December 16, 2016.
Michelle MacLaren Could Be Directing ‘Star Wars’ Anthology Movie
After ‘Chronicle’ and ‘Fantastic Four’ director Josh Trank departed the stand alone ‘Star Wars’ anthology movie due to “creative differences,” rumours almost immediately began circulating as to who could replace him. Now, the rumour mill has churned out the name of Michelle MacLaren — who recently departed the Wonder Woman project — as being earmarked to fill Trank’s place. MacLaren has cemented her place as one of the best TV directors of the last few years, working on shows like ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’ Now, it looks like Lucasfilm are interested in her skills with a reported meeting already taken place. It’s understood no contract, or negotiations for a contract, where discussed.
Jack Huston Drops Out of 'The Crow' Remake
Jack Huston has dropped out of ‘The crow’ remake due to scheduling conflicts.The Boardwalk Empire star was slated to take on the role originated by Brandon Lee in the 1994 film of the same.
“Jack Huston is unfortunately unavailable to continue with us on ‘The Crow,'” said director Corin Hardy in a statement. “‘The Crow’ is an amazing project, and I am grateful that we have the time and patience to get it right. We look forward to unveiling our new lead and starting to film over the next several weeks.”
Relativity Studios is eyeing Nicholas Hoult and Jack O’Connell, among others, as possible replacements.
‘Maleficent 2’ in Development at Disney
A sequel to the box office success, Maleficent, is in development at Disney. According to The Wrap, Angelina Jolie is expected to reprise her role as Maleficent, the goodhearted fairy who turned evil after getting scorned by a childhood friend. Though she hasn’t officially signed on, Disney is confident in her return.
Eminem Will Write Music for Paramount TV series 'Narc'
Eminem is reportedly in negotiations to become executive producer and musical supervisor for Narc, a new Paramount TV series based on the 2002 film of the same name. Deadline reports that the projected deal would see the rapper writing new songs for the show, which is set in his hometown of Detroit.
You Can Buy Tickets for ‘Dope’ Using BitCoin
In an industry first, moviegoers will be able to use digital currency to buy tickets to the Sundance hit, Dope. The comedy opens on 19 June in the US on around 2,000 screens, and Bitcoin can be used to pay for tickets to around 900 of these sites. For information on how to purchase tickets using this digital currency, visit MovieTickets.com
Bradley Cooper and Todd Phillips will adapt WWII tale 'Ghost Army'
Bradley Cooper and ‘The Hangover’ director Todd Phillips have come onboard Warner Bros. project, ‘Ghost Army.’ Cooper and Phillips will produce the movie alongside ‘American Sniper’ producer, Andrew Lazar.
Henry Gayden (Earth to Echo) will write the screenplay, adapting Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles’ recently-published book ‘The Ghost Army Of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived The Enemy With Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, And Other Audacious Fakery.’ The screenplay will also include material used in the 2013 documentary, also called ‘Ghost Army.’
Cooper has not yet signed up to star in the drama, however, it is believed they are likely to offer him the lead role.
Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson Are Back for ‘Pitch Perfect 3’
The Barden Bellas are reuniting for a third Pitch Perfect movie, Universal announced. Rebel Wilson hinted that she would be keen on a third film, however, Anna Kendrick had troubles being convinced for Pitch Perfect 2, but those were cast aside when the sequel became a box office smash, grossing $259.7 million worldwide. Both Wilson and Kendrick will reprise their roles in July 2017.
Amy Poehler in Negotiations for Comedy Starring Will Ferrell
Amy Poehler is in final negotiations to join Will Ferrell in the upcoming comedy, The House. They'll play a married couple who spend their daughter's college savings, which inspires them to turn their basement into an illegal casino. ‘Neighbours’ writer Andrew J. Cohen will direct the comedy.
Mark Wahlberg Expects Michael Bay Back for ‘Transformers 5’
Mark Wahlberg believes that director Michael Bay will end up behind the camera once again when work on ‘Transformers 5’ begins. The director has hinted that he may step back from the franchise and allow another filmmaker to take the reigns. However, Wahlberg told Collider he believes he’ll end up doing it.
“Akiva Goldsman and those guys are starting to write and break stories, and stuff like that. But Michael Bay is in Malta shooting Benghazi, and I’m in New Orleans shooting Deepwater. We’ll get together when he gets back.”
Wahlberg’s comments are pretty vague, but we do know Paramount have huge plans for Transformers after hiring an army of writers with the view to building a Transformers universe, which could see spin-offs for characters.
‘Planet of the Apes’ Director Rupert Wyatt to Helm ‘Gambit’ Starring Channing Tatum
Entertainment Weekly reports that Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt has been chosen to direct the 2016 ‘Gambit’ movie. The film, starring Channing Tatum in the title role, is scheduled to be released October 7, 2016. Gambit debuted in the X-Men movie franchise back in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, played by Taylor Kitsch, but 20th Century Fox re-cast the role with Tatum in advance of the solo movie outing. Tatum is also co-producing the movie.
Katherine Waterston Cast Alongside Eddie Redmayne for ‘Fantastic Beasts’
‘Inherent Vice’ star Katherine Waterson has joined the cast of JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ spin-off, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.’ Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne is the male lead in the movie, with his casting being announced a few weeks back. Warner Bros., who are producing the planned trilogy of movies, is said to be looking for more established actors rather than newcomers they discovered in the original ‘Harry Potter’ franchise.
