Comic Movie News Crunch: Week of September 19, 2009
September 26th, 2009
Venom
Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese co-wrote two drafts for a Venom script and has been told that the studios along with Marvel Studios are doing what they do and preparing for the next steps.
Ghost Rider 2
David S Goyer, the writer behind the Blade franchise and Batman Begins, is lining up to take on the second installment of Ghost Rider. He is not signed on yet, but movements are already being made to use a script Goyer had written years ago for the next film, once again starring Nicolas Cage as flame-head.
Spawn
That’s right folks, McFarlane still has things to say about the methods of his madness… actually making sense… kinda. In any case, McFarlane wants a R-rated Spawn movie. He needs to keep it low budget in order to escape the big-hittin studios wanting the film to be released PG-13. More money could get thrown into it, but the rewards for him personally “at his older age” would mean less. I have to say, I respect that choice. It’s his character and he should be able to do whatever he pleases with it. The thought of a noir-style detective story with Spawn “in the shadows” seems a bit counter-intuitive for a movie called “Spawn” though–for that I have to agree with the fanbase.
The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft
Well, I love it when an indie gets a shot at the big screen so early in its run! Ron Howard in planning to take on the comic series written by Mac Carter released by Image Comics as one of his next big budget projects. Huge article about it can be read here.
Popeye
First off, I had NO idea Marvel had acquired the rights to the character Popeye, so I figured I’d start with that. Second Avi Arad, Marvel’s head honcho stated that he wishes to reboot the character on screen. Unfortunately, the plan is to reboot the character as an animated CGI feature film.
Daredevil
It is confirmed that a new Daredevil film is a-comin! Marvel is currently developing a reboot for the character on film. Ben Afleck will not be taking on the role again as he feels stung by the fan reaction to his part in the first film. I don’t much care for Daredevil–so why am I so excited to see this become a great film?!
Xombie
DreamWorks is looking to pick up the comic book Xombie, a Devil’s Due comic book by James Farr, which in turn is based on Farr’s online animated series. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci will produce the screenplay from writer Will Beall. Beall is a former Los Angeles Police Officer who recently became a homicide detective. He still serves the force while writing.
Cowboy Bebop
In an interview Keanu Reeves gave an update as to the status of this film based on the space/western/bounty-huntin anime. Keanu said: “There’s a draft of the script, but the writer did such a great job [that] in order to make the movie, you would need half a billion dollars.” Now the studio is pulling it back and a re-write is happening but is still intended to be fairly faithful. Now we can all just cross fingers and hope that doesn’t mean “mistakes” in executive decisions will be made that compromise the quality of the film in the eyes of fans.
Deadpool
Rob Leifeld met with Lauren Schuler Donner and her team to discuss some details concerning the upcoming Deadpool movie. Leifeld, through Twitter, expresses great enthusiasm, confirming elements about Deadpool that will transfer to the film, one of them being the fact that he breaks the fourth wall. It’s worth mentioning the Leifeld is also excited to discuss the possibilities of Cable in future X-Films. Interesting.
Thor
There is an updated cast list for Marvel Studio’s upcoming Thor feature film: So far Chris Hemsworth is set as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and Tom Hiddleston as Loki; new cast members are Jaimie Alexander, who will play Sif, a fierce Asgardian warrior and one of Thor’s love interests and Colm Feore who will play an as-yet-unnamed villain. Jaimie Alexander and Colm Feore are added to the cast of Marvel Studios’ feature film adaptation of its Thor comic book, joining Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Alexander will play Sif, a fierce Asgardian warrior and one of Thor’s love interests. Feore will play an as-yet-unnamed villain.
Spider-Man 4
A date has been given! May 5, 2011. It’s still far off but at least it’s in motion–and whom do we have as the new Spidey villains? Carnage and the Lizard! I’ve always loved the Lizard, he’s easily my favorite of the Spidey rogue’s gallery so excitement has commenced! Toby Maguire has been locked in for the next 2 films with a whopping $50 million contract.
Justice League: Mortal
With the recent retraction of all DC movie properties in development in order to re-structure and build a stronger organized foundation, Warner Bros is poised to bring on Kieran and Michele Mulroney, to script their tentpole film, Justice League: Mortal. This at least confirms not all is dead on the new DC Entertainment front.
New Mutants
Lauren Shuler Donner, the producer of all the mutant movies so far, has confirmed there are plans brewing for a possible New Mutants movie in the future. X4 may also be in the works.
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