No Jack Ryan in Clooney's Future

There goes our chance to see him mugging in front of the camera as Jack Ryan #4.

At the start of last month, word spread that George Clooney was actively pursuing the role after a string of flops. Plus, he doesn't have the Ocean's films with his pal Stephen Soderbergh to fall back on anymore. That is until the inevitable announcement of Ocean's 14, perhaps. Although I gotta admire the guy for going after projects that scream "Off-beat!" and by default have turned audiences away.

When they weren't asking the Twilight actors what their favorite color was (and then proclaiming it as "Breaking News"), MTV Movies Blog was able to get an update from producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura on the untitled Jack Ryan reboot:

"It's for a young Jack Ryan. I love George, but it's not written for a man of his age. It's written for a guy in his early 30s."

Of course, there are plenty of actors who fit that description (i.e. Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, James Marsden too!) More specific information would have been nice. But the basic point is clear. They want someone who can carry this into a franchise and not just walk off after one film. I'm looking at you, Alec Baldwin.

Bryan Singer To Board 'Battlestar Galactica"

There has been a debate amongst some of the writers on TMT as to which project Bryan Singer will step behind the lens on next. The debate isn't relegated to the contributors of this site but includes other webmasters and forums across the web. After some solid success with "Valkyrie" Bryan certainly hasn't been hiding from the spotlight. His production company, Bad Hat Harry, is producing "Freedom Formula" and "Capeshooters". The director was circling the "The Prisoners" before striking a deal with SyFy on a series involving 2012 and the Mayan Calendar. To top it off, it seems that Bryan has finally settled on his next motion picture.

Drew McWeeny over at HitFix has the exclusive on Bryan's possible deal with Universal studios that could bring "Battlestar Galatica" to the big screen. This isn't the first time the director has been mentioned in the same breath as the sci-fi favorite. Bryan, along with Tom De Santo, were on the verge shooting "Battlestar Galatica" as a sequel to the 1970 television show when September 11th changed all of that. SyFy got cold feet about going forward with a pilot based on a "sneak attack" and feared it was still a sensitive issue to the public.

This is a step in the right direction for Bryan. He has definitely become a genre guy and now he'll get a chance to play with his toys again. If this goes forward I can see Bryan channeling Star Trek and Star Wars and hopefully transferring his love for the genre into his work. Bryan definitely is looking to redeem himself in the eyes of geekdom after "Superman Returns". With the right story and cast, this could be an epic space adventure that even I'd be willing to see.

Head over to HitFix for more on this exclusive, including concept art from the canceled project.

Hitfix: Bryan Singer Boarding Battlestar Galactica For Universal

Update on Fri, August 14, 2009 by Jamie Williams

In a surprisingly classy move, Variety has not only confirmed what HitFix reported. Yes, Bryan Singer will produce and direct a film version of Battlestar Galactica. To be more specific, it's said to be a "a complete re-imagination" unlike his most recent "franchise-revival" Superman Returns which itself was a continuation of the previous films.

They've actually given HitFix credit for being the first to break the story. For those unaware, this is quiet the big deal considering how the hardwork done by sites like HitFix, Latino Review, IESB, etc. is rarely acknowledged by the trades. In fact, they've flat out stolen of some their scoops in the past.

On the other end of the aisle, Entertainment Weekly also confirmed the story. But instead of taking the higher-road like Variety just did, they opted to label Drew McWeeny's original piece that broke this story "blog speculation" without mentioning the site by name. Of course if they decided to spend the whole minute it would have taken to read the article, it was 100% clear with their key statement being (and presented in bold to emphasize the matter), "That's why they're nearing a deal with Bryan Singer to produce and possibly direct a brand-new "Battlestar Galactica" feature film."

Does that sound like "speculation" with a definitive statement like that, folks? Apparently being a douchebag (especially at EW) entails not being able to read and comprehend words.

Justin Marks Escapes "Super Max"

Through all of the ups and downs with some of the film related DC projects, I have been most intrigued by the endless possibilities of the Justin Marks penned "Super Max". I've been able to survive the premature evisceration that was "Justice League: Mortal", the trial by jury that has become Superman on film, and the gossip girl style misinformation spewing out in regards to a Batman sequel, by holding on to the hope that "Super Max" might actually happen. Think about it, Green Arrow has been placed behind bars and needs the help of the very villains he has helped to put there to escape. What DC fan wouldn't want to see The Joker, Lex Luthor, The Riddler, and other villains on screen at the same time?

At one point last year this script had tremendous "buzz" behind it with then flavor of the month screenwriter Justin Marks was the center of the attention. After not hearing as much as a whisper in regards to the project for the past year MTV got the chance to speak to David Goyer about the project. "We're working on that. We're about to bring on another writer," Goyer told MTV News. "It's definitely something we're developing." To me this project makes a lot of sense for WB. You are basically shooting in one location which might help to keep the costs down, and by marketing the Joker and Lex Luthor it could make for a profitable venture. I honestly don't think we'll see this project on screen, but I certainly hope it makes it to the executives most wanted list.

The Apocalypse On Hold

I've bitched about how over-exposed he's become in the market. But dammit is Seth Rogen one likeable and talented guy. So far, we've seen his strengths play out on screen as an actor/comedian, screenwriter and producer. And we'll eventually see him direct. Mark my words on that, folks.

The one project of his I'm looking forward the most is Jay & Seth vs. The Apocalypse with the basic plot of Rogen and Jay Baruchel as two idiots who become the last humans alive on Earth after a nuclear holocaust and proceed to stay into their shitty house instead of facing whatever is outside.

The two (along with Rogen's writing partner Evan Goldberg) produced a fake trailer as a presentation to show off how the feature-length version would be for potential investors. And after a string of smash-hits like Knocked Up, Superbad and Pineapple Express, it got fast-tracked with plans to have the film out by 2010.

There in lies a problem as Rogen is currently up to his ass on The Green Hornet with Michel Gondry for next summer and he's recently confessed to MTV Movies Blog that there is currently no script for Jay & Seth although there's plenty of material for the would-be film in outline form.

Another problem is that Rogen is currently wearing a bit thin with audiences. His last three films (Zack & Miri Make a Porno, Observe & Report and now Funny People) have under-performed at the box-office. Thus there is a fear that any momentum behind Jay & Seth might lag if people tire of Rogen. Let's hope not.

And you haven't seen it, here is the original trailer for Jay & Seth vs. the Apocalypse for your enjoyment.

When There's No More Room in Hell, Frank Darabont Will Walk the Earth

I love Frank Darabont (If I had a say in the matter, he would write the next Superman film. Are you listening, Warner Brothers?!?), and I love zombie films (George Romero's Dawn of the Dead remains one of my all-time favorites!) So the union of the two fills my nerd heart.

As per the trades, AMC has every intention of continuing their current hot-streak after Mad Men and Breaking Bad. The network has lined up Darabont to write and direct a "series adaptation" of the comic-book The Walking Dead. The material isn't exactly the most original in the zombie holocaust department. But I'm a sucker for the genre, and Darabont will certainly have fun with the material and make something worthwhile out of it.

Plus, we'll have just as much a blast spotting out Darabont alumni Bill Sadler and Jeffrey DeMunn in the cast as seeing KNB work their magic with the zombie makeup effects.

David Mamet Adapting Diary of Anne Frank

I feel like we're in the middle of a commercial for a used-car lot: "All Holocaust movies must go now!"

Odd how there's a sudden resurgence in the market. Stanley Kubrick's unmade The Aryan Papers has a possibility of happening now (more like wishful thinking on the part of his family, to be honest) and now the trades report that Disney plans on taking another crack at The Diary of Anne Frank. I seem to remember a made-for-TV version was made a few years back under ABC.

So, what's up with this latest incarnation? The Mouse has lined up David Mamet to write and direct. Color me interested. Granted he wasn't the first person to come to mind. But I'm intrigued nonetheless.

However, my only request would be for this adaptation to be done entirely with unknown actors and in German with English subtitles. That's right. Fuck you retards who complained about films like Pan's Labyrinth and 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days because you "didn't wanna read during a movie!"

Your Childhood Hates You

You didn't expect a Back to the Future reference?You can thank Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (the year's top box-office draw in the U.S.) and G.I. Joe (which also made a couple of bucks) for instigating this.

The trades report that Warner Brothers and producer Dan Lin (behind such other "Sure things" as Justice League: Mortal and that Tomb Raider reboot we've heard diddily-dick about since it was first announced) are moving forward on a movie based on the Lego toy-line. I know what you're thinking. "I was worried they weren't ever gonna make it for awhile there!"

Details on the project are being kept closely guarded besides the intention of it being a blend of live action and animation. I can imagine how this was pitched to the WB executives: "We'll do it like Avatar - except for kids!"

Maybe it will be presented in IMAX 3-D and the audience can build their own Lego sets during the screening.

Could "Lost" Kubrick Project Finally Happen?

Perfect "You say tomato, I say tomahto!" scenario here, folks. When Schindler's List was released in December 1993 to universal acclaim (i.e. commercial, critical, awards, etc.), Stanley Kubrick probably thought to himself, "Fuck."

I say that because the legendary director had long been developing The Aryan Papers, a WWII set drama concerning a Jewish woman and her nephew posing as Catholics in order to avoid prosecution from the Nazis. Upon seeing Spielberg's film, Kubrick and Warner Brothers shelved the project basically citing that List stole its thunder. Mind you, his productions are notorious for having long shoots (an understatement) and there's a high probability Papers might not have graced the silver screen until 1998-1999. Alas, we'll never truly know.

Now years later, the Times report that Kubrick's family is now seriously pushing to get the project made. Various drafts of the script exist and there's plenty of test footage shot for reference. Of course, Warner Brothers hasn't exactly piped up with comments on their end. So, this is just 100% the family speculating/hoping.

As great as A.I. was, Spielberg was unfairly given criticism on both ends of the aisle. Plenty bitched that he was merely imitating the coldness of Kubrick's style/work while not bringing enough of his own take on the material and vice versa.

So were this to actually pick up steam and happen (I'm not holding my breath), the best thing for them to do is hire a well-known director who will not just film Kubrick's script and instead make the material their own.

Studios Fighting To 'Kick Ass'

Studios weren't even giving Matthew Vaughn's comic book flick "Kick Ass" a second thought until some kick ass footage was showcased at Comic Con. Now studios are falling over themselves trying to secure a deal with the adaptation written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman. Sony Pictures, which had a deal with Vaughn and his company Marv Films, might be kicking themselves as Lionsgate, Paramount, and Universal all try to take advantage of their pass on the project Since Sony and Vaughn weren't on the same page with the project, Vaughn decided to invest in the project himself along with independent resources, seems Vaughn's leap of faith has paid off.

The comic book written by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr involves a high school nobody who tries to stand out by adopting the identity of a costumed hero. His lack of skills are put to the test when he is confronted by a number of real villains who actually know what they are doing. One of Mark Millar's favorite pastimes is talking about his "Superman Project" that never was or never will be. That aside, the guy is really making some headlines with some of his hard work that has or is actually happening. I'm sure Millar is hoping for a similar dose of success that was enjoyed with the big screen adaptation of "Wanted".

Courtney Cox Wants To Scream Again

I'm a huge fan of the horror genre but this new era which consists of an onslaught of remakes, prequels, and sequels makes me feel like I've been blindsided by a machete. Granted horror isn't the only medium whose fans are enjoying a big heaping spoon of the unoriginal, no genre is safe from that "where have I seen this before feeling". Apparently the Scream series is no exception.

Courtney Cox revealed some "scary" plot lines from a possible "Scream 4" while doing some promo work for her new show "Cougar Town". Cox revealed that her character, Gale Weathers, is now married to David Arquette's character Dewey. Cox is actually married to Arquette as most of us know, life imitating art? Then she uttered five very disturbing words.

"She has a kid now."

I already have reservations about what Kevin Williamson is calling, "a beginning of a new trilogy", but now they are adding a little kid to the mix. I don't really think it is a good idea to follow in the "jump the shark" ways of "Superman Returns" and "Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". Granted those films made some money but adding a kid makes me want to wretch up my movie popcorn.

Billy Loomis must be rolling in his grave right now. "Scream 4" just won't go away even though I really want it to.