Ron Howard Will Helm The Parsifal Mosaic

The project has been on the "to do" list at Universal for a while now and Variety reports that they have finally assigned a director.

Universal Pictures has attached Ron Howard to direct "The Parsifal Mosaic," an adaptation of the espionage thriller by "The Bourne Identity" author Robert Ludlum.

David Self will adapt the Ludlum novel about a CIA operative who thinks he witnessed the execution of his lover after she was identified as a KGB double agent.

I've always liked the premise for this one and Self's adaption of "Road To Perdition" was superb in my view, however I find Ron Howard a mostly bland and uninspired director, so I have to admit my interest has been dulled by this news. Still maybe Howard will surprise me, casting will hopefully bring two high caliber leads.

Superman Flying Fast At Warners

In what should come as no surprise to anybody with a keyboard, Rob Sanchez over at IESB has some sort of golden ticket to Burbank as evidenced by another exclusive passed on to him from inside the cubicles at Warner Bros. Feeling some heat from the recent lawsuit ruling, the Brothers Warner are moving swiftly towards meeting the mandate set forth by the court of achieving production on a Superman film by 2011. Rob is reporting that the new film will not be a continuation of the middle ground that was "Superman Returns" but an entirely different take. Returns will act as the exclamation point or in some people's minds, the period for the "Donnerverse".

There will also be a new director behind the lense and some names that Rob has been hearing include James McTeigue and the Wachowski's. McTeigue's latest film "Ninja Assassin" is enjoying rave reviews and the Wachowki's were last seen hiding out in Germany costing WB millions with their migraine inducing work on "Speed Racer". It is hard to fathom that WB would hand over the keys to the car to the Wachowski's after they crashed and burned on the race tracks of their last flick. McTeigue on the other hand makes a lot of sense.

There are a lot of questions that still need to be answered. Who will be playing Superman? The studio could certainly still turn to Brandon Routh who seems to have a good relationship with the execs of both WB and Legendary. A search for a new Superman would be a long and arduous process but the studio could certainly go that route. In that case, I think they will go with a virtual unknown, not on the scale of Brandon Routh, but more of an "Oh THAT guy!"

What about a script? TMT is hearing from our guys in the sky that Grant Morrison is involved story wise on one level or another on any new Superman film going forward. It would fit with WB's plan of bringing in a comic book writer to lay out the groundwork before handing it off to a screenwriter or two as is the case with Geoff Johns, who just contributed heavily on the possible new "Flash" movie. In my "Superman Limbo" four part series I put forth what WB is looking for in a creative team and what directors and writers would fit this criteria.

This is just the beginning of the news concerning our favorite blue tighted friend that can fly. This story will surely crack open the gates for even more news and you can be sure the netmasters and forum dwellers will be along for the always bumpy ride.

Meet the 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'

It is the rare animated movie that will get me to go out to the theater. But, then again, very rarely do you see a movie with such a unique list of talent as is associated with "The Fantastic Mr. Fox."

The movie is directed -- rather improbably -- by Wes Anderson (who directed "The Royal Tenenbaums," among other gems). The vocal talent includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Anjelica Huston, Brian Cox, Michael Gambon and Jason Schwartzman.

Spielberg Wants to Get His Spy On

Steven Spielberg's attempt to direct a James Bond film is the stuff of legends. He was turned out twice by producer Cubby Broccoli - the first after The Sugarland Express opened and the second after Jaws was declared the highest-grossing film of all-time for its day. As we all know, his disappointment led to him developing on his own action/adventure film with his pal George Lucas called Raiders of the Lost Ark. I hear it worked out well.

Now the trades report that Spielberg is biting at the chance to direct another would-be spy franchise. This time in the form of Matt Helms, based on a series of 60s and 70s era Cold War novels that also served as a film franchise of its own headlined by Dean Martin - albeit campy as Hell.

The problem lies in the fact that the project is set up at Paramount which Spielberg's own studio DreamWorks infamously broke ties from earlier this year. So it won't be as easy for him to take on the gig - especially considering he's now lined up with the Mouse and his upfront salary might be too much for Paramount to swallow just to get him onboard.

Nobody does escpaist entertainment better than the Beard. Hell, his influence on the filmmakers of today is all over the place - just check out Abrams' Star Trek for the most recent example. But at this point in his career, I'd rather see him finally get Lincoln or Interstellar off the ground.

Update: Shit, that was quick. The Beard has opted not to direct Matt Helms, but will oversee the project as a producer while Paramount searches for its director.

Spartacus Brings Blood And Sand To Cable

In Hollywood the old adage ‘Imitation is the highest form of flattery’ has never rang more true -- especially when imitating a film that has earned a boat full of money like Zach Snyder’s 2007 hit 300. The premium cable network Starz is most definitely hoping to copy 300’s success with their latest original series Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Along with the blood and sand Spartacus will also feature swordplay, severed limbs, and steamy sex. All of which are shown in the teaser for the The R rated series.

Australian actor Andy Whitfieldstars as the historic Spartacus (109 B.C.-71 B.C.). The series will be set in his early days before the slave/gladiator led an uprising against the Roman Empire in The Third Servile War. Xena herself, Lucy Lawless will co-star as Lucretia, who along with her husband Batiatus (portrayed by John Hannah)owns the Ludus gladiator camp. The New Zealand filmed series is co-produced by Sam Raimi , with Smallville’s Steven DeKnight serving as head writer. Spartacus: Blood and Sand debuts in January, 2010 only on Starz.

Robert Schwentke Goes 'Red'

You may remember this epic article I wrote earlier this month ... OK, so it wasn't epic but it was an article, so half of that statement was true -- which is more than you can say for your average politician.

Anyway, earlier this month, it was announced that Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman had signed on to star in the graphic novel adaption "Red." Now the project appears to have found a director, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Robert Schwentke is painting the screen "Red."

The director of "The Time Traveler's Wife," who has been flirting with a number of projects, is in negotiations to take the reins of the Summit Entertainment thriller, starring Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. Erich and Jon Hoeber wrote the screenplay, which is based on the WildStorm/DC Comic.

The spy film follows a former black-ops agent forced out of retirement when a high-tech assassin threatens him and his girlfriend. Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Vahradian are producing.

Schwentke, repped by CAA and Jennifer Davisson Killoran, directed "Flightplan" and "The Family Jewels." He also has been developing the Enron drama "Conspiracy of Fools" for Appian Way at Warner Bros.

I am really looking forward to this one. I love the espionage genre and Willis and Freeman are two actors who I'll watch in just about anything. They have that "X factor" that true movie stars have.

I've only seen one of Schwentke's movies ("Flightplan"), but I liked his crisp style and I think he can certainly step to the next level with this material and cast.

There Will Be Action on 'The Lords Day'

No, this is not a Biblical action film. Michael Bay has not finally gotten Jesus vs. Sadam off the ground. This is all about a new action movie headed our way that is based on a novel, like most movies these days. Still, nothing wrong with that.

Here's what THR had to say:

"Taken" writer Robert Mark Kamen and "Get Smart" producer Atlas Entertainment are collaborating on "The Lord's Day," an action thriller that's been set up at Sony.

Charles Roven and Steve Alexander will produce the project, which is based on a novel by Michael Dobbs, via their Atlas banner.

"Day" centers on a hostage takeover of Britain's House of Lords by terrorists on the first day of a legislative session. The protagonist is Harry Jones, a member of Parliament who is also a former ranking military officer; when Jones attempts to stop the terrorists, he uncovers a more complex and consequential global conspiracy than anyone could have suspected.

Roven called it "high stakes material" that could turn into a "franchise character-based film." Sam Dickerman and Mark James are overseeing for Sony.

The Paradigm-repped Kamen, a frequent collaborator with Luc Besson, penned the French kidnapping thriller "Taken" with Besson; the Fox movie went on to become a surprise $200 million global grosser when it was released in February in the U.S. Kamen also penned all three "Transporter" movies as well as the romantic drama "A Walk in the Clouds."

Roven's Atlas has been highly active of late. The shingle is behind Lionsgate's upcoming period fantasy "The Season of the Witch," and Roven has acquired or come aboard projects ranging from toy tentpole "Voltron," video game franchise "World of Warcraft" and the Remo Williams reboot "Destroyer" in recent months.

Dobbs' book came out last year, where it earned plaudits in the U.K. He is also the writer of the book on which Cuban Missile Crisis pic "One Minute to Midnight," which has been set up at Fox 2000, is based.

So it's the good old Die Hard template being reworked again. I'm sure there'll be some changes during development with the story being relocated to the U.S. and the hero becoming an ex-Navy Seal.

Weapon XI Is A 'Ninja'

TMT Writer For A Day: Dan Scaglione

It would appear that the masters of the ancient art of Ninjutsu are quietly invading the silver screen, with live action versions of 'G.I.Joe's' Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow and the Wachowski brothers' upcoming 'Ninja Assassin'. But there is yet another deadly warrior waiting in the shadows in a film simply titled -- wait for it -- 'Ninja'.

'Ninja' stars martial artist- turned- actor Scott Adkins in his debut lead role, his past credits have included appearances in 'Unleashed', 'The Bourne Ultimatum' (as agent Kiley), 'The Shepard', and 'Undisputed 2 & 3'. Some sharp eyed movie goers might recognize Adkins underneath the make up of Wolverine's Weapon XI, a role that he shared with Ryan Reynolds.

The film is the third joint venture between Adkins and 'Undispute' director Isaac Florentine. The action filled film's premise centers around the character of Casey, a westerner studying Ninjutsu in Japan, who is asked by the Sensei to return to New York to protect the legendary Yoroi Bitsu, an armored chest that contains the weapons of the last Koga Ninja.

At this time 'Ninja' does not have a set release date, but is expected to open by year's end.

New Image From Halloween 2

ShockTillYouDrop.com has snared an exclusive new piccie from Rob Zombies slasher sequel, now I am not a big horror fan so I'll also post their little blurb on what you are looking at besides the obvious Myers and knife combo.

Here's what ShockTillYouDrop had to say:

"What're we looking at? Well, that's Scout Taylor-Compton and Tyler Mane reprising their roles as Laurie Strode and Michael Myers, respectively. Laurie's in a tight spot, it seems. But is this from a dream sequence?"

Halloween 2 opens August 28th.

It's All The Rage! Jonah goes High Res too!

/film also has the high res poster for "Jonah Hex" which is clearly influenced by the poster for the Clint Eastwood classic "Unforgiven,"  

See the similarities minus the hottness?

While Hex replaces William Munny in the main anti-hero pose, the molten hot Megan Fox replaces the crusty mushes of Gene Hackman and Richard Harris et al, shame that isn't it?....