Scorsese, DiCaprio, Pitt & De Niro To Team for A Casino Short Film

Well that title might be a bit misleading.

Not it's not a sequel to Casino, but Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Robert De Niro will indeed team for a short film about a casino under the direction of Martin Scorsese.

If all that talent isn't enough for you, Terrence Writer - writer of last year's Scorsese/DiCaprio flick, The Wolf of Wall Street, and creator of Boardwalk Empire - penned the script.

The short will be used as a campaign for Melco-Crown Entertainment (MCE), Lawrence Ho and James Packer's global resorts and casino brand.

This teaming marks the first time Pitt will act opposite DiCaprio in a project as well as be directed by Scorsese, while this marks the 6th collaboration DiCaprio will have with the legendary director, the 9th for De Niro.

The short film is expected to premeire next year at the opening of Melco-Crown's newest movie-themed resort Studio City in Macau, China.

Speculation is that this teaming will serve as a warm-up to Scorsese's long in-development Frank Sinatra biopic, thought as much as I like DiCaprio as an actor, he's not Sinatra to me.  Neither is Pitt.  James Marsden perhaps?  The guy looks more like Frank and definitely has some very underrated acting chops.

We'll see.

Source:  Deadline

Will Smith Eyeing Football Concussion Drama

After dropping out last week of the sci-fi thriller, Brillance (which was set to shoot this summer), Will Smith has hopped on-board his next project (though how often have we heard this over the past 6 years which eventually has led to nowhere?).

The former 'biggest movie star in the world' is looking to star in the football concussion project Ridley Scott has been developing, based on the 2009 GQ article, Game Brain, which jumpstarted the ever growing concussion issue in not only professional football, but all major sports.

Smith would play Dr. Bennet Omalu, the forensic neuropathologist who discovered CTE, the concussion syndrome that has fatally contributed to the suicides of former NFL players, notably Junior Seau.

Peter Landesman (Parkland) wrote the script and will also direct.

This is certainly something different for Smith, but I can't help but feel like he's wasted the past several years worrying too much about his kids' careers and not his own.  He was still on top of the world when Seven Pounds hit in the winter of 2008, and he just stopped making movies for three years until MIB 3 was released in 2012.

Maybe he'll get back to the level he once was at, but considering his age now (45) and the massive popularity he no longer posseses, I doubt it.

Source:  Deadline

Tom Cruise Making Surprise Appearences At 'Edge of Tomorrow' Screenings

While it's pretty evident Tom Cruise is no longer the box office draw (at least here in the States) that he use to be, the man still is committed to making great films for moviegoers.  None the more true than his newest flick hitting cinemas this week (internationally) and next (domestic), Edge of Tomorrow.

The sci-fi actioner so far has an excellent 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is being touted as the under-the-radar, sleeper hit of the summer, with some calling it 'one of the best films of the year'.  In a season filled with sequels, Edge of Tomorrow is the definitely something original and different:

The epic action of "Edge of Tomorrow" unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world.  Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission.  Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop - forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again...and again. But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt).  And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

Looking to drum up hype and good word-of-the-mouth for the film, Cruise is making surprise appearences across the county at early screenings for fans.  As you can view in the videos below, the actor first hit Toronto on Thursday, then Chicago yesterday.  Maybe New York today?  We shall see.

I also embedded a new TV spot for the film, which hopefully does its job in selling more than just an action movie:

Edge of Tomorrow opens next Friday, June 6th.

New Extended Featurette for 'Edge of Tomorrow'

A brand-new, 13-minute featurette has gone online - courtesy of Warner Bros. - for their June 6th release of Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.

In this sci-fi action-thriller, Cruise stars as a military officer whose never seen a day of combat but is forced to keep reliving the same day on the battlefield over and over each time he dies.  After joining forces with a military warrior (Emily Blunt), Cruise's character becomes the ultimate weapon to defeat the enemy and win the war against the invading alien race.

The featurette shows a lot of behind-the-scenes footage along with interviews with the cast and crew involved discussing the making of the film.

The first reviews came in last night and by all accounts, it's an utterly fantastic film with many calling it the blockbuster to beat this summer.  I just hope people give Tom Cruise another chance and realize he's the epitome of a Hollywood movie star, plain and simple.

The epic action of “Edge of Tomorrow” unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world. Lt. Col. Bill Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to little more than a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again. But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

Source:  Warner Bros.

Universal Going To Great Lengths to Finish "Fast & Furious 7"

In a fascinating write-up over at The Hollywood Reporter, much detail is given into the enormous challenge Universal and the cast & crew behind Fast & Furious 7 are taking on to complete the film, months after the passing of franchise star Paul Walker when filming was only halfway done.

Besides the massive insurance claim the studio is looking to file (which can be read more in-depth here) in the realm of $50 million, the technical difficulties of competing a movie when your co-lead only completed half his scenes is particularly daunting.

Currently, the film is in the midst of a grueling, 13-week, effects heavy shoot to finish what was put on hold last November 30th.

In lengthy detail given by a source behind filming, the following stated in regards to how the late Paul Walker's scenes will be finished:

"They are finishing the film more or less as scripted, replacing Paul with [computer-generated] face replacement," says this person. "They have two of Paul's brothers as well as an actor to 'play' Paul when needed." (The Walker brothers, 25-year-old Cody and 36-year-old Caleb, both are helping fill in for their brother physically -- Caleb primarily for body size and mannerisms and Cody for the eyes. But the filmmakers need to create a character that not only looks like Paul but also performs like him. That's the actor's job.) Peter Jackson's Weta is tackling the effects work using three cameras (in addition to the main-unit cameras) to capture Walker's stand-ins for face replacement. "There is a massive amount of gear," reports the source. "Everything they want with Paul gets done three times over. Three [actors] times seven cameras per shot is a clusterf--- of money being spent."

The peice also adds how director James Wan plans to use unused footage from the previous two Fast & Furious installments to help aid with completing scenes.

While it must be a huge obstacle - both emotionally and technically - to finish a film of this nature when such a huge peice of the franchise is gone, it's refreshing to hear the studio is doing everything they can to ensure things are done the best possible.

Below you'll see a few pics from filming recently where Paul's brother, Cody, is standing in during what looks to be a 'goodbye' scene to 'retire' the Brian O'Conner character, as the studio had stated they would be doing (notice the dots on Cody's face for digital alignment purposes). 

Fast & Furious 7 hits theaters April 10, 2015.

Source:  The Hollywood Reporter, Daily Mail

J.K. Simmons Talks "Terminator: Genesis"; Calls the Script 'Very Smart'

J.K. Simmons - out at Cannes Film Festival promoting his new film, Whiplash - divulged a few details in regards to his role in next summer's Terminator: Genesis.

The always fantastic character actor stated his initial hesistance to do the picture, but was turned on to it once reading the script:

“I was leery of it when it first came my way, when my agent sent me the idea for it.  It's a small part, which they insist gets much bigger in the sequels. But I was very pleasantly surprised by the script itself."

Simmons also states how the film definitely exists within the world of the first two films - James Cameron's films - and stays true to that world created:

"This, I think, is a reimagining. They don't want to call it a sequel or a reboot. It's the world that James Cameron created with Arnold [Schwarzenegger, obviously]. All the leading characters are characters who have existed in that world – the character I play is new to it."

Simmons' character is said to be a 'tired, weary detective' who has been following the case of Sarah Connor for three decades.

The actor also chimes in on his feelings for the script and what he thinks of his co-stars:

"The script, I think, is very smart, and it's going to be a wonderful part for Arnold to do. Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke and Jai Courtney are already shooting – we did a table read a few weeks ago – and all of them are going to be great."

Finally, Simmons gives his thoughts on what to expect of director Alan Taylor (Thor: The Dark World) who is helming just his second big budget tentpole:

"Alan Taylor is a wonderful director – I got to work with him on Oz a couple of times – so I'm optimistic that this can be one of those films. Y'know, it's a big action franchise, but it's also going to be a really intelligent, entertaining, enjoyable film.”

Terminator: Genesis is due out next July 1st, 2015.

Source:  Empire

Gareth Edwards to Direct 'Star Wars' Spinoff for 2016 Release

Fresh off the 'monster' success of Godzilla, director Gareth Edwards has been set to helm the Disney/Lucasfilm Star Wars spinoff, now officially set for a December 16th, 2016 release date.

Edwards was thought to be following up his fine work on Godzilla with a straight up sequel, but it looks like the powers-that-be over at Disney and Lucasfilm intervened and nabbed the filmmaker to helm their film next.  And really, how can you say no to a Star Wars movie?

Edwards is apparently still set to direct not only Godzilla 2 but Godzilla 3 as well, completing a trilogy.  Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull had this to say:

“Gareth's filmmaking talent makes him one of his generation's most creative and visionary directors.  The plan has always been for Gareth to direct a different film before we started on another Godzilla, but who knew it would a Star Wars installment? We have a great plan in store for Godzilla fans and I am looking forward to seeing Gareth’s imprint on the Star Wars universe.”

In terms of this new Star Wars movie, it is not known what the spinoff will be about, though rumors have suggested it to either be a film centered on Boba Fett or possibly a younger Han Solo.

Gary Whitta (The Book of Eli) will write the script.

Though I can't say I'm the biggest Star Wars fan, Edwards did a great job with Godzilla (even though I felt the acting was subpar besides Bryan Cranston) and is a great choice to expand upon what Disney hopes will be a new and successful cinematic universe.

Read the official press release issued by Lucasfilm below:

In addition to the episodes of a new "Star Wars" trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on "Monsters," a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in "Monsters" earned him the high-profile spot directing this year's smash hit "Godzilla".

"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life - join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited & honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm, said Edwards.

Gary Whitta's screenwriting credits include 2010s "The Book of Eli" starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of "The Walking Dead".

Whitta states, "From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, "Star Wars" has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth,is literally a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself."

Source:  Lucasfilm, Heat Vision, Shock Till You Drop

'Foxcatcher' Teaser Trailer

I realize this trailer came out a few days back but I wanted to make sure it got some space here on our site.

Below you'll find the first teaser trailer for director Bennett Miller's Foxcatcher, starring Steve Carrell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffallo.

The film tells the true story of John du Pont (Carrell), a heir to the DuPont Chemical fortune, who was both a crazed wrestling addict and a mentally ill individual.  du Pont used his wealth to train Olympic wrestling champions, played by Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffallo, but was later convicted of murder and died in jail in 2010.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival just last week and received ecstatic reviews, praising it as early Oscar bait and making Carrell an early frontrunner for Best Actor.

Director Bennett Miller is looking to go 3 for 3 with Best Picture nominations as his first two films (Capote, Moneyball) both achieved that distinction.

Foxcatcher opens in theaters November 14th.

'Blade Runner' Sequel Offer Out to Harrison Ford for Return

In somewhat of an odd bit of news, Alcon Entertainment has issued the below listed press release that Harrison Ford has been offered the chance to return for a Blade Runner sequel, but hasn't actually signed-on.

I'm not sure if this is a public ploy to put pressure of Ford to agree to reprise his role of Rick Deckard from the 1982 sci-fi classic, but it's certainly notable when a studio wants people to know what's going on behind the negotiation process.

Being that Ford is set to have a notable role in the new Star Wars trilogy, I wouldn't be shocked if he agrees to do this.  I'm sure his role will be important if agreed upon, but not the lead.  That duty will likely go to a younger, more currently-popular, actor/actress.

With director Ridley Scott set to return along with original writer, Hampton Fancher, read the full press release below:

Warner Bros-based Alcon Entertainment (Prisoners, The Blind Side, The Book of Eli) has an offer out to Harrison Ford to reprise his celebrated role of Rick Deckard in its Ridley Scott-directed sequel to Blade Runner, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.

Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the 1982 adaptation) and Michael Green are the screenwriters.

While the story is being kept under wraps, it takes place several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original.

State Johnson and Kosove: "We believe that Hampton Fancher and Michael Green have crafted with Ridley Scott an extraordinary sequel to one of the greatest films of all time. We would be honored, and we are hopeful, that Harrison will be part of our project."

Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary franchise rights in 2011 from producer Bud Yorkin to produce prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller. Yorkin will serve as a producer on the sequel along with Kosove and Johnson. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will co-produce. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEOs of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.

Among its many distinctions, Blade Runner has been singled out as one of the greatest movies of all time by innumerable polls and media outlets, and overwhelmingly as the greatest science-fiction film of all time by a majority of genre publications.

Released by Warner Bros., Blade Runner was adapted by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples from Philip K. Dick's novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" and was directed by Ridley Scott following his landmark Alien. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction).

Blade Runner was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1993 and is frequently taught in university courses. In 2007, it was named the 2nd most visually influential film of all time by the Visual Effects Society.

Source:  Alcon Entertainment

Tom Cruise Shines in New 'Edge of Tomorrow' Trailer

If there's one point this new trailer for Warner Bros. Edge of Tomorrow should make to all summer audiences - whether that be young folks, old folks, or just adolescent teens - Tom Cruise is the 'ultimate' movie star, plain and simple.

Director Doug Liman and the studio could have cast a still rising, notable actor such as Taylor Kitsch, Channing Tatum, or Garrett Hedlund (for a role that was originally written for a young man), but they knew they needed a guy who would give his all for this film, and nobody dedicates himself more to filmmaking then Tom Cruise.

The trailer looks fantastic.  Everything from the special effects, to visuals, to clever dialogue; I am absolutely psyched to see this film.

In the flick, Tom Cruise plays a military officer who has never seen a day of combat yet finds himself living the same day over and over as he battles a swarm of alien invaders.  Emily Blunt co-stars as a Special Forces soldier who teaches Cruise's character how to defeat the enemy and put a stop to his never ending cycle of living the same day again and again.

The epic action of “Edge of Tomorrow” unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world.

Major William Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission.  Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again.

But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt).  And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

Edge of Tomorrow opens June 6th.