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Bryan Singer Answers Fans Questions for 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'; First Trailer Hits Tomorrow Morning

I still remember to this day back in high school watching Brett Ratner's awful X-Men: The Last Stand and only wondering what could have been had Bryan Singer stayed on-board instead of going to make Superman Returns.  At that time, I'd figured he was done with the franchise and any hope of him ever returning was slim to none.

Funny how things turn out.

Next year, we get X-Men: Days of Future Past, what's been called a 'in-between-quel' by the director himself, connecting all the X-Men films that have come before it, while also trying to correct some of the 'mistakes' less talented filmmakers have made as well.

The cast is huge, with pretty much every actor from both the original trilogy and First Class aboard (and don't think for a second a certain JM and FJ aren't showing up) as well as an epic scope encompassing time travel and the end of the world.

With the first trailer hitting tomorrow at 6 AM Pacific time (damn you West Coast), Bryan Singer answered fans questions via Twitter which you can read the highlights of below.

An image has also debuted informing every one that tomorrow the first trailer hits worldwide.

Get ready.

"Can you give us another hint at what we might see in the full trailer tomorrow?” --from Neil Sutton on Facebook
Bryan Singer: Tomorrow's trailer is primarily a character piece, as most of our VFX are not yet finished.

FB fan Vlad Micu asks: “How was it to bring the cast of the original X-Men and the cast of X-Men First Class together in the same Movie?”
Singer: Awesome, and slightly intimidating.

#AskSinger #XMen was it challenging working with such a big varying cast?
Singer: .@lawrencer_ I was real comfortable with the original cast and knew the #FirstClass cast as a writer/producer but not yet as a director. With the exception of @NicholasHoult of course -- but they were all fantastic and made the experience fun.

“What was the funniest moment on set with the entire cast?” --from Daniel Long on Facebook
Singer: In between shooting a serious scene on Xavier's private jet, Michael, Nick, Hugh and James dancing to #BlurredLines #IHaveTheFootage

How does this movie make itself new and fresh, while still keeping the traditional feeling we all loved from the previous movies?#AskSinger
Singer: .@pluckthestrings It's all in the cast. They are great actors who know their characters - who know how to bring them to life.

“Have you ever attempted Hugh Jackman's legendary workout regimen?” --from Jacob Parker on Facebook
Singer: Someone tweeted that I was gaining weight, so I tried the workout... for a day.

Mystique has been a fun character to see in the movies. What can we expect to see from her in DOFP #ASKSINGER #XMEN
Singer: .@irturner She's a much more hardened kick-ass character than she was in #FirstClass.

"What scene are you editing right now?" --From Kevin Lieu on Facebook
Singer: I'm tinkering with a piece in the opening that helps set up the story - but I'm in a good place with the cut. A bit ahead of schedule

“Mr. Singer, how would you characterize the tone and style of ‘Days of Future Past’?” --from Ben Ferguson on FB
Singer: Although there is a great deal of humor, the overall tone is a bit darker than previous films, particularly because of the stakes.

How many new x men characters are in the new film #XMen #AskSinger!
Singer: .@Jason_Payton82 A lot -- Blink, Bishop, Sunspot, Warpath, Ink, Quicksilver, etc.

"Are there any practical jokers among the stars of Days Of Future Past? #XMen #AskSinger" --from Charlene John Crisp on Facebook
Singer: Yes. Two words. James. McAvoy. #IHaveTheFootageOnMyiPhone

#x-men #AskSinger What is it, do you think, that keeps drawing you back to the X-Men? Also... Welcome back!
Singer: .@TPF1138 I love the the characters. There's always a new place to go in the #XMen universe. #TimeTravel #Sentinels

Is their any X-Men character that you haven't used that you would like to? #AskSinger #XMen
Singer: .@Bmike3030 Yeah, Gambit, Deadpool, and a few others I'd rather not mention.

#xmen #AskSinger Stylistically, First Class echoed the Bond movies of the 60's. Should we expect DoFP to echo 70's cinema in some fashion?
Singer: .@TPF1138 Yes, in the colors, some of the style & music. I also used 16 & 8mm footage which I operated myself for some scenes which was fun.

“Will we finally get to see the sentinels in action?” --from Brandon Williams on Facebook
Singer: Yes. :)

Source: Bryan Singer Twitter

Ben Affleck Talks His Initial Hesitance to Take On Batman

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past two months, you might have heard Ben Affleck was cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman in Warner Bros. tentatively titled, Batman vs. Superman, the follow-up to this year's Man of Steel.

To say the public outcry over his casting was outrageous is a bit of an understatement.

From online petitions, to death threats, to even going as far to ask President Obama to have WB reverse his casting, Ben Affleck received a lot of unnecessary crap over his acceptance of the role.

In a recent interview though, Affleck discussed his initial hesitance to take on such an iconic role and follow in the footsteps of what both Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan created:

Initially I was reluctant as I felt I didn't fit the traditional mold but once Zack showed me the concept, and that it would be both different from the great movies that Chris and Christian made but still in keeping with tradition I was excited. Doing something different and new is always tricky and part of the thrill and the risk is that initially it confounds expectations. The truth is, it's the movie and the execution of it is what all the actors depend on and I believe in Zack's vision.

You have to give the guy credit, he knows what he is doing, because the truth of the matter is, Ben Affleck doesn't NEED to play Batman.  Coming off his Oscar winning Best Picture Argo, his career has never been hotter and has the ability to do pretty much whatever he wants.  He's currently filming the lead role in David Fincher's Gone Girl along with a number of high-profile directorial/acting projects over at WB including Live By Night and just this week's announced Congo/Africa thriller.

Affleck's taking on the Batman role because not only does he feel he can tap into the character and do something unlike what we've seen, but also because - and he states this above - he believes in the vision Zack Snyder has presented to him.  But even more so than this, he's smart enough to realize it's all about the execution.  How many times do you seen a great idea for a film turn out to be a terrible movie?  It's because the filmmakers didn't execute properly.  No one wants to make a bad movie, and if it were so easy to make a good one, every one would do it.

I for one can't wait to see how this all turns out but we can expect some major news in the next few months as the Batman/Superman flick is set to starting principal photography in February.

Source:  411mania

'Independence Day 2' With Will Smith / 'Independence Day 2' Without Will Smith: Which Will Happen?

At this point, it's become pretty clear in regards to Independence Day 2:  the film is going to happen.

20th Century Fox knows it.  So does director Roland Emmerich.  And oh yeah, Will Smith too.

That is why two scripts have been commissioned for the long in-development sequel, one featuring the reprisal of Will Smith in his star making role, one without him.  Only time will tell which happens.

Emmerich was out promoting the Blu-ray/DVD release of White House Down (still haven't seen it but I want to) and seemed as if the task of making a sequel to his most famous film is already taking it's toll, stating it's "a daily battle...the budget, the schedules, the actors...", but promised, "It's looking good."

He of course spoke about the potential involvement of Will Smith and let it be known that screenwriter James Vanderbilt - who wrote White House Down (not sure if that's a good thing or not) - has completed two scripts for the film, one with Will, one without.  But Emmerich did let it be known, "It's looking good [for the version with Smith]."

Hopefully this pans out as I can only imagine a sequel to Independence Day won't feel the same with only the return of the iconic duo of Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum.  

A release date of July 3rd, 2015 is set, but I'm willing to be it'll be pushed to summer 2016, being the 20th anniversary of the original's release.

Source:  The Playlist

Tom Hardy to Officially Play Elton John in Film Biopic 'Rocketman'

There had been reports a while back that Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises) was in talks to star as musical legend Elton John in the appropriately titled, Rocketman, and today, that news is official.

Rocket Pictures sent out a press release confirming Hardy will indeed play the title role in the film biopic, following the famous musician from child prodigy to industry legend.  Lee Hall (Billy Elliot) wrote the script and directorial newcomer, Michael Gracey, will helm the picture.

The flick is set to start shooting next fall (which I'm sure gives Hardy plenty of time to get 'in character') and will be released nationwide by Focus Features.  Sir Elton John himself will also re-record many of his famous hits to coincide with the film's story.

While I am not the biggest Elton John fan, there isn't a person alive who doesn't know his music so I am very psyched to see what a guy like Tom Hardy will do with this role.  If executed properly, this could get him Oscar recognition.

See below for the official press release:

TOM HARDY TO STAR AS MUSIC LEGEND ELTON JOHN IN ROCKET PICTURES’ ROCKETMAN

FOCUS FEATURES PLANS MAJOR U.S. RELEASE

LOS ANGELES (October 23, 2013) – Tom Hardy will star as Elton John in Rocket Pictures’ Rocketman, and Focus Features has come aboard to give the film a major U.S. release, producers announced today.

The Hardy deal caps a lengthy search to cast the role of Elton in the film, which will be co-financed by AI Film.

Much like the man himself, Rocketman is a larger-than-life movie musical spectacle that tells the story of a child prodigy turned music legend.  Elton will re-record many of his iconic hits to parallel the emotional beats of the film that will have audiences on their feet, singing along to his much loved music.  The film is scheduled to shoot in fall 2014.

Incoming Focus CEO Peter Schlessel, brought Rocketman from FilmDistrict to Focus Features.

Rocketman is produced by Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish of Rocket Pictures and Lawrence Bender on behalf of AI Film, the film production and financing company created out of the acquisition of Icon by Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries.  Sir Elton John and Len Blavatnik are executive producing, along with AI Film CEO Aviv Giladi and Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel.  UTA Independent Film Group arranged financing for the project and negotiated the project’s sale to FilmDistrict.  Good Universe is handling international sales.

“Tom is a stellar talent who will add extraordinary depth and nuance in bringing Elton’s story to life,” said Rocket Pictures CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw.  “We are excited to have such a gifted actor on board, and equally excited to be in the hands of Peter Schlessel and the entire Focus Features team.”

“Tom is quickly becoming known as one of the world’s most versatile actors, and like others at the top of their craft, he has proven his ability to transform himself completely into the character or subject found in the material,” said Schlessel.  “We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton.  This, in conjunction with the creative team led by Michael and Rocket Pictures, will provide the foundation for something that will be a unique cinematic event.”

Rocketman will be directed by Michael Gracey (Fox’s upcoming The Greatest Showman on Earth starring Hugh Jackman, and Disney’s The Muppet Man). The original screenplay is written by Academy Award® nominee Lee Hall (War Horse, Billy Elliot).

British actor Hardy will next be seen in Steve Knight’s Locke and in the reboot of the Mad Max franchise for Warner Bros. and George Miller.  Hardy recently wrapped Child 44 with director Daniel Espinosa and Animal Rescue for director Michael Roskam.  He most recently starred in The Dark Knight Rises and previously worked with director Chris Nolan onInception.  His credits include Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Bronson and Warrior.  He is represented by CAA, Lindy King at United Agents and attorney Jason Sloane.

Source:  Rocket Pictures

Warner Bros. Buying Rights to Novel 'Blood on the Snow' as Potential Starring Vehicle for Leonardo DiCaprio

Warner Bros. is in negotiations to buy the film rights to the upcoming Jo Nesbo novel, Blood on the Snow, to be released this upcoming spring.

The project will be developed by Leonardo DiCaprio's production company, Appian Way, as a potential starring vehicle for the ever so in-demand actor.

Blood on the Snow tells the story of a hitman who falls in love with his boss's wife after he is assigned to kill her.  Not very original, but under the banner of DiCaprio's production company, I'm sure it'll be something worth seeing.

The author, Nesbo (who goes under the pseudonym Tom Johansson), will also publish the book's sequel, More Blood on the Water, for release in the spring of 2015.  Maybe this will become DiCaprio's franchise.

The Oscar nominated actor - who is currently taking a break with no upcoming projects on his schedule - can next be seen in Martin Scorcese's The Wolf of Wall Street, tentatively scheduled for release this Christmas Day.

Source:  Deadline

Martin Scorsese Hell-Bent on Completing 'The Wolf of Wall Street' for 2013 Release

A couple weeks back it was reported that Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street would likely be pushed to 2014 due to the legendary director being unable to edit down his massive first cut of the film to a manageable time before it’s November 15th release date.

This was considered a disappointing piece of news considering his flick was poised to be a major Oscar contender, much like Bennett Miller’s Foxcatcher which was also recently pushed to next year due to more time being needed for editing as well.

A similar move for another Scorsese flick was made back in 2009 when Shutter Island - poised for a big Oscar run - was moved to February 2010.  While the film went on to become one of Scorsese’s biggest hits, it garnered zero Oscar noms.

Well it looks like things may not be as dire as they seemed as word comes today that Scorsese and his long-time editor, Thelma Schoonmaker, are determined to cut the film by November 25th so Paramount can make a Christmas Day release.  This would give the studio enough time to promote the film while also freeing Scorsese to go fulfill his Marrakesh Film Festival duties (why the film needs cut by the 25th).

If this ends up being the case, it’s very likely Paramount would push its new Jack Ryan film, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, (tentatively scheduled to open December 25th as well) to January (a mediocre trailer came out last week which I was actually surprised about but that’s a story for another day).

While I’m happy to hear the good news for Scorsese’s film, it (along with Miller’s Foxcatcher) brings up a new development in Hollywood.

The view of Tinseltown over the past several decades has always been “They don’t make movies anymore, they make release dates.”  However, it certainly sounds like with these situations now that studios are no longer mandating a film be finished in time for a set release date, quality of the film be damned.

It now seems studios are willing to give the makers of a film the time needed to make the best film possible, offering potential release date changes to coincide with this.

I do have to point out though, both these films were completed filming well over 8-10 months ago:  why does it take this long to edit films like these?  I’d hate to state how huge blockbusters make their dates in less time but then again, they are just that, huge blockbusters.  These are potential Oscar-worthy films.

We’ll keep you posted on any new developments.

Source:  Showbiz 411

New Trailer & Poster for 'Out of the Furnace' Starring Christian Bale

Relativity Media has released both a new trailer and poster for their December 6th release, Out of the Furnace.

The film, directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart), stars Christian Bale as an ex-con steel worker whose cleaned up his life only to find himself seeking vengeance when his younger brother (Casey Affleck) goes missing after getting involved with a local crime ring, led by what looks to be a menacing as hell Woody Harrelson.

I have to say the trailer looks absolutely phenominal compared to the first one that was released a month or so back (maybe having something to do with a much better choice in score).

The drama was also just announced to be having its world premiere at the AFI Fest beginning November 7th - 14th, starting what hopes to be a powerful awards run campaign that leads to the Oscars.

Along with Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, and Casey Affleck, the pic also stars Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana, and Sam Shepard.

Take a look at the new trailer and poster below:

Source:  Relativity Media

Vin Diesel Shares Video and New Set Pic with Lucas Black from 'Fast & Furious 7' Set

With production having begun last week on Fast & Furious 7, Vin Diesel took the liberty to film a video of himself the first day on set to show all the franchise's fans.

It's not much, just Diesel talking about the start of production taking place in Atlanta and how grateful he is that you pay to see his movies, but still, it's nice to see the guy gives back to his fans.

Along with this, we have our first look at Lucas Black on set who was just announced to be returning to the franchise this past week.

Funny how the film is suppose to take place after the events of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift yet you can tell easily that Black looks a good ten years older.  But hey, I guess that's what you get when you sequel-ize a film that came out way back in 2006.

Expect more photos and videos from the set as production continutes.

Fast & Furious 7 - starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Lucas Black, Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Rhonda Rousey, Tony Jaa, and Kurt Russell - open July 11th, 2014.

Source:  Vin Diesel Facebook

Timur Bekmambetov to Direct New 'Ben-Hur'

In rather surprising news, Timur Bekmambetov has signed-on to direct a remake/reboot/new adaptation of the 1880 Lew Wallce novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, for MGM.

The reason this is surprising should be an obvious one:  why try to make another Ben-Hur?

The 1959 classic starring Charlton Heston is one of the greatest films of all-time and holds the record - along with Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - with 11 Academy Awards.  A film like this should not be remade ever again, much like The Godfather, Casablanca, and Gone with the Wind to name a few.  It's not that they can't be remade, it's just I would think no Hollywood exec is stupid enough to try given their place in cinema history.

The other piece here that stands out just as much is the choice to direct, Timur Bekmambetov.

Ben-Hur was an epic, grand, Hollywood classic that is known just as much for it's quality for filmmaking as it's lust visuals.  Why choose a man who has pretty much lived off of making style over substance films?  I've seen both Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (really?) and if those CGI-filled 'films' are to be anything like what his Ben-Hur remake is going to be, Hollywood is more stupid than I thought.

Source:  Deadline