Burton For Beetlejuice Sequel?

It appears that Tim Burton may well be involved in the planned sequel to smash 80s hit Beetlejuice.

According to Slashfilm, Burton is "very serious" about becoming involved, and has even rejigged his schedule to allow for filming.

It's long been believed that the script - a direct continuation of the original - will only go ahead with the blessing of Burton and star Michael Keaton. As writers Seth Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg said in 2011:

"When Warner Bros. came to us about it, we said the only way we’d do it if we got Tim [Burton’s] blessing and involvement, and we got that, and the star of the movie has to be Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice,

  and it’s a true continuation 26 years later. Not just throwing him in as a cameo going, “Hey, it’s me. I endorse this movie.” We’re not there yet [with Keaton] because we don’t have a film to present to him."

Slashfilm seem to believe that Burton is willing to go ahead with the project, and that Keaton is very positive about the idea.

So it seems that things could well be gearing up for production.

This is a change of heart for Burton - after the original, he was so opposed to the sequel that the studios were demanding that he apparently scripted the worst possible story: Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiin. The fact that the film never surfaced is testament to how well Burton's gambit paid off.

We assume that there's no floral shirts and surfboards in this version of the sequel...

The Raid 2 Poster Revealed

A teaser poster to Gareth Evans' highly anticipated sequel The Raid 2 has been unveiled.

The Indonesian movie, which is apparently set mere hours after the 2011 original and features a prison riot sequence at some point, will see the return of Iko Uwais as lead character Rama.

What's more interesting, though, is that the poster also seems to hint at the return of Mad Dog, the standout enemy from the first. How this is possible is beyond me (think a Commando sequel that sees Bennett return sans steam pipe) but it's very welcome.

Evans claims that the most recent cut of the film features "One hour and five minutes" of solid action, so presumably he's going for the same "fight now, plot later" policy that carried the first film.

And quite right, too - the original is, in my opinion, the very best action movie to be released since Die Hard.

The Raid 2 has a lot to live up to when it is released next year.

Josh Brolin For Jurassic World Lead?

The supporting cast for Colin Trevorrow's Jurrassic World is already fleshed out, with Bryce Dallas Howard and Ty Simpkins being the big hitters, but attention is now turning towards the lead role.

And while there is no return for Sam Neill or Jeff Goldblum in sight, there is a chance that Josh Brolin may step up to the plate.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that the No Country For Old Men and Men In Black 3 star is lined up to take the central role, and is in the early stages of talks.


The fourth entry in the dinofranchise is expected to see a return to Isla Nublar, now a fully open dinosaur park, and to see the debut of underwater dinosaurs, although no plot details have yet been confirmed.

Jurassic World opens its gates to the public in June 2015.

Worthington: Avatar Filming A Long Way Off

Sam Worthington has been speaking to NovaFM about the progress of the next three movies in the Avatar franchise.

James Cameron has been working on the sequels to the phenomenally successful original pretty much since the first was released, but the series' star says that filming is still a long way from beginning.

"They are still writing it," Worthington said, before jokingly adding, "I think Jim is building the ship to Pandora, to be honest. We are going to start this time next year and we will do two, three and four. In one shoot, we'll do them simultaneously."

Perhaps worryingly for Cameron, Worthington finished by saying: "I'll be grateful if it finishes", implying that the actor perhaps isn't as confident in the massive scope of the project as the director.



Avatar 2 was previously rumoured to be courting Arnie for a villain role, but that seems to have fizzled out. A pity, really - who didn't want to hear Arnie's one-lines in this franchise?

"What's da mattah? Feeling BLUE?!"

Avatar 2 is currently scheduled for December 2016, with the following films releasing in December 2017 and 18.

Universal Monstervese A Go?

 

Last month, Geekin' Out speculated about the possibility of a shared cinematic universe for the classic Universal Studios monsters.


Now there're the first official rumblings that suggest that this could well be something that is in the pipeline.

In an interview with IGN, Roberto Orci, who along with Alex Kurtzman is currently helming remakes of Van Helsing and The Mummy , seemed to drop hints that he too would be in favour of such a project.

"There's an interesting thing that could happen at Universal where they have this amazing library of their old monsters and these kinds of heroes, and the idea of trying to create a universe. Van Helsing, and we're also producing The Mummy for them. We're kind of imagining updating these kinds of things. You don't want to just make remakes when you're doing a thing, unless it's worthy of being a remake, but when you have an idea for something that can actually be made different and yet be true to what it was. We just had a notion of how to make it modern and have a slightly different tone. It's not going to be just a remake."

Crucially, when asked about his favourite Universal monster, Orci didn't mention one of the franchises currently in the works, implying he's not yet done with the studio and their freaky stars: "I love Frankenstein just cause it's such a twisted, complicated monster. A monster that's not really a monster."

The classic Universal monster movies remain amongst the very best creature features ever produced, so please, Universal, make this happen. 

Royal Family Throw Doctor Who A Birthday Party

Sophie, Countess Of Wessex is to throw a royal party in honour of Doctor Who's fiftieth anniversay, according to The Radio Times.

The swanky bash will be held on the 18th of November at Buckingham Palace. Palace representatives have yet to confirm a guest list, but it is thought that cast and crew from all eras of the show will be invited.

The Countess has been chosen to host because she herself is understood to be a big fan of the series. However, Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall are also said to be very fond of the show, with Charles having paid a visit to the set in July, where he got a chance to play with the Daleks, and use a Dalek voice modulator to utter their famous "Exterminate" catchphrase.

Showrunner  Steven Moffat said of the Prince's visit: "I haven't thought about how I could weave a meeting between the Doctor and the royal family. But Prince Charles's attempt at being a Dalek was great. There would be a part in the show for him if he wanted it."

 

Prince Charles has previously appeared in an episode of Coronation Street. HRH The Queen has appeared (as a character, not in person) in Who twice before, in The Voyage Of The Damned and in the twenty-fifth anniversary story Silver Nemesis.

But given the severe acting chops she showed when she performed alongside Daniel Craig at the Olympics last Summer, can an actual appearance in Who be far off?

 

Lots of planets have a Queen Elizabeth II

Yeah, probably.

Ming-Na Wen Wants Episode VII Role

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress Ming-Na Wen has expressed an interest in appearing in JJ Abrams' Episode VII.

She turns fifty next month. Fifty!!!

Speaking to Access Hollywood Live, the star - Melinda May in the ABC show - said:

"[There's] nothing better than having a lightsaber in your hand. I don't care, I could have a walk on, just like passing Han Solo. I don't care.

"That's [on] my bucket list, to somehow get in one of those movies. Wouldn't it be great?"

Meanwhile, Star Trek legend William Shatner has thrown his support behind director Abrams, who he had previously branded a "pig" for jumping from Star Trek to the rival franchise.

"JJ is a terrific director, and he gives you a great ride," Shatner declared on Entertainment Weekly Radio. "He knows how to make the movie large with the special effects and everything. And that's going to be wonderful."

He continued: "It's going to be wonderful for both franchises. He certainly has enlivened Star Trek. I'm looking forward to seeing what he's going to do because he's going to do something different, that's for sure. There are very few people who can make those kinds of movies, to have the sensibility. He's got a lot of wonderful people around him. He'll make a fabulous movie."


Episode VII is expected in 2015

Tom Hanks Wants To Play At Superheroes

Tom Hanks has told Showbiz 411 that he would love to appear in a superhero film, with the role of a Batman villain being of particular interest.

Sadly for Hanks, though, neither Marvel nor DC have ever approached him.

"They don't ask me, man. I keep trying. Come on, I can do it, I can do it. Even let me play a bad guy, let me play the bad guy against Batman. I'll do anything, call me. They've never asked."

 

He went on to quip: "What do I gotta do? God, I want to throw a shield at somebody. I want that. And I don't want to play the guy in the suit who tells the superheroes what's going on. I don't want to be that guy. 'Well, you know Batman, Captain America, Iron Man, here's what we've discovered' - I don't want to be that guy.

"I want to get in there, I want to play The Flash or something like that. They'll never give me a chance."

Hanks is not the first actor to issue a "come and get me" to the producers of the latest DC movies - Justin Timberlake has also expressed interest in recent months, saying he would love to play The Riddler, for example - but he is probably the most exciting and high-profile.

It's all speculation and wish-sharing, but I reckon Hanks would make a top villain. I could seriously see him making a great Hugo Strange.

Come on, DC, let Tom come out to play.

Idris Elba: "I've Never Watched The Wire"

Idris Elba has admitted to Playboy that he's never watched a full season of The Wire, because he is his own worst critic.

"I've seen a full episode at screenings but never at home," Elba says.

"I've never watched an entire season. I've not seen any episode of season 2, most of season 3, and none of seasons 4 and 5. I'm supercritical of my own work.

  

"As an actor, if you're being told how wonderful you are, what do you need to strive for? I don't know if I'm good just because some critic says I am in the press."

Then, letting his serious front drop for a second, Elba jokes: "The Golden Globe award told me that, thanks. And the two Emmy nominations. Just the small things."

Elba played Stringer Bell in the excellent HBO series, which is often cited by critics as being the greatest television series of all time.

If you're reading this, Idris, then I recommend you give it a watch. It's really rather good.

South Park Misses Episode Deadline

 

South Park has missed its episode deadline for the first time in its history.

The show famously produces its episodes in the six days prior to its transmission, allowing for the show to remain incredibly topical - including airing the episode "About Last Night", which dealt with the election of Barack Obama less than 24 hours after the election results were announced.

However, a power cut on Tuesday meant that the latest episode was not ready in time.

"Weak, you  guys..."

Comedy Central said in a statement: "From animation to rendering to editing and sound, all of their computers were down for hours and they were unable to finish episode 1704 'Goth Kids 3: Dawn of the Posers' in time for air tonight."

Co-creator Trey Parker added: "It sucks to miss an air date but after all these years of tempting fate by delivering the show last minute, I guess it was bound to happen."

The missed episode, 'Goth Kids 3: Dawn of the Posers', will now air next Wednesday (October 23) on Comedy Central.

First Trailer For Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

 

The first trailer for the Latino-themed Paranormal actvity spin-off The Marked Ones has been released online.

The movie deals with a Catholic Church investigation into a supposed demonic possession.

While the movie is being marketed as a spin-off, rather than a part of the main story, the script has been written by Christopher Landon, who was responsible for all but the first Paranormal Activity films, so some sort of tie-in to the story of Katie, Toby and co. was expected. The extent to which The Marked Ones seems to tie in is still surprising though.

See the trailer here:

Andrew Jacobs, Jorge Diaz, Carlos Pratts and Gloria Sandovall star in Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, which opens in cinemas on January 3, 2014. Back in the main story, Paranormal Activity 5 will be released on October 24, 2014

Clark Gregg On Coulson's Return From The Dead

Clark Gregg has appeared on "Larry King Now" to talk about Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., where he made hints about Coulson's "Magical return."

 

“Tahiti is a magical place,” he said once again. “But, every time someone mentions it lately, I seem to go into post-traumatic stress. So, I think there’s a little more to Tahiti than meets the eye." Gregg further teased that he doesn't know the full extent of Coulson's return.

 
The nature of Coulson's survival has been a running mystery during the course of the show so far, with the character only repeating the "magical place" line [in exactly the same tone] whenever his recovery is mentioned. As to the truth, well, Maria Hill ominously mentioned that Coulson must "never know" in the pilot episode, while Coulson himself has been frustrated to find that he no longer has certain skills since his return.

Fan theories have been wide-ranging, with the most popular being that Coulson is in fact not Coulson at all, but rather Vision, which would tie in with the upcoming Age Of Ultron.

But one thing's for sure: if Gregg himself isn't aware of the answer, we're going to be waiting a while to find out...

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. continues on Tuesdays on ABC in the US, and Fridays on C4 in the UK.

Noah Sails Into Controversy

Darren Aronofsky's Noah has sparked controversy among test audiences, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The upcoming biblical epic, which stars Russell Crowe as Noah and Emma Watson as his adopted daughter Ila, has been screened to "key groups" with an interest in the subject matter, including a largely Jewish audience in New York, a largely Christian audience in Arizona and a general screening in California.

But all three screenings have generated "troubling reactions", prompting Paramount to "request changes" from Aronofsky.


Just what it is about the movie that is proving to be controversial remains unclear at this time. Aronofsky, whose previous films The Wrestler and Black Swan were critical hits, is a big fan of creative and editing control in his films, though, so the news about requested re-edits won't sit well with him.

The publication reports that "It is unclear whether Aronofsky has retained his right to final cut on the film, or whether this has been removed in light of the poor feedback, but the director is reportedly resistant to the changes suggested. "

Among the studio's reported concerns are the film's extensive use of visual effects, and the challenge of creating a third act that will not alienate Christian audiences.

Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore seems untroubled, claiming that the preview process is "standard" and that the studio had intentionally allowed for "a very long post-production period, which allowed for a lot of test screenings".

Moore is also quoted as saying that Aronofsky wants "some level of independence" but "also wants a hit movie", concluding: "We're getting to a very good place, and we're getting there with Darren."

Also starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly, Douglas Booth, Logan Lerman and Ray Winstone, Noah was due to be released on March 28, 2014. Whether the upcoming edits etc. will change that remains to be seen.

A Glimpse Of "Ian" And "Barbara" In An Adventure In Space And Time

A new picture in this month's DWM has shown Jemma Powell as Jaqueline Hill and Jamie Glover as William Russell in Mark Gatiss' An Adventure In Space And Time.

In the vein of The Road To Coronation Street a few years back (when Corrie was celebrating its half-century), the drama tells the tale of the early days of Doctor Who as a part of the Beeb's Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations.

Also starring David Bradley as William Hartnell, An Adventure In Space And Time is expected to air on November 22nd.

Five More Marvel Shows In Development

Not content with bringing out two big-budget blockbusters per year, not to mention Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the currently-in-planning-stage Agent Carter, Marvel are upping their game in the quest to be the busiest dedicated studio out there by announcing that they have a further five shows in development.

The comic giant has four drama series and one miniseries - totalling 60 episodes - in the works, with plans to pitch to cable channels and VOD services, according to Deadline.

Netflix, Amazon and WGN America are all said to be potential homes for the five shows, though no further details about their content are currently available.

Hayley Attwell, meanwhile, has reaffirmed that should Agent Carter move ahead, she very much wants to reprise her Captain America role.

While this is all terribly exciting, and the prospect of seeing the Marvelverse grow even larger as Age Of Ultron gives way to Phase Three is an admittedly appetising one, one can't help but think that Marvel should be concentrating on getting their current televisual house in order.

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. recently received a full season order, but you can't escape the feeling that this was a courtesy to Disney, who have a lot riding on the series. Ratings have plummeted every week, and the critical reception has been lukewarm at best. Joss Whedon shows almost always start badly, and episode three was a marked improvement, so the time to panic may be a little way off just yet, but maybe Marvel should ensure that Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. finds its feet before kicking off any further projects...

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. continues on Fridays on C4 in the UK, and on Tuesdays on ABC in the US.

Kirkman On The Governor In S4

Robert Kirkman has been talking about the role that David Morrissey's Governor will be playing as the fourth season of The Walking Dead continues.

In an interview with The AP, Kirkman promised that The Governor would play a major role, adding "We're doing some very new and interesting things with The Governor in season four, as you'll see," Kirkman commented.

He went on to tease: "The new season is about the continuing progression of these characters and their lives, so while we're still in the prison, it is a very different prison than what we've known thus far, and they have kind of built a little pocket of civilization within those fences."

With post-prison trio Abraham, Eugene and Rosita confirmed to be appearing in the second half of the season, I think we can start making assumptions about what the mid-season cliffhanger will bring...

 

The Walking Dead Season Four begins on Fox this Friday in the UK. In the US the show continues on Sundays on AMC.

More Jurassic World Casting News

Following on from the announcement that Iron Man 3 and Insidious actor Ty Simpkins is to appear in the upcoming Jurassic World, The Hollywood Reporter has claimed that Nick Robinson has been cast as the character's older brother.

The 18-year-old actor gained attention from his recent appearance in indie-flick Kings Of Summer, but this will be his first significant mainstream role.

The two youngsters will join Bryce Dallas Howard for a visit to Jurassic World when the movie opens in 3D on June 12th 2015.

Amell Teases Black Canary

Arrow star Stephen Amell has taken to Twitter to reveal a picture of Caity Lotz in action.

The Mad Men actress, who plays Black Canary - or simply The Canary in Arrow - made a brief appearance as the character in the second season premiere, but her character is set for a more substantial role as the season progresses.

Lotz in more suitable attire

Speaking of the character, Arrow co-creator Andrew Kreisberg had previously said that she is "a new player in town - a vigilante who avenges wronged women".

"[She] seems to have a fixation on the Arrow (Stephen Amell) and our team is trying to figure out why."

Arrow Season Two continues on The CW in the US, and on Sky One in the UK.

JGL Confirms Ant-Man Talks

Follwing the recent rumours that he is up against Paul Rudd for the lead in Edgar Wright's Phase Three movie Ant-Man, Jospeph Gordon-Levitt has confirmed that he is in discussions with Marvel.

"There are always a lot of rumours around these projects and so far it is still only discussions," he told Huffington Post France.

He added: "I am always very transparent when it comes to my roles and my career. I'm usually the first to speak and communicate with my fans if something happens.

"If you hear nothing from me, they are just rumours."

The actor has previously been linked with playing Doctor Strange in Phase Three.

Ant-Man is out on the 31st July 2015

Chris Pine For Horrible Bosses 2

Star Trek actor Chris Pine has signed up to play a villain in the forthcoming sequel to Horrible Bosses.

"He put me in a red shirt and sent me to explore Exploding Poison-Monster Island. Worst. Boss. Ever."

His character will be part of a shady father/son duo who steal an idea for a new invention that our heroes have come up with. Christoph Waltz was previously linked with the role of Pine's father, but unfortunately can't make it due to scheduling conflicts (boo!) - presumably on account of his role as the baddie in Tarzan.

This plot sounds a bit left-field for the franchise, but the fact that they're opting for something different is very welcome: would we really want to see a movie where Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis get even more horrible bosses (or become horrible bosses themselves)?

If the bosses still look like this then... yeah, kinda...

Also starring Jamie Foxx as Motherfucker Jones, Horrible Bosses 2 is out on November 26th 2014.

Moffat Didn't Think Bow Ties Were Cool

Stephen Moffat has been talking to The Radio Times about Peter Capaldi's costume when he hits the screen as the Twelfth (?) Doctor this Christmas.

The showrunner says that he is leaving the costume choice up to Capaldi, as (shockingly) Moffat nearly vetoed Matt Smith's iconic bow tie look when the costume for Eleven was being decided.

"I think [Capaldi is shopping] actually right now – I think literally right now.

"He was texting me ‘I’m out with [the wardrobe stylist] at the moment, it’s going quite well’ and some descriptions of clothes I did not understand. If it’s not a suit…

"I’ll just let them get on with it and it’ll be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ a the end."

Moffat went on to reveal the fact that Smith could have had a wildly different look (Moff famously wanted a 'piratey outfit'): "Matt said “I should be a boffin, I think I need to go with the bow tie”and I said “No, absolutely not, you’re not wearing a bow tie – that’s a cartoon idea of what Doctor Who is… Oh, you are going to wear a bow tie – you look incredible in it.

"And from that moment on he suddenly came to life, and he put the tweed jacket on and suddenly he’s leaping round the room with a biro pen and that was it – he was the Doctor."

Moffat isn't worried about what Capaldi will pick though - he claims that ‘[Peter] likes his clothes. He’s got very strong opinions about clothes, he’s very dashing."

With production set to begin on Season 8 next month, we shouldn't be far from seeing what fruits Capaldi's shopping trip bore.