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  • Fede Alvarez’s ‘Alien’ Film Adds Cast Ahead of Production Start

    Fede Alvarez’s ‘Alien’ Film Adds Cast Ahead of Production Start

    Director Fede Alvarez‘s installment in the Alien movie franchise found its lead in Cailee Spaeny and now as it gears up for a March 9th start of production in Budapest, 20th Century Studios has revealed the supporting cast.

    In an official press release, 20th Century Studios announced the castings of David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu and confirmed the casting of Isabela Merced.

    20th Century Studios’ new “Alien” film starring Cailee Spaeny (“Mare of Easttown”) will begin production in Budapest on March 9. Joining Spaeny in the cast are David Jonsson (“Industry”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“Rosaline”), Spike Fearn (“The Batman”) and Aileen Wu (“Away from Home”). Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “The Girl in the Spider’s Web,” “Don’t Breathe”) directs from a screenplay he wrote with his frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues. Ridley Scott, who directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” and Michael Pruss (“Boston Strangler” upcoming) are producing under their Scott Free banner, with Brent O’Connor (“Bullet Train”), Elizabeth Cantillon (“Persuasion”) and Tom Moran (“The Donut King”) serving as executive producers.



    In this ninth entry in the immensely popular and enduring film series, a group of young people on a distant world find themselves in a confrontation with the most terrifying life form in the universe.

    The new film as announced to be in development in November 2023 and has come together fairly quickly. As of publication, no further details about the plot have been uncovered nor has a release date been set. It’s also unclear where the film will fall in the Alien chronology.

  • Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ Adds Aaron Taylor-Johnson

    Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ Adds Aaron Taylor-Johnson

    Robert Eggers is finally able to tackle his dream project with his upcoming twist on the classic Nosferatu. The project has been building up quite a cast that includes Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, and Bill Skarsgard. Now, it seems the film has added a few more members to round out the ensemble piece.

    Ralph Ineson and Simon McBurney are set to join the production with the additional big get-in Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Eggers is once again writing the film he’s set to direct, which is already busy filming in Prague. The film will be distributed through Focus domestically while Universal Pictures International will take care of the global rollout of the film.

    There’s no word on who exactly Taylor-Johnson will be playing, but the story will explore 19th-century Germany, where a Transylvanian vampire stalks a young woman. Skarsgard is set to play Nosferatu with Depp taking over the role of the young woman, who was previously going to be played by Anya Talyor-Joy. Harry Styles was also originally part of the film before it was put on hiatus by Studio 8.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Detective Pikachu Returns! ‘Jonathan Krisel to Direct ‘Pokémon’ Movie Sequel

    ‘Detective Pikachu Returns! ‘Jonathan Krisel to Direct ‘Pokémon’ Movie Sequel

    Now, this is quite a surprise. After a long hiatus, it seems that the Pokémon franchise is returning to the silvers screen. Not only that, but they are also once again going to continue the storyline of Detective Pikachu. Rob Letterman directed the first film that went on to make a strong $430M worldwide, it seems they have found a new director to tackle the sequel in Portlandia‘s Jonathan Krisel. He’ll be adapting the film based on a script written by Chris Gallettta that’ll continue the story we last saw in 2019.

    While there is no word if Ryan Reynolds will return, it does seem that he’ll likely be a part of it. For those that might have forgotten, Reynolds voiced the film’s titular Detective Pikachu who would become close friends with Justice Smith‘s Tim Goodman, who is trying to find out what happened to his father in the film. It was an unconventional direction to take the franchise but was tailor-made for a more cinematic outing than just 10-year-olds heading out to have Pokémon battle each other.

    It’s unclear how far along they are with the project, but it does seem like they are in the early stages. No cast has been set and we don’t know how far along the script is. Many have wondered why it has taken this long for the sequel to get rolling, as it was technically renewed shortly after the first film wrapped up its theatrical run. Still, it may simply be some legal discussion with the company that created the iconic gaming franchise.

    Source: Deadline

  • Further Evidence Emerges Confirming Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Madame Web’ Role

    Further Evidence Emerges Confirming Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Madame Web’ Role

    Despite rolling out one of the most poorly received and mocked superhero films in the Golden Age of the genre in Morbius, Sony Pictures is still wheeling and dealing in the business of making films about obscure Spider-Man characters. Kraven the Conservationist is up next for the studio this October and then, just a few short months later in February 2024, Madame Web will arrive in theaters. Despite being littered with characters most fans have never heard about, Madame Web has an impressive cast led by Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott and Emma Roberts and is rumored to tell a pretty wild story taking place somewhere in the Spider-Verse.

    Set photos from the film had some fans crossing wires on who was playing whom until a report last Summer seemed to straighten all that out: Johnson is portraying the titular Madame Web and Sweeney is playing Julia Carpenter, aka Spider-Woman #2 (Jessica Drew, who as far as we know is not in this movie is Spider-Woman #1; however, there is another Spider-Woman in this movie, Mattie Franklin, and she is Spider-Woman #4!). Now a new report from a popular YouTuber seems to back up that info.

    The Hot Mic Podcast shared some information about Sony’s Spidey projects, including an unconfirmed bit of info that a Spider-Woman film may go into production in 2024–though it’s unclear which of the three Spider-Women it may follow–and info on Sweeney’s role. Simply put, the host of the HMP shared that he’d heard Sweeney is in fact portraying Spider-Woman in Madame Web. Of course, in the comics, this Spider-Woman, Julia Carpenter/Spider-Woman #2, also goes on to become Madame Web and comes into conflict with Charlotte Wittier, Spider-Woman #3. Given Sony’s love of nonsensical stories, it’s easy to see why they’ve chosen to go the route they have with Madame Web.

    Source: YouTube

  • ‘Star Trek Discovery’ to End in 2024 with Fifth and Final Season

    ‘Star Trek Discovery’ to End in 2024 with Fifth and Final Season

    Sadly, it seems that Star Trek Discovery is entering its fifth and also final season. It’s set for an early 2024 release and will sadly mark the end of Paramount+’s first true venture into a modern Star Trek series. Taking cues from the J.J. Abrams-kickstarted films and a dash of the franchise’s long history, we got a wonderful adventure that started back in 2017. Showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise had the following to say about wrapping up this adventure:

    As lifelong fans of Star Trek, it has been an immense honor and privilege to help bring Star Trek: Discovery to the world. The Trek universe means so much to so many – including us – and we couldn’t be prouder of everything Discovery has contributed to its legacy, particularly with representation. If just one person sees themselves, or the possibilities for their future, in a new way because of Discovery, then we think we’d have made Gene Roddenberry very proud.

    Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise

    The official statement has also been shared on Twitter with a new key visual for the final season:

    The story will continue the tale of the U.S.S. Discovery as they seek an ancient power that has been hidden for centuries, but they aren’t the only ones looking for it. Star Trek Discovery won’t be the end of the franchise, as it also was the jumping-off point for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds which explored the tales of the U.S.S. Enterprise under the command of Christopher Pike, played by Anson Mount. So, the franchise will continue but the one that kickstarted this new generation is sadly coming to an end.

    Source: Star Trek

  • Blumhouse and Atomic Monster to Adapt ‘Dead by Daylight’

    Blumhouse and Atomic Monster to Adapt ‘Dead by Daylight’

    It looks like the popular horror game Dead by Daylight is making its way to Hollywood, as Atomic Monster and Blumhouse are set to team up with Behaviour Interactive and bring the multiplayer game to the silver screen. It’s no wonder given just how big the game became after starting in 2016, it has grown to a player base of 50M worldwide. The interactive elements of trying to survive with friends against original and even some familiar monsters offer a unique appeal.

    Executive Vice President of Behaviour Interactive, Stephen Mulrooney, shares his excitement bout the new partnership and the chance to bring Dead by Daylight to the silver screen.

    We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Jason Blum and James Wan, two giants of the horror film industry, to further expand the ‘Dead by Daylight’ universe. At Behaviour, our motto is to create unique moments, together, forever. Atomic Monster and Blumhouse are the ideal partners to craft ‘Dead by Daylight’s’ killer entrance onto the big screen.

    Stephen Mulrooney

    Horror veteran and CEO of Atomic Monster, James Wan, shared his thoughts and excitement to tackle this unique environment of The Fog.

    In ‘Dead by Daylight’ the Behaviour team has created a love letter to the world of horror, building an incredible environment teeming with atmosphere and terrifying villains — perfect for a scary cinematic adaptation. We’re big fans of the game at Atomic Monster, and are thrilled to be teaming up with Blumhouse to bring this frighteningly visceral world to the big screen.

    James Wan

    As of now, the project has no screenwriter or director attached. So, while they are moving forward with the project, they haven’t quite found the talent that’ll bring it to life. Here’s hoping they find a horror veteran that can bring that classic slasher feeling to the game. This also marks the second major gaming adaptation for Blumhouse, who are actively working on an adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy’s film.

    Source: Variety

  • Disney May Sell Hulu to Regain Hulk and Namor Film Rights

    Disney May Sell Hulu to Regain Hulk and Namor Film Rights

    In the world of IPs and rights, you never know what might happen. Marvel Studios is still trying to regain the rights that Marvel Comics once sold to external partners all the way in the past to ensure they wouldn’t go bankrupt. While Sony is not likely to ever let go of Spider-Man, it does seem like there are two characters they might finally regain the film rights to according to a Wall Street analyst, Jason Bazinet, who has a “Buy” on Disney shares and offered some predictions on where he sees the company’s future.

    One of the biggest questions always was: will Disney hold on to Hulu? The streaming service did push its overall subscriber numbers but existed as a direct competitor to their in-house produced streaming service Disney+. They also don’t fully own it with a 67% stake being the only reason they have as much control over r the service as they do. Bazinet though believes going by the latest fiscal quarter, they’ll likely sell the service.

    Following fiscal 1Q23 results, we believe the company is less interested in a mass market DTC offering. This raises the possibility that Disney may sell its Hulu stake.

    Jason Bazinet

    The share size was a result of their Fox deal that cost them a whopping $71.3B back in 2019. They technically have the right to buy out the remaining 33% from Comcast as of January 2024, but there’s no definite that they are obliged to definitely do so. Blazinet though believes that perhaps the sale of Hulu gives them some leverage to get their hands back on the distribution rights for the Marvel IPs of Hulk and Namor.

    While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor. As such, if Disney makes a Hulk or Namor film, Comcast can distribute the film on Peacock. If Hulu is sold, Disney may use this as an opportunity to secure these distribution rights.

    Jason Bazinet

    Hulu can be found in 44% of U.S. online households and has a strong market share. Though if they do decide to purchase the remaining rights, they might just fuse the service similar to how the service is being treated internationally with the Star branding. As of now, the costs estimated for Hulu stand at somewhere between $19.8B and $27.5B. Though there have been rumors they might regain the rights by 2023 anyway. So, we’ll have to see what that might mean especially with rumors of a World War Hulk film making the rounds.

    Source: The Wrap

  • 20th Century’s New ‘Alien’ Movie Adds Isabela Merced

    20th Century’s New ‘Alien’ Movie Adds Isabela Merced

    Deadline has revealed that actress Isabela Merced has been added to the newest film in Ridley Scott‘s Alien franchise for 20th Century. As is per usual, the film’s plot and placement on the Alien timeline is still a mystery. Fede Alverez, known for his work on 2016’s thriller Don’t Breath and 2013’s Evil Dead remake, will direct the picture with Scott Free Productions on board to produce.

    Reports claim Scott Free and 20th Century Studios have made this project a top priority after being impressed by a pitch from Alverez. They also hint that the Xenomorphs, the ferocious species of extraterrestrials introduced in the original 1979 film, will be featured. While no exact date is given, the film is rumored to begin production sometime this year.

    Merced rose to fame in 2018, starring alongside Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne in Instant Family. She achieved leading status over the past few years, most recently starring as Juliet in the 20th Century’s revisionist Romeo & Juliet tale, Rosaline. Merced has also had roles in Sweet Girl, Spirit Untamed, and Warner Bros.’ Father of the Bride remake, before landing the leading role of Aza Holmes in the upcoming film adaptation of John Green‘s New York Times best-selling novel Turtles All the Way Down for HBOMax.

    The young performer has also booked a part in one of Sony’s upcoming Marvel pics, Madame Web. It is unknown who Merced might be playing in the next Alien film, but Deadline states she will co-star alongside the previously announced Cailee Spaeny. So, we don’t know yet if we’ll meet a new member of the Ripley family or a story that moves further away from the originals.

    Source: Deadline

  • Jack Kesy to Star in ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’

    Jack Kesy to Star in ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’

    Jack Kesy is set to star in the latest Hellboy reboot for Millennium Media. The news was announced on Thursday, with Deadline confirming that the actor will play the titular role with production set to begin in a few months. As of now, Kesy is the only actor attached to the project, but additional casting is currently underway.

    Regarding the casting of Kesy, Millennium Media co-president Jonathan Yunger expressed his excitement over seeing the actor introduce a younger take on the comics character. “Jack Kesy is a dynamic actor who has the ability to morph into his roles. His talent and stature are perfect for this younger Hellboy. I was very impressed with him while working together on The Outpost.”

    Kesy is perhaps best known for his roles in movies such as Deadpool 2, Death Wish, and Blood Brother. On the television side, he has appeared in shows like Claws and The Alienist. He can currently be seen in Lionsgate’s Dark Web: Cicadia 3301.

    News of the Hellboy reboot first surfaced in February when Millennium Media announced the project in Berlin. Crank director Brian Taylor is helming the project from a screenplay penned by Hellboy comic book creator Mike Mignola and Chris Golden. The Crooked Man will serve as the first film in Millennium’s slate with Telepool. As of now, there is no release date set for the project.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Ben Affleck Rumored to Be in the Mix to Helm DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Ben Affleck Rumored to Be in the Mix to Helm DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Once upon a time, Ben Affleck was set to direct a solo Batman project set in DC’s Snyderverse. That project never materialized, the Snyderverse is no more and DC films are entering a new era under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Affleck is set to appear as Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Flash before hanging up the cowl, presumably for good, though Gunn has expressed an eagerness to work with Affleck as a director on projects set within the new DCU. A new rumor has surfaced that indicates while Affleck may be willing to step aside as Batman, he may have a hand in shaping the new vision for the character.

    According to a rumor from Above the Line, Affleck may be Gunn and Safran’s choice to helm The Brave and The Bold, a Batman and Robin story that will introduce Bruce’s son, Damian, to the DCU. The Brave and The Bold was one of the projects revealed by Gunn to be a part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, the first wave of projects in the new DCU.

    Interestingly enough, though Gunn has actively called out false reports and rumors frequently over the years, he has not addressed Affleck’s involvement with the film despite otherwise addressing parts of the Above the Line report. This shouldn’t be taken as confirmation of the report, though it does at least allow for the conversation to continue on.

    Source: Above the Line