Superman Screenwriters Not Returning for Sequel
Superman Returns screenwriters Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris have opted not to come back and pen a sequel, according to Variety. What does this mean about the future of Superman? Will Bryan Singer soon depart from the project? The duo also worked with Singer on X2: X-Men United, and Trick ‘r Treat (which Brian produced). I wouldn’t be surprised to hear later this week/month that Singer has also left the project. The writing already seems to be on the walls.
Warner Bros is now taking story pitches for Man of Steel. This is very interesting since it was always assumed that script, or at least treatment had been laid out. Months before going into production on Valkyrie, Singer’s camp had made some public comments about how well the preproduction on a Man of Steel was going. But now things have dramatically changed. I wonder if the studio was unhappy with Dougherty and Harris’ take on Man of Steel? They clearly were not happy with Superman Returns. A lot of fans were unhappy with Singer’s film, primarily due to it’s lack of action, casting decisions and the Superkid storyline.
Many people around Hollywood believe that the studio would like to “start fresh with a new take on the Man of Steel, as if the previous pic never happened.” Some rumors claim that the studio is interesting in replacing Returns star Brandon Routh and pulling a reboot/remake, much like Universal are doing with The Incredible Hulk.
Update: Comic Book writer Mark Millar has announced that he will pitch for the Superman sequel.
I think this is a huge mistake. If one thing Superman Returns was good for, it was as a set-up for future films. I do agree with many fans that the “superkid” storyline should have never happened. But I believe clever storytelling could not only fix this, but could propell the series in a wonderful new direction. One problem I’ve always had with Superman is that he is invincible and unstoppable. If Superkid were to suffer a fatal injury (how? that isn’t for me to decide) early into Man of Steel, this could set up a new more vulnerable Superman and a story of revenge.
But Warner Bros is denying reboot plans despite the Hollywood rumors, and the studio insists that Brandon Routh will likely return as the Man of Steel.
So let’s hear your pitch! If you were going to write the Superman Sequel, what would happen?
Enchanted Sequels?
Have you ever been embarrassed about wanting to see a particular movie? I feel this way about Disney’s Enchanted. Sure, it’s a love-story. Sure, it’s a family film. Most people I have talked with have no interest in this film, but I’ve always believed that it has huge potential. Aside from Amy Adams (who is awesome), the movie has the possibility of being Disney’s Shrek. And it appears that Disney thinks so as well.
My buddy Alex at FirstShowing has some news from ShowEast, where presenter, Diego Lerner of Disney, told an audience of movie theater exhibitors and Hollywood folk that Disney sees Enchanted as a Franchise. Apparently the mouse house believes this film will be huge enough to spawn a couple sequels. Sure, Lerner could just be hyping up the film to the exhibitors in attendance, but I think what he says is true. I’ve talked to a couple of people who have seen the film and have nothing but good things to say about it. But I’ve also heard that Enchanted is a pretty self contained movie, so it doesn’t set-up for future films.
Some of you might be wondering, “what is Enchanted?” Here is the official plot synopsis:
A classic Disney fairytale collides with modern-day New York City in a story about a fairytale princess (Amy Adams) from the past who is thrust into present-day by an evil queen (Susan Sarandon).
Enchanted hits theaters on November 21st 2007.
Will Disney Greenlight Pirates of the Caribbean 4: The Fountain of Youth?
Update: Pirates of the Caribbean 4 to Follow Captain Jack’s Search For Atlantis?
Despite not breaking Spidey’s record and some questionable accounting, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is another blockbuster success. And while the creative people involved have said that it is the last film in the trilogy, which might spin-off into future films (one of which is hinted in the last act of the film), nothing is guaranteed. Johnny Depp has said he would be game (but really, who could turn down a $40-50 million payday?), and the screenwriters have expressed interest. But now producer Jerry Bruckheimer is expressing some doubt about continuing the franchise.
“We’ve been working on this trilogy for 5 1/2 years, and the latest one was just a monster,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s always about making sure you have a great story with interesting plots, themes and characters. There is a possibility– we’ll see what happens.”
But fear not Pirates fans, when there is money to be made, Disney will be there - that is one thing you can ALWAYS count on. And to be quite honest: Captain Jack is what makes the Pirates movies worth watching. Keira and Orlando’s characters are boring at best. A spin-off film following Jack in search for the Fountain of Youth could be incredible. And this is coming from a guy who hated HATED Pirates 2.
Update: Pirates of the Caribbean 4 to Follow Captain Jack’s Search For Atlantis?
Bond 22 Finally Gets Its Official Title! Bond Girls Speak!
In November 2008, everyone will be going to see Daniel Craig reprise his role as James Bond in…Quantum of Solace. The title was taken from a collection of short stories published by Bond creator Ian Fleming back in 1960. During the title revealing press conference, reporters were shown a minute of footage from the new film, including Bond swinging on a rope after an explosion at an art gallery in Siena, Italy. Another scene showed him meeting M - played by Dame Judi Dench - outside in the snow.
Actress Olga Kurylenko, who recently landed the role of Bond girl, said she still has not filmed any scenes, but was hard at work preparing.
“I’m doing weapons training and body flight training for aerial scenes and stunt work for fighting,” she said. “My days are so long, and it’s very physical. She’s going to be very different from the previous Bond girls. “She’s a fighter. This girl is going to kick ass. She’s on her own mission and she’s driven by revenge.”
The other female who will be involved with Bond, a secret agent played by Gemma Arterton, has already filmed a few scenes, including a love scene.
“I felt like a giggly girl, and I felt so young and inexperienced - but I kissed James Bond!”
The 21-year-old, who recently starred in the St Trinian’s film, said her Bond role is “not so frolicksome” and her character “fresh and young, not sultry and a femme fatale”.
Quantum of Solace is currently filming in an exotic location nowhere near you, and is directed by Marc Foster.
Update: It has been confirmed that the characters Q and Moneypenny will not be in Quantum of Solance. Producer Michael G. Wilson said that their addition would not feel ‘organic’, and that they may appear in future films if the story required them.
Below is a set visit by ITV News, showing the scenes mentioned above.