X-Men Days Of Future Past Review: "Is The Future Truly Set?"

I have to admit that before I saw Bryan Singer's "X-Men Days of Future Past" I was concerned whether or not the sequel would work at all--both as a narrative and literally...

After all there are a lot of characters in the film. I wondered if cramming that many mutants--not to mention humans--would be worth it. Sure the sequel sounded cool in concept but execution is what counts. I am happy to say that, thanks to a sure handed director and some really top notch performances, my thoughts of a messy film were unwarranted.

The film opens in In a dystopian future, robots known as Sentinels are exterminating mutants and oppressing humans who harbor the genes that lead to mutant offspring. A small band of mutants manages to evade the Sentinels due to Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page) who can project a person's consciousness back in time to deliver warnings. Pryde's group rendezvous with Storm (Halle Berry), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Professor Charles Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen) in a monastery in China.

They decide to send Wolverine's consciousness back to 1973 to prevent Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from murdering Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage), the designer of the Sentinels. Doing so will make Trask a martyr, Mystique will be captured and her powers will be reverse-engineered to create the Sentinels of the future, who mimic and adapt to mutant powers.

Xavier advises Wolverine to seek out his and Magneto's younger selves (James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender) for aid. The mutants make their final stand as a large army of Sentinels assault the monastery...

In 1973 Logan makes his way to the School for Gifted Youngsters where he meets the younger Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and the Professor--who has no interest in helping him.

The latest sequel is based on a -2 issue story arc in the X-Men Comics written by Chris Claremont, and drawn by John Byrne, that was published in 1981. Writer Simon Kinberg does a fine job adapting the tricky time travel tale into an easy to follow narrative. Singer restores his comic book fanboy cred after the 2006 mis-step of "Superman Returns". "Days" boasts lots of mutant daring do of course that will dazzle--the performances though give it weight and creditability--making it easy to buy into and accept the fantastic elements. 

 Wolverine ties the original trilogy and “X-Men: First Class” cast together here and Jackman seemed to enjoy carrying a huge chunk of the film. For me though it was the  Magneto and Charles X. Xavier dynamic as their younger selves that really worked for me. Fassy and McAvoy are great together. they each give it all they have--making it believable that they will one day become Stewart McKellen versions of the of the same characters.

The sequence with American Horror Story favorite Evan Peters as the speedy Quicksilver is a standout and just plain fun, His presence allows for some levity in an otherwise pretty heavy film. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays a different incarnation of the super speedy mutant in Joss Whedon's team up sequel "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" out May 1st 2015.

I got a kick out of the fact that Beast is a fan of Star Trek-The Original Series. I also enjoyed seeing Bobby Drake aka Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) get to ice out full tilt again. The film managed to even surprise me with two unexpected cameos. The mutant fest even has time to fix miscues  from Brett Ratner's 2006 sequel "X-Men: The Last Stand".

What a great X-flick--This film is as good as "First Class" and X2--after seeing this pic I am soooo ready for the next chapter in the film series--the recently announced "X-Men: Apocalypse" which will hit theaters on May 27, 2016 opposite Alice in Wonderland 2

George Nolfi Charts Bruce Lee Bio "Birth Of The Dragon"

Variety reports that George Nolfi ("The Adjustment Bureau") is set to call action on the Bruce Lee biopic Birth of the Dragon.

The story charts  the real-life no-rules fight in San Francisco's Triad-controlled Chinatown in 1965 between Lee and China’s most famous kung fu master Wong Jack Man

That event will be used as a starting point for a bigger scale action movie with the pair battling Chinatown gangsters.

"Nixon" and "Ali" scribes Stephen J. Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson wrote the script. The pair will also produce the film with Bill Block, Janice Williams and Michael London.

Production hopes to begin next spring.

Ant Man: McKay's Getting The Job--No He Isn't

AICN says that director Adam McKay ("Anchorman") has reportedly won out over Rawson Marshall Thurber and Ruben Fleischer to replace Edgar Wright at the helm of Marvel's "Ant-Man".

The trio were named as revealed as candidates yesterday, with the offer to McKay reportedly made almost at the same time.

A deal is expected to be inked quickly as Marvel intends to keep its July 17th 2015 release date-- Production will have to begin ASAP.

 "Guardians Of The Galaxy" director James Gunn took himself out of the running for the gig earlier this week.

In the comics, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) is a scientist who invents a substance that allows him to change his size. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) steals the original Ant-Man Pym's equipment and uses it to commit crimes but ultimately becomes a hero.

McKay's working relationship Rudd, on the two "Anchorman" films , reportedly played a significant role in the decision to hire him.

Former "Lost" star Evangeline Lilly is tipped to play the female lead. It is unclear who Lilly would play, however the character would appear in more than just this film. Rumors had Rashida Jones and Bryce Dallas Howard up for the part as well.

Though he lost out on a role to Michael Pena, actor Clifton Collins, Jr. he is still in the film. The "Pacific Rim" and "Star Trek" actor, did a cameo as a vegan police officer in Wright's "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," and has reportedly been cast in a unspecified role. Pena's role is thought to be that of a tough Latino character who has a lot of physical action scenes in the movie. Matt Gerald will play a villain, though it's unclear if it's as 'White Power Dave' which he played in  Marvel's 14-minute short film that appeared on the February 25th Blu-ray release of "Thor: The Dark World" called All Hail the King.

 Watchmen and The Conjuring star Patrick Wilson also stars in the film, but details of that role are unknown. Corey Stoll also stars.

Rudd and Joseph Gordon-Levitt were both considered for the Lang role, but the latter is now doing an adaptation of author Neil Gaiman's  popular comic book series Sandman, with "Man Of Steel" writer David S. Goyer. Rudd is considered a more natural fit by the suits.

Wright and Joe Cornish co-wrote the script

Production is scheduled to take place in Georgia.

UPDATE:  McKay Pulls Out of 'Ant-Man' Director Negotiations--Talks began with McKay in earnest on Friday but the director abruptly decided against taking the job. The decision is said to be his alone.

Tom And Leo Work On "The Revenant" Together?

Tom Hardy is  reported to be in "serious talks" to reunite with his "Inception" co-star Leonardo DiCaprio for director Alejandro González Iñárritu's period revenge thriller "The Revenant" says
Schmoes Know via The Playlist.

Based on author Michael Punke's novel, the story follows a gold-seeking fur trapper who is mauled by a bear. When the two men who are were supposed to take care of him rob him and leave him to die alone, the man wills himself to survive and goes on a 350 mile journey though the wilderness.

Hardy would likely replace Sean Penn who was attached to co-star in the pic a few years ago.

Mark L. Smith penned the adapted script.

Inarritu, Arnon Milchan, James Skotchdopole, Steve Golin, Keith Redmon and David Kanter will produce.

Production is slated to begin in September ahead of a Fall 2015 release.

Ant Man: Trio Of Potential Directors

"Guardians Of The Galaxy" director James Gunn may have taken himself out of the running to replace Edgar Wright after he vacated the job of directing Marvel's "Ant-Man"...worry not, Heat Vision claims to have a short list of replacements being considered to take over.

Their sources say Rawson Marshall Thurber ("Dodgeball," "We're the Millers"), Adam McKay ("Anchorman") and Ruben Fleischer ("Zombieland," "Gangster Squad") are among a group of directors that are meeting with the studio.

It's a rather interesting list since 2 of 3 directors are known mostly for charting comedies.

Thurber reportedly has an edge according to The Wrap which says McKay's work and Fleischer's new baby commitments have pushed them to the back of the line.

Marvel still has every intention of sticking to its proposed July 17th 2015 release date.

"Woman In Gold" Completes Casting As Production Starts

 Max Irons, Antje Traue, Charles Dance, Elizabeth McGovern, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Jonathan Pryce have joined the the cast of the biopic "Woman In Gold" says THR. Deadline adds Katie Holmes to the cast roster.

 The film follows Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), a Jewish World War II survivor who fought the Austrian government to get back several paintings by artist Gustav Klimt that were pilfered from her family during wartime.

Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany will play a young Mirren in flashback sequences. Ryan Reynolds will play the attorney who took his case--at one point The Amazing Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield was lined up to play the role that Ryan now has.

Daniel Brühl.will play Reynolds' adversary.

Simon Curtis is directing from a script written by Alexi Kaye Campbell.

David Thompson and Kris Thykier will produce the film.

Production  started last week.

Flula Borg & More Original Cast Return For "Pitch Perfect 2"

German YouTube sensation Flula Borg has joined the highly anticipated sequel "Pitch Perfect 2" says Deadline.

The film will follow Becca and Fat Amy (Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson) through their senior year of college and graduation.

Borg will play a member of a competing a cappella group.

 Skylar Astin and Ben Platt will reprise their roles of Jesse and Benji in the sequel  The pair played roommates turned a capella singers in the first film and their return was confirmed via Twitter last week. Anna Camp has inked a deal to return as once uppity a capella leader Aubrey Posen. Her return is a bit unexpected since she was a graduating senior in the first film.

Brittany Snow, Elizabeth Banks, Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, Comedian and actor Adam Devine who is set to reprise his role as Bumper Allen, and Kelley Jakle also star. Hailee Steinfeld is one of the few new high-profile additions to the cast as is Katey Sagal who will play the mother of Steinfeld's character.

Banks is directing the sequel using a script by returning writer Kay Cannon.

Paul Brooks and Max Handelman will produce the sequel.

"Pitch Perfect 2" is currently filming in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is scheduled to hit theaters May 15, 2015.

The first Pitch Perfect made $115 million worldwide from a $17 million budget, and was one of the top-performing DVD and VOD titles of 2013.

Jack Huston Travels On "The Longest Ride"

Jack Huston is set to star in the film adaptation of author Nicholas Sparks' latest novel "The Longest Ride" says Deadline.

The tome follows two couples - an elderly man who recounts his younger years with the love of his life, and a love affair between a college senior (Britt Robertson) and a young cowboy (Scott Eastwood) at a bull-riding event. The two couples, who have little in common, find their lives converging.

Huston will play the young Ira in the tale's flashbacks  Oona Chaplin also stars

Craig Bolotin ("Black Rain," "Straight Talk") wrote the adapted screenplay for helmer  George Tillman Jr..

 Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey ("The Twilight Saga") are set to produce the film with Sparks, Theresa Park and Robert Teitel

The adaptation is due to hit theaters on April 3, 2015.

Rudd, Others, Join "Sausage Party"

Paul Rudd, Danny McBride and Anders Holm have joined the voice cast of the R-rated animated comedy "Sausage Party" says  Digital Spy

The film follows a pack of sausages who search for the truth about their existence prior to a July 4th holiday sale.

Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill,Michael Cera and Holm will voice the sausages.

Edward Norton,, Nick Kroll, David Krumholtz and Kristen Wiig will voice characters as well.

Conrad Vernon (Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted) and Greg Tiernan are directing the film from a script by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shafir, based on an original story by pals Rogen, Goldberg and Hill.

Megan Ellison, Rogen, Goldberg and Vernon will produce the film.

The film has also scored a June 3rd 2016 release date.

Taken Spoof "Tooken" Gets Its Cast

Lee Tergesen has joined the cast of the spy comedy spoof "Tooken" says Deadline.

The movie pokes fun of the sub genre, specifically the Liam Neeson film "Taken" and the other films of its kind that have tried to duplicate its success.

Tergesen plays the Neeson-type role as 'Bryan Millers,'

Lauren Stamile  plays his ex-wife and We're The Millers" Laura-Leigh is their daughter Kim. Reno Wilson Joyce Bulifant Sam Upton and Ray Abruzzo also star.

Cameron Van Hoy and John Asher wrote the screenplay, from which Asher will direct.

Kelly Noonan will produce the film.

Rodrigo Santoro Serves Drinks In "Dominion"

Rodrigo Santoro  has joined the cast of the indie biopic drama "Dominion" says Deadline.

The film is based on Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (played by Rhys Ifans) and the last day of his short life spent at the famous White Horse Tavern in New York. Thomas died a few weeks into a US tour of poetry readings. Records suggest that Thomas was not well during the tour, but continued to consume large amounts of alcohol.

Santoro will play the bartender at the White Horse, a pivotal role as a character who continues to communicate with Thomas throughout the film.

John Malkovich Zosia Mamet, Tony Hale Philip Ettinger and Diego Luna also star in the movie.

Steven Bernstein wrote the script from which he will also direct.

Nolan Mcdonald Richard N. Gladstein and Brigitte Huff will produce the film.

Production is due to begin as this item posts.

Brolin, Bernthal Recruited For Villeneuve's "Sicario"

Josh Brolin is set to join Denis Villeneuve's crime thriller "Sicario" says Deadline.

The Taylor Sheridan conceived story revolves around a law enforcement agent (Emily Blunt) who works with a mysterious government operative (Benicio del Toro) and an elite group of fellow agents to track down a drug kingpin.

Brolin plays a CIA guy who runs the task force that recruits Blunt's character from a SWAT squad out of Tucson.

Former "The Walking Dead" co-star Jon Bernthal will play a character named Ted in the film states THR.

Basil Iwanyk, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill and Thad Luckinbill will produce the film

 Production begins this Summer.

"Cliffhanger" Redux On The Way

Plans are moving ahead for a reimagining of the 1993 Renny Harlin-directed action thriller "Cliffhanger" says Deadline.

In the original film Sylvester Stallone played a traumatized mountain climber forced back into an expedition after a failed mid-flight heist leaves three cases of stolen money and a group of crooks (led by John Lithgow) stranded in the Rocky Mountains.

A group of screenwriters pitched their ideas for new take on the premise--with the version by Joe Gazzam ("Shadow Run") winning out. Gazzam will now write the full script.

Neal Moritz and Ori Marmur will produce the updated pic.

Larry Charles Set To Redo "The Man Who Sued God"

Deadline says that Larry Charles will write and potentially direct a "re-imagining" of the 2001 Australian comedy "The Man Who Sued God".

Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, Judy Davis, Wendy Hughes and Emily Browning starred in the original about an ex-lawyer who files a claim against God after his insurance company dismisses the destruction of his boat as an "act of God."

Charles is expected to put his own spin on the original film's premise. The original film also  spawned a Bollywood remake.

A New "Stargate" Film Trilogy Is On The Way

Variety says that plans are underway for the "Stargate" franchise to get a film reboot with the 1994 film's director Roland Emmerich and writer Dean Devlin partnering with MGM and Warner Bros.

The plan is  to kick off a proposed trilogy that explores the film original premise about an ancient artifact in Egypt which turns out to have the ability to create a wormhole between worlds.

Kurt Russell and James Spader starred in the original which went on to gross over $200 million worldwide. Emmerich and Devlin weren't a part of the three small screen incarnations

MGM chairman-CEO Gary Barber said in a statement: "We couldn't be more excited to once again partner with Roland and Dean, the world-class creators of the original 'Stargate,' to bring their reinvigorated vision of this wildly popular property to audiences of multiple generations. 'Stargate' is one of the biggest titles in MGM's vast library, and we look forward to adding this great franchise to our slate."

Will Smith Leaves "Brilliance" In The Dark

Will Smith has dropped out of playing the lead in the film adaptation of author Marcus Sakey's novel "Brilliance" says Variety. The had to dreaded scheduling conflict is the reason given for the exit.

The story takes place in a world where a rare set of people are born with extraordinary abilities and are called “brilliants.” At the center of the story is federal agent Nick Cooper (Smith) with great hunting gifts who is drafted to hunt down a terrorist, another such brilliant who intends to start a civil war.

Noomi Rapace joined the film a couple of weeks ago.

 David Koepp was hired to pen the adapted script. Koepp has penned such successful movie adaptations as Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park and Sam Raimi's first Spider-Man movie among others. Julius Onah ("God Particle") will direct the film.

Joe Roth ("Alice in Wonderland" and Oz The Great and Powerful) and Palak Patel will produce the film.

The plan was to start filming in August, no word if that's still the case.

The book is the first in a planned trilogy meaning there's a potential franchise here.

Waterhouse And Weston Are "Insurgent" Bound

THR has it that Suki Waterhouse and Jonny Weston have joined Insurgent, the sequel to Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate film Divergent.

The action is set in a society divided into five factions that each represent a particular virtue: honesty, selflessness, bravery, peacefulness and intelligence. Once a year, sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. It's then a teenage boy and girl set out to rebel against the system and discover a growing conflict that threatens to unravel this seemingly perfect society.

Shailene Woodley is back playing Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the dystopian ruins of a futuristic Chicago while on the run with Four (Theo James) and hunted by the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite (Kate Winslet).

Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Jai Courtney and Zoe Kravitz are also returning while Octavia Spencer will play Johanna, the leader of the Amity faction.

Waterhouse plays Marlene, a member of the Dauntless faction. Weston's deal is in the final stages thus  his character deets are unknown.

Divergent director Neil Burger (“Limitless”) opted NOT to return to call action on the follow-up--due to the compressed production schedule for the film series. The first has grossed over $252 million worldwide since the movie’s March 21 release.

Robert Schwentke will direct the film that adapts the 2nd novel in author Veronica Roth's young adult novel series using a screenplay by Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman.

Douglas Wick Lucy Fisher and Pouya Shabazian will produce the film.

Todd Lieberman David Hoberman Neil Burger and Barry Waldman are the executive producers

Production has begun in Atlanta The sequel will hit theaters on March 20, 2015.

The last book will be split in 2-- Allegiant: Part 1 and Allegiant: Part 2, are slated for release on March 18, 2016, and March 24, 2017, respectively.

Rhys Ifans Peers "Through the Looking Glass"

The Amazing Spider-Man villain Rhys Ifans has signed on to play the Mad Hatter's dad in Through the Looking Glass the upcoming sequel to Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" says The Wrap.

Ifans is Zanik Hightopp--stepping in for Mark Rylance ("The Other Boleyn Girl," "Anonymous") who had previously been in talks to play.

The film will see the return of Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska as The Mad Hatter and Alice respectively. Helena Bonham Carter is set to return as The Red Queen. It's unknown if other "Alice" actors like Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover and Alan Rickman will return at this point.

Ifans is actually four years younger than Depp in real life, but with both covered in makeup and prosthetics that won't matter.

Sacha Baron Cohen co-stars as a villain named Time.

James Bobin is directing the sequel The first film's scribe Linda Woolverton returned to write the script for the follow-up.

Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd will produce. 

Production aims to begin in June to meet a a May 27th 2016 release.

"The Winter Soldier" Helmers Eyed For "The Gray Man"

Sony Pictures has optioned the film rights to author Mark Greaney's novel "The Gray Man" says  Variety.

The first of a four-part book series, the story follows a CIA operative-turned-assassin looks to evade mysterious forces as he tries to save the lives of the daughters who don't know he exists.

The studio wants "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" helmers Joe Russo and Anthony Russo to write the adapted script and direct. Much like 'Winter Soldier,' the plan is to make a 1970s style espionage thriller but with an otherwise contemporary story.

Joe Roth and Palak Patel will  produce the film which Sony hopes to turn into a potential franchise. The studio has also optioned the three follow-up books.

New Regency Enterprises previously held the movie rights.

Box-Office Preview: Maleficent Casts Wicked Spell On "A Million"

This weekend Angelina Jolie stars in  Disney's highly anticipated fantasy "Maleficent" (reviews). Written by Linda Woolverton the film takes "Sleeping Beauty" and switches the focus to the evil Queen (Jolie) of the story. The story "reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora (Vivienne Jolie-Pitt)" . Elle Fanning plays the older version of the somnolent Princess Aurora.

Seth MacFarlane's "Blazing Saddles"-style western comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West (reviews) rides into town.

It seems as though Bryan Singer's highly praised Mutant-fest "X-Men Days of Future Past" will fall to #2

Pamela McClintock of THR:

Marking the summer's first tentpole for females of all ages, Disney's Maleficent has a strong shot at crossing $60 million in its domestic launch and pushing holdover X-Men: Days of Future Past out of the top perch at the box office. The live-action fairy tale -- a passion project for star Angelina Jolie -- also makes a major push overseas.

Seth MacFarlane also enters the fray with A Million Ways to Die in the West. He both directed and stars in the R-rated Western comedy, which is eyeing a debut in the $25 million range, well behind the $54.4 million launch of MacFarlane's Ted on the same weekend two years ago (Ted went on to become the top-grossing original R-rated comedy of all time, earning $549.4 million globally) or the $49 million opening of fellow Universal comedy Neighbors three weeks ago.

Million Ways to Die is expected to come in No. 3 after Maleficent and Fox's Days of Future Past, which is expected to earn $38 million to $40 million in its second outing after opening to a dazzling $110.7 million over Memorial Day weekend.

Both Maleficent and Million Ways to Die have received decidedly mixed reviews (Maleficent is faring better).

Box-office observers believe Maleficent -- featuring Jolie as the infamous sorceress from Sleeping Beauty -- will benefit greatly from targeting girls and moms, as well as families, considering the glut of male-skewing tentpoles in the marketplace (Days of Future Past, Godzilla and The Amazing Spider-Man 2). Elle Fanning plays Princess Aurora in the 3D movie, which comes on the heels of Disney's femme-fueled global Frozen and marks Jolie's first appearance in theaters in four years.

Still, Maleficent won't match the $116 million debut of Alice in Wonderland in March 2010 or the $79.1 million opening of Oz the Great and Powerful in March 2013. Those two Disney movies, along with Maleficent, were produced by veteran Hollywood player Joe Roth.

Overseas, Maleficent opens in every major territory this weekend save for China and Japan. All told, it will be playing in 75 percent of the foreign marketplace.

Maleficent is not a cheap proposition, having cost $175 million to produce after reshoots (there was reportedly tension between Jolie and first-time feature director Robert Stromberg).

Another big-budget tentpole, Tom Cruise's Edge of Tomorrow, likewise begins rolling out overseas this weekend a week ahead of its June 6 domestic launch.

Million Ways to Die cost only $40 million, far less than Maleficent. Universal and Media Rights Capital reteamed to make the movie, which marks MacFarlane's first turn in a leading role. The anachronistic Western also stars Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman and Neil Patrick Harris.

Even though MacFarlane boasts an enthusiastic, heavily male fanbase, Westerns are an inherently tough sell. Universal points out that an opening north of $20 million would be a victory, considering the film's budget. Overseas, the R-rated comedy debuts day-and-date in 22 foreign territories.

Elle Fanning's sister, Dakota Fanning, has her own film opening this weekend, Kelly Reichardt's indie drama Night Moves. The film, debuting in New York and Los Angeles, co-stars Jesse Eisenberg and Peter Sarsgaard.

James McAvoy's Scottish crime dramedy Filth also opens at the specialty box office.

Jessica Chaffin Caught For "Spy" Gig

"New Girl" gal Jessica Chaffin has joined Paul Feig's new action comedy "Spy" (formerly known as "Susan Cooper") says THR.

Feig and his "Bridesmaids" and "The Heat" star Melissa McCarthy are re-teaming for a third time with this film in which McCarthy stars as an unlikely secret agent who heads into the field to find whoever is responsible for the death of her lover and colleague (Jude Law).

Jason Statham, Rose Byrne Bobby Cannavale Nia Long Morena Baccarin ("Homeland," "Firefly") and Miranda Hart also star.  Rapper/actor 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) will be playing himself in the film. British actor/comedian Peter Serafinowicz, Bollywood regular Nargis Fakhri, Swedish comedian Bjorn Gustafsson and Ukrainian drag queen pop star Verka Serduchka will also appear. Allison Janney will play top CIA agent Elaine Crocker for the film.

Feig, Jesse Henderson Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping will produce the film.

Production is currently underway.

The film is targeting a Memorial Day 2015 release.

Chaffin Feig and McCarthy worked on The Heat together.

Will Yun Lee Feels The Earth Move In "San Andreas"

Will Yun Lee has joined New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures' disaster film, San Andreas.says Deadline.

Dwayne Johnson plays a helicopter pilot who journeys across the state of California to try and rescue his estranged daughter ("True Detective" star Alexandra Daddario), after an enormous earthquake hits.

Carla Gugino is set to play Johnson’s ex-wife. She and Johnson teamed up on screen for the updated Race To Witch Mountain. The Good Wife co-star Archie Panjabi will play Serena, a reporter doing an investigation on the disaster. Ioan Gruffudd will play Daniel Reddick, a wealthy real estate developer who is engaged to Gugino.

Lee will play Dr. Kim Chung, the co-director of the Cal-Tech Seismology Lab in the film.

Former Teen Wolf series turned Arrow co-star Colton Haynes Hugo Johnstone-Burt ("Home and Away") and Art Parkinson ("Game of Thrones") have joined the cast.

“The Conjuring” scribes Carey Hayes and Chad Hayes wrote the most recent script draft from which Brad Peyton has been pegged to direct.  Former "Lost" co-showrunner Carlton Cuse, Andre Fabrizio, Jeremy Passmore and Allan Loeb penned previous script drafts

Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson are producing the film.

Production on the project is slated to take place in Brisbane, Australia and in both Los Angeles and San Francisco starting in June.

First Photos: Terminator 5

The first set photos from the sequel reboot Terminator 5 aka Terminator: Genesis are here courtesy of The Daily Mail.

The new shots show some action from the New Orleans set on Wednesday.

In the scene Sarah and Kyle are dressed in what appear to be hospital scrubs holding John at gunpoint. The T-800 Terminator stands behind them in khaki

Photos: Copyright 2014 AKM Images / GSI Media

Jai Courtney has won the role of Kyle Reese. The Good Day to Die Hard star beat out Boyd Holbrook his nearest competitor who is to have tested twice--while Sam Reid, Wilson Bethel, and newcomer, Thomas Cocquerel were also contenders for the role of Reese. All 5 actors tested for the role last month. Seemingly, both Nicholas Hoult and Garrett Hedlund were studio favorites but have declined to enter negotiations for the role.

The film will apparently "end the story of Skynet's battle with the resistance".

Australian actor Jason Clarke ("Zero Dark Thirty," "White House Down") is set to play the role of John Connor in the upcoming reboot. Hedlund Tom Hardy and ironically Holbrook ("The Host") were said to be up for John as well. Emilia Clarke is set to play a young Sarah Connor in the film. She beat out Brie Larson for the role. Former "Spider-Man" scene stealer J.K. Simmons will play a weary and alcoholic detective who has followed a bizarre case involving Sarah Connor and robots for more than three decades starting in 1984 and the events depicted in The Terminator. Dayo Okeniyi (The Hunger Games) has signed on to play the part of  Danny Dyson--the son of Miles Dyson, played by Joe Morton in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" who designed the neural-net processor that would lead to the creation of Skynet.

The final major piece of casting--Former Doctor Who star Matt Smith's role is said to have a strong connection to John Connor, and will grow in the second and third films.

Arnold Schwarzenegger will return while cohorts Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn have been rumored to be involved as well.

 Byung-hun Lee, Michael Gladis and Sandrine Holt co-star. Lee's role, "promises to be a doozy." Bodybuilder and actor Aaron V. Williamson has reportedly signed on to play a younger T-800 

Meanwhile, Drew McWeeney at Hitfix discusses the time travel component of the new film and revealed that this new Terminator overlaps with events in the original 1984 classic ala "Back to the Future". In one scene we see Arnie's older "Terminator" walking into one of the iconic early scenes from the first film after his younger counterpart has left.

No other story details have been offered but we do know that the new pic is the chapter of a stand alone trilogy. Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier wrote the script from which "Thor: The Dark World" director Alan Taylor  is all but set to call action. Clarke has experience working with Taylor on the cable drama "Game of Thrones". She also has a six degrees connection to the franchise: Clarke's Thrones co-star Lena Headey played Sarah Connor in the TV series "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles".

David Ellison's going to produce the film

Production takes place in New Orleans to meet a July 1st 2015 release.

Sin City 2: Dame Poster Too Hot For MPAA

The Weinstein Company released a new character poster highlighting the comic book sequel "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" featuring 'Dame'-actress Eva Green

Page Six dropped the poster first It has been disapproved by the MPAA for nudity, specifically the "curve of under breast and dark nipple/areola circle visible through sheer gown."

All I see is shadow--no dark circle...The studio did confirm to Deadline that the poster was being reworked prior to the film’s debut.

The characters of Nancy Callahan (Jessica Alba), Hartigan (Bruce Willis) and Marv (Mickey Rourke) will indeed return, Nancy's mini-story will act as a bridge for both the other stories in this film as well as those in the first film-Rosario Dawson is back as well. The stories told in the sequel take place before and after the events in the first film.

Jaime King, who played Goldie and Wendy in Sin City, is officially set to reprise her role as Wendy. She will be joined by Jamie Chung, who will be taking over the role of deadly little Miho, previously played by Devon Aoki. Eva Green has been cast in the role of Ava Lord. Stacy Keach ("Prison Break," "The Bourne Legacy") has signed to play mob boss Wallenquist, described by Miller as "the one man who can't be redeemed in Sin City. He is pure evil."

Clive Owen was expected to come back. However, since his character undergoes a radical face change, Josh Brolin is playing Dwight Dennis Haysbert will play Manute in the film The role was previously played by Michael Clarke Duncan, who unfortunately passed away. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is poised to play a smooth talking gambler named Johnny, a role which was originally offered to Johnny Depp. Christopher Meloni plays a brutish cop. Julia Garner (Martha Marcy May Marlene) will play a young stripper opposite JGL's Johnny. Ray Liotta, Juno Temple and Jeremy Piven also star.

Robert Rodriguez is co-directing the film with Frank Miller using their adapted screenplay written with William Monahan.

The film will open on August 22nd 2014.

Ant Man: James Gunn Will NOT Direct The Film

The first rumored replacement for Edgar Wright who vacated the job of directing Marvel's "Ant-Man" is not a surprise.

Officially Marvel still has every intention of sticking to its proposed July 17th 2015 release date for the film. Unofficially though details about Wright's sudden and unexpected departure from the project have emerged via THR and the chances of a delay might be inevitable.

ComicBookMovie reported that the studio is in a panic to find a quick replacement - hoping that "Guardians Of The Galaxy" director James Gunn will step in and take on the gig once he finishes his promotional commitments for the Aug 1st release.

Gunn has proven that he can both stay in line with the studio's vision, but also be unique enough to handle potentially out there and slightly comedic material. Gunn is also already familiar with the project and could transition to it very quickly.

A few hours later the site pulled down the report...

 Gunn has since effectively tweeted a denial with this:

Waking up to a bee swarm of complete bullshit rumors on all sides. Happy Thursday!
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 29, 2014

Batman v Superman-DOJ: A Modified Suit For Supes?

Comic Book Movie has posted a pic of what might be a mold of that new suit that the Man of Steel wears in Zack Snyder's upcoming Superman/Batman team-up officially called "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice".

You will notice that the Kryptonian armor boasts quite a different texture from the suit seen in the first film.

DOJ will see the return of Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck will play Bruce Wayne/Batman amid lots of fallout--while Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane are set to reprise their roles as Lois Lane, Perry White and Martha Kent. "Fast Five" star Gal Gadot's playing Wonder Woman.

How big Gadot's role as WW is, is unknown at this point. Godot beat out Olga Kurylenko and Elodie Yung for the role. Thor: The Dark World" actress is Jaimie Alexander was also linked.

Some time ago there was noise that the production was seeking is a love interest for the Dark Knight in the film. The Type? A woman in their late 20s of any ethnicity.  Adding that she be tall and "possess physicality".

The notice DID NOT give a name for the character, which led to speculation that it was anyone from Vicki Vale to Wonder Woman. A leaked casting call had fanboys thinking that the Amazon warrior was in the pic.

A love interest for Bats suggests that he will have a larger part in the film than expected.

 Ray Fisher is playing the role of Cyborg in the film. Jeremy Irons has been cast as Wayne's butler Alfred Pennyworth. Jesse Eisenberg is playing Lex Luthor

There were reports that suggested that the chatter about former "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston was playing Lex in the upcoming movie were true were denied by the actor. In fact he and fellow early frontrunner Mark Strong were never offered the role. Tom Hanks was internally discussed but an offer was never made.

Instead, they stuck with a next generation' mandate. We were told that Joaquin Phoenix came up as a contender for Lex. The trade says that he passed.

Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey and Tao Okamoto ("The Wolverine") have joined the cast. Specifics about their new characters are being kept under wraps. Australian actor Mulvey ("Zero Dark Thirty) has  been rumored for the role of an (unnamed) villain in the film for quite some time now....

More rumors ran recently that Girls co-star Adam Driver was the frontrunner to play the character of Dick Grayson, the post-Robin Nightwing incarnation in the film. The original story mentioned that two other actors are in the mix for the role. Less than 24 hours later "Gossip Girl" and "Easy A" star Penn Badgley and "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" and "We Need To Talk About Kevin" star Ezra Miller were said to be in mix for the part. Driver denied any such talk...With good reason since he was really up for Lex. He turned it down due to scheduling conflicts. Denzel Washington was also among a list potentials for Lex generated by Thinkmcflythink as were Idris Elba and Colin Salmon.

Speculation is that Jason Momoa is up for the bad guy--say perhaps Doomsday or Metallo. Or another notion is that he might play alien hero Martian Manhunter who also happens to like Oreo Cookies. The imposing actor denies that he's up for a role

Singer Justin Bieber uploaded a photo on his Instagram account showing him holding up what appeared to be a personalized script for the film with the hashtag "#Robin" but it turned out to be a prop for a Funny or Die skit.

The speedster The Flash is said to be in the script.

Meantime: The star of The CW's popular Arrow TV series Stephen Amell posted a "Justice League" comic image on his official Facebook page.  We already know that Flash (Grant Gustin) showed up there for a few eps before getting his own show in Fall 2014 Could more of DC Entertainment's "Justice League" be coming to "Arrow"? For now the DC Cinematic Universe will NOT co-exist with the TV heroics...There are rumors about where the films might go as well as the  TV side of things...

"Man Of Steel" writer David S. Goyer was back on the keyboard but now--THR reports that  Chris Terrio, who won an Oscar for writing Affleck's “Argo,” has been hired to write the latest draft of the MOS 2 script. 

Goyer is in the midst of developing several projects including an adaptation of author Neil Gaiman's  popular comic book series Sandman, which he’ll produce with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven return to executive produce the multi-hero film.

Sources say the new movie is going for the tone of the relationship and fight seen in Frank Miller’s 1980s ground-breaking mini-series The Dark Knight Returns.

The release has been delayed a full 10 months for a number of reasons. As a result, the original release date of July 17th 2015 is no longer doable. Now, the studio is targeting a May 6th 2016 release. They quickly inserted the fantasy Pan into that original slot. MOS 2 will go head to head with "Captain America 3"--or not...

Production is officially underway on the film.

Once DOJ is completed  Snyder will helm the long planned Justice League movie.