Live-Action X-Men TV Series Apparently On The Way From Fox

Howdy people of the internet, time for some unexpected TV news that dropped yesterday relating to the Marvel Comics property, X-Men. The following information comes from superherohype:

Back in October, a rumor popped up that FOX was looking to bring the X-Men to television in some form, and now TV Insider brings word that the network is in fact working to bring them to the small screen, pending the approval of Marvel Entertainment.

“It’s in negotiations,” Fox entertainment chairmen Gary Newman said. “We’re cautiously optimistic, we had a good meeting with them. That will not be on a fast track creatively. This is just the deal, now we have to find the creative.”

Newman went on to reveal he didn’t think the series would be ready to air before the 2016-2017 TV season.

The Hollywood Reporter adds that the network is in preliminary conversations with “24” producers Evan Katz and Manny Coto to develop the live-action series. Screenwriters Patrick McKay and JD Payne will pen the pilot episode with Katz and Coto set to serve as showrunners.

When I read this online yesterday I was like, “Is this real? No way!” But then I checked on 2 other websites and it seemed to be confirming the story. The main thing that this new makes me wonder is how does this relate to the X-Men film universe? Is this going to be a spin-off/side story to the X-Men film universe or will it be a completely separate and fresh entity of its own? Because if it is the latter then that would be frigging cool and would open the door for so many possibilities. One also has to wonder who or what will be the focus of this show, will it be the core X-Men team? Maybe X-Force or Alpha Flight? Who knows? Right now everything is speculation, but I’m just curious to know how this will be tackled. A few years ago if you had asked me whether I would have wanted to see a live-action X-Men TV show I would have said no in disgust and called it a day. However, considering the production value of a lot of TV shows these days and the popularity and quality of shows like Arrow, The Flash, Gotham, Constantine and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., I could see X-Men joining the world of television because their source material is so rich that they could tell more stories over a longer period of time on the small screen. If this show were to be a clean reboot of the series maybe us fans would finally get to see a more accurate depiction of some the characters and stories from the comics and maybe introduce things that have yet to come to pass in the film series.

Well that’s my two cents on the matter, how about you? Are you interested in an X-Men TV series and if so what would you like to see in there? Please be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below! 😀

 

Gambit Gets 2016 Release Date; Assassin’s Creed And The Fantastic Four 2 Set

Good day to you ladies and gents, time for some film news and today I’m going to talk about the big news that came from 20th Century Fox yesterday in relation to their upcoming films. The following information comes from ComicBookMovie:

What a way to start the New Year, eh? Channing Tatum has already been confirmed as playing Gambit in his own solo movie (and presumably X-Men: Apocalypse as well), but we now know that the movie will reach us on October 7th, 2016. Robocop scribe Josh Zetumer is penning the screenplay based on a treatement written by legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont, the man who created the character alongside Jim Lee in 1990. The Fantastic Four 2 – it’s happening whether you like it or not – will now reach us a little earlier on June 2nd, 2017, with the currently untitled Dawn of the Planet of the Apes sequel taking its original July 14th, 2017 slot. Finally, Assassin’s Creed has FINALLY been given another release date as it has been confirmed as hitting on December 21st, 2016.

Alrighty then so we finally have some dates for some of these upcoming Fox films. Let’s start with Gambit, this film will be coming out a good few months after X-Men: Apocalypse, I’m okay with that. While a lot of people aren’t too keen on Channing Tatum‘s involvement in this film, I like him as an actor and I believe he’ll do a decent job, obviously we still don’t know what the story is, how it will fit into the current X-Men timeline or what Tatum will look like, but hey at least the film’s being made right? Next up is The Fantastic Four 2, so Fox must have confidence in this first film if they’ve set a date for the sequel in 2017. I want to be hyped for this current Fantastic Four reboot, but I can’t because I have yet to see anything from the film, so yeah, that’s that. Next is Planet of the Apes 3, I’m super pissed off that it’s been pushed back another year. The 3 years that we had to wait for Dawn was hard enough, and to do that again really does hurt me, I guess a film like that does need time to be crafted but a 3-year gap does suck compared to a 2-year wait. And finally there’s Assassin’s Creed, this film has been talked about and been in pre-production for ages, but it finally has a release date for December 2016. I’m glad the film finally has a date and hopefully we’ll hear more about the film in terms of story and characters over the course of the year.

So what do you think of these release dates? Please leave comments below. 😀

 

Deadpool Set to Begin Production in March & Ryan Reynolds Returns

Howdy ladies and gents, time for more film news coming from the world of comic book films and today I’ll be talking about a new piece of news relating to the upcoming Deadpool film. The following news comes from superherohype:

As if there was any doubt, Deadline reports that Ryan Reynolds is closing a deal to return as the Merc with the Mouth in 20th Century Fox’s upcoming Deadpool feature film. The outlet also reports that a March start date is being planned for the production. Reynolds took to Twitter this afternoon to tease his return which you can read below.

Though Reynolds previously appeared as the character in 2009′s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, given how that film was received (and the ending to this year’s X-Men: Days of Future Past), it’s possible that film will not be acknowledged at all in the 2016 release.

Tim Miller is set to helm the film from a script by Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Deadpool is currently set for a release on February 12, 2016.

So Deadpool is actually going into production in just over three months? Kick ass. I am so happy about this. Ever since 2009, talk of a solo Deadpool film has been floating around for ages, from reports that turned into rumours that then turned into legend, it seemed like this film would never get done. But finally, in 2014, miracles happened and prayers got answered, this film is happening and now we have the confirmation that Ryan Reynolds is going to be the merc with the mouth (the proper one). Really, it is the attachment of Reynolds that sells me on this film, while I know he’s not the only person who could have played this role, at the same time he’s been so passionate about this character for years and been hoping to do him justice if given another chance and now he’s finally been given that opportunity. Now I just want to know if this film will be PG-13 or R (12A or 15 for us UK people) and whether it will have any connectivity to the current X-Men timeline or if it will be a singular adventure.

Anyways what do you think of this news? Please be sure to comment below and let me know. 😀

 

Official Synopsis for The Fantastic Four Reboot Released

Good day to you ladies and gents, time for some film news and today I’m going to talk about something of some degree of interest; the upcoming Fantastic Four film. For the longest time this film has been shrouded in secrecy with only tidbits of information released that either didn’t tell us anything or gave just vague details of what to expect. Besides the big shocking news about the casting, there has been NOTHING released about this film that has been newsworthy in my opinion. But now we have a synopsis as you will see from the following information that comes from superherohype:

Things have been very quiet on the front of 20th Century Fox’s reboot of The Fantastic Four with nary a trailer, poster, or even official image to speak of, but now an official synopsis of the upcoming film has been released and reads as follows:

“The Fantastic Four,” a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Kate Mara and Miles Teller will play the titular team in the upcoming film. Toby Kebbell will also appear as Dr. Doom along with Reg E. Cathey as Dr. Franklin Storm and Tim Blake Nelson as Harvey Elder, aka The Mole Man. Directed by Josh Trank, The Fantastic Four is set for release on August 7, 2015.

So that’s the story details for this film so far, my thoughts? I’m kind of indifferent to it. On the one hand I’m annoyed that it isn’t the classic space origin story, sure with films like Gravity and Interstellar, it might seem a bit repetitive, but I think it could have been effective if handled properly. On the other hand the concept of alternative universe doesn’t sound that bad and thinking about it, the filmmakers could have come up with something a lot worse than that. Plus alternate universe can be pretty cool when done right, just look at Fringe. 🙂 This synopsis also highlights the fact that the characters are not only young, but also that the main team once had a connection with the enemy, so one can assume that the relationship between Doctor Doom and the FF will extend beyond just the friendship/rivalry Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom, oh scratch that, I meant to say Victor Domashev (such a crappy and unnecessary name change). This small plot summary doesn’t sound too engaging, that being said, I’ll still be watching the development of this film from afar to see how things turn out before the film’s release next year.

So what do you think of this synopsis for the new Fantastic Four film? Are you down with it or does it fill you with a sense of dread? Please comment below and let me know. Laters! 😀

 

The Fantastic Four Gets Delayed & Assassin’s Creed Film Now In Limbo

Howdy once, again people, I return to this blog to update you all on some comic book film news and this one is both disappointing and funny at the same time. The following information comes from ComicBookMovie:

It’s not a major delay, but the wait for Josh Trank’s The Fantastic Four has now got a little longer as Fox have shifted its release date from June 19th, 2015 to August 7th, 2015. The reason for the change isn’t quite clear, though as filming has already come to an end, it’s likely more of a strategic choice than for reshoots or post-production issues. A six week delay is a shame, but nowhere near as disappointing as the fact that Assassin’s Creed is now undated. Michael Fassbender is attached to star in the ambitious project which will bring the popular video game series to the big screen. Ubisoft are also hoping to turn Splinter Cell into a movie starring Tom Hardy, and while that all seems fine (it’s at a different studio anyway), this isn’t particularly good news for Assassin’s Creed.

So after the great news about Deadpool, this happens. Wow, seems like 20th Century Fox really have problems going on right now. Firstly, let’s talk about Fantastic Four, bloody hell, that the film just isn’t in the best state. With a young cast not many people are keen on and a severe lack of information and visual material for the film, this delay in the film doesn’t make the production of this film any better. For me, I want to see this film prove me wrong, but there hasn’t been anything released about this film that I’ve been excited about. I love how most fans on the internet are actually happy about this news because it pushes the film further away from being released. As for Assassin’s Creed, that is bad times. While I’ve never been super stoked on the idea of a AC film, I have been interested in seeing how it would turn out with Michael Fassbender’s involved. When a film is in limbo that is never a good sign and since there is no sign of a replacement date, that puts this film in an awkward place. Will it get a replacement date or will it go into development hell or will it get cancelled altogether? I know those are some extreme options, but they have been known to happen before.

In conclusion, this news isn’t good for either film, however, I can’t help but chuckle a little bit at the FF’s situation, that film is not having a good time and I don’t think anyone cares. So what do you think about this news? Be sure to comment below.

 

The Deadpool Movie is Really Happening, Set For a 2016 Release

Good day to you ladies and gents, time for some film news relating to superheroes and this is a very important news story for me. For the longest time most comic book fans have been waiting for a live-action version of Deadpool from 20th Century Fox to be made, however it has been in limbo for years. But now it seems like that is about to change… The following information comes from IGN:

The merc with a mouth finally has a date with the big screen.

20th Century Fox officially announced a February 12, 2016 release date for the long-awaited Deadpool movie. Yes, Deadpool is a Valentine’s Day weekend release!

Deadpool’s competition on that release date includes the genre epic Gods of Egypt, the animated Pets, and the romantic comedy How to be Single.

Ryan Reynolds, a fan of the character who played Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and has been attached to star in the solo film/reboot, was recently asked about the leaked test footage of him in the Deadpool costume. “The movie has been in a state of limbo for a while. There was such an overpowering reaction to the footage, you sort of feel like, ‘Oh, so we weren’t crazy for our reasons for loving this character, for loving this role.’ It’s interesting to see the power of the Internet. It’s awe-inspiring, actually,” Reynolds said to the Niagara Falls Review. “And it’s neat that Twitter and Facebook and Instagram can move mountains when used in the right way.”

Tim Miller will direct Deadpool, and The Hollywood Reporter says that, while no deal is in place for Reynolds to star, “Bets are that he will.”

When saw this on the internet, I just had to check out another site to confirm that it wasn’t some kind of joke, but it is true and I am a happy man. I mean there’s been talk of a Deadpool film for AGES, since 2009, but no one at 20th Century Fox seemed like they were totally committed to the idea of creating a film about the crazy Marvel character without first sorting out the age rating, Ryan Reynolds’ involvement and where it would fit in the X-Men timeline, if at all. Needless to say more X-Men films got made and Deadpool drifted away into nothingness. That is until now. We have a release date and while they can always change, this if the first time this film has had anything solid and official happen for it, and I’m totally cool with that. The only question now is, what will be the rating? Are the filmmakers going to commit to a full-on 15/18 (R) rating, giving us Deadpool as the comics intended or are they going to dilute him and give us a 12A (PG-13) rating? While you can get away with a lot with a 12A rating these days, I feel like it would be difficult to give fans the best version of the hardcore character at a nerfed level, but hey it is still early days, we’ll have to wait and see at this point.

 

Fox Dates The Fantastic Four 2, a Wolverine Sequel and a Mystery Marvel Project!

Good day to you ladies and gents, time to talk a bit of film news and today it relates to 20th Century Fox’s plans for their future Marvel film projects. The following info comes from superherohype:

“20th Century Fox is doing some serious forward-thinking as far as their portion of the Marvel Universe is concerned. The studio has just announced that James Mangold’s sequel to The Wolverine will hit on March 3, 2017 with The Fantastic Four 2 coming to theaters on July 14, 2017. They’ve also set a just-announced mystery Marvel project for July 18, 2018.

All of these dates are newly claimed territory on the release schedule and will follow the studio’s X-Men: Days of Future Past this May 23rd, X-Men: Apocalypse on May 27, 2016 (both directed by Bryan Singer) and Josh Trank’s The Fantastic Four on June 19, 2015.

There’s no word yet on what the mystery Marvel film might be, but the studio is also believed to be developing an X-Force film with Jeff Wadlow directing.”

Okay, wasn’t not expecting any of this and to be honest I am not too sure I am all that interested. Okay so let’s look at the information that’s on display here.

The Fantastic Four 2

Firstly we’re hearing that Fox is already thinking about making a second Fantastic Four film and while it is not unheard of for studios to plan ahead with sequels, in the case of the current Fantastic Four I have to say slow the hell down. You haven’t even made the first film yet. I would understand if this film was almost completed or had gotten good reviews from early screenings or Fox had a strong track record with the franchise beforehand. But in this case the new Fantastic Four hasn’t even begun production, we still don’t know what the story is, we have no visual material to work with (concept art, posters, production stills) and the cast of the main team have only been announced recently. I think Fox are really rushing things and should just focus on making the first film a success because they have an uphill battle ahead of them with all the fans criticising them left, right and center.

The Wolverine Sequel

As for the Wolverine sequel, while I am interested, I am also concerned. There a million things you could do with the character but it would have to be one hell of a story that feels relevant and one that justifies him to be in his own solo film again. The Wolverine was good, not perfect but WAY better than Origins from 2009 and I really liked it, but some people still weren’t so keen on it and they’re the one’ Fox needs to convince. And then of course there’s the speculation as to whether Hugh Jackman will still be in this one or whether we’ll get a new actor in that department. I hate this level of uncertainty! 😦

The Mystery Marvel Film

As for this unannounced project, that has me a bit hesitant. I mean besides the talk of X-Force or the long-rumoured, on and off again Deadpool film, what else could it be? I mean I don’t think Fox has access to any other franchises besides those. I assume it’ll be X-Force, but the crazy side of me would hope that it would be Deadpool because we really need this film to happen!

 

Apparently The Cast For The Fantastic Four Have Been Confirmed!

Howdy ladies and gents, time for an important news update in the world of comic book films. For the longest time now I and a number of fans have been worried about the upcoming Fantastic Four film set to come out in 2015. At first it was great when Josh Trank was signed on to direct, been the casting rumours started, the internet set ablaze with controversy spreading left right and center and with the recent story synopsis rumours floating around, that hasn’t done anything to dampen the fire.

Now according to some sources 20th Century Fox have confirmed the cast for the film and the end result has confirmed our worst nightmares.

The following news story comes from the ever-reliable superherohype:

(Photo Credit: FayesVision / WENN.com)

“Twentieth Century Fox has cast Marvel’s First Family! Jamie Bell, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Miles Teller are Josh Trank’s The Fantastic Four. TheWrap broke the news, confirming months of rumors surrounding the involvement of Jordan, Mara and Teller and were the first to name Jamie Bell as the studio’s choice for Ben Grimm, aka The Thing. Bell seems to be the only one without an official offer on the table, but it is very much expected that he will be confirmed by the studio shortly.

Teller will play Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Mara will be Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman), Jordan is set to play Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) and Bell (likely through motion-capture) would be Ben Grimm (The Thing). Previous reports have suggested that Trank’s iteration of the story also involves Dr. Victor Von Doom, so expect more casting on The Fantastic Four very soon.

Filming on The Fantastic Four is expected to begin in Baton Rouge this March. Josh Trank will direct the big screen adaptation, which is currently set for release on June 19, 2015​.”

Jesus Christ. Where to begin. You know how you have that sneaking suspicion in your mind that you about bad things before they happen, well that was my feeling about the casting for this film. I woke up this morning to see this official news story and to be honest I kind of flipped out. It seems like the casting for comic book films is getting more and more bizarre in the last 3 years. I think film studios are actually doing this on purpose to get a rise out of the fans. I mean look at Warner Bros. and their casting on Man of Steel 2, first the internet blew up about Ben Affleck, then Gal Gadot and just recently Jesse Eisenberg. Now 20th Century Fox are playing the same game and to be honest if they wanted to get attention, they bloody well accomplished that job.

Okay let’s talk about this casting a little bit. In a way I had a feeling that some of these people would be cast, mainly Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller. From all the casting rumours surrounding them I could only assume that they’d been chosen already. Jordan has been talked about for this role for around a year and since no one else was in the running I feared the worst and now it has come true. Now I love Jordan as an actor, he’s great, but him as the Johnny Storm is just so random. Miles Teller, I never seen any of his work as far as I know and he doesn’t really have the look of a Reed Richards. And Jamie Bell, another good another good actor, but not sure if he fits the profile for Ben Grimm. The only person I’m down with is Kate Mara, she seems like a capable actress to take on Sue Storm.

The main reason why this bugs me so much is because of the radical changes going on. Why do the FF team seem so young? Why did have to change the race of one of the main characters? What is the thought process behind these kinds of decisions?

Now I am all for change in the world of comic book film adaptations, it has been happening a lot in the last 6 years, but for me there has to be a reason why these changes are being made and I don’t see it. Are the public that bored with seeing average-aged actors portraying comic book characters? Is Johnny Storm that dull of a character that we have to change his race to make him relevant? Or is someone gonna give me the argument that “Oh we live in 2014, times are different let’s embrace change.” To that I say bullshit. If something wasn’t broken to begin with why change it up now? It baffles me to no end.

I hate to rant so heavily because I’m not a massive comic book purist, that being said there is a magic and sense of wonder to seeing great adaptations of your favourite childhood characters getting their own live-action film and if that adaptation blows, it hurts. I don’t want this film to suck, I actually want an amazing film, but this casting has really bothered me. This film is gonna have to do something incredible to win me over and if it does succeed I will gladly take back anything I said about it. RoboCop proved me wrong, the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is shifting my opinion too, so there may be hope. But as of right now I’m not down for this.

Now I open the floor to you, what do you think of this news? Are you down with the casting or are you disappointed. Also do you agree with my opinion or do you think I’m dead wrong, comment below yo.