Roberto Orci in talks to direct Star Trek 3

After J.J. Abrams took his leave from Star Trek and moved over to Star Wars, there has been a lot of curiosity regarding who would take over directing for the third installment of Star Trek. It was previously rumored that Joe Cornish would direct, but he backed out because he didn't want to step into a franchise that was already well developed. It now seems that writer Roberto Orci will take over.

Orci has already written the screenplays for and produced Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness so he is no stranger to this franchise. If the negotiations are completed, the third Star Trek will serve as Orci's directorial debut. His inexperience isn't much to worry about as he has been part of several big budget and high anticipation films such as Transformers, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Ender's Game, and Cowboys & Aliens.
However, Orci's intentions could cause issues. He is pretty notorious for catering his scripts and screenplays to meet studio blockbuster expectations. We can all agree what disasters Transformers, Cowboys & Aliens, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 were. His scripts are meant to appeal to just about everyone so they often come across as widespread and with little substance. Yes, Orci wrote the first two Star Trek films but he also had J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof to even the balance and direct the script where they wanted it to go.

This comes after Orci ended his longstanding partnership with Alex Kurtzman so they could both explore directorial options. Orci is now partnered with JD Payne and Patrick McKay who are currently writing Star Trek 3 with him and Kurtzman is attached to direct Sony's Spider-Man spinoff, Venom.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Trailer

We finally have a full trailer for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and it looks pretty damn good.

Leigh Whannell to direct Insidious: Chapter 3

After director James Wan decided to step away from the horror genre, Focus Features has settled on another director for the third installment of Insidious. They have decided to give Wan's longtime screenwriting and producing partner, Leigh Whannell. This will be his directorial debut.

Whannell is already writing the third installment and has written and acted in the previous two Insidious films as well. Whannell has pretty much been paired with Wan since the two hit the horror scene with Saw back in 2004. This will be a rare occasion where we see Whannell without Wan present.

Production is set to begin on Insidious: Chapter 3 this July with a projected release date of April 3, 2015.

Rebel Wilson to star in Private Benjamin remake

Private Benjamin was released in 1980 and apparently isn't untouchable as New Line is pushing forward a remake. Attached to lead the film will be comedic actress Rebel Wilson.

New Line is currently seeking out a director, but Wilson will play the title role originally played by Goldie Hawn. In the original, she joined the Army after her husband dies on their wedding night. In this new version, Wilson will apparently be playing a redneck who enlists in the Marines to get out of a sticky situation. There is no word on who else might star in this remake.

You might recognize Wilson as Kristen Wiig's clueless, British roommate in Bridesmaids and as Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect. She also stars in an ABC sitcom titled Super Fun Night.

Lionsgate developing a new Power Rangers movie

Any child of the 90's has to be somewhat curious about this. Word has it that Lionsgate and Saban are in the process of developing a new, live-action Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie.
There have already been three Power Rangers movies, with the last being in 1997, but Saban is moving forward with a new live-action version and has teamed with Lionsgate. The pairing resulted in Lionsgate's success in creating franchises like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Saw, and Twilight. Granted Twilight was Summit Entertainment prior to Lionsgate acquiring the rights, but who really cares. Lionsgate has previously stated their intent to continue branding popular franchises for global property and appeal, so this isn't really that much of a surprise. In addition to the movies and the show there have been tons of toys, Halloween costumes, apparel, comics, and much more. Needless to say the Power Rangers is a very lucrative and successful brand. 

The Power Rangers debuted in 1993 and all the kiddies, like myself, who watched the show are now mid-20's to 30's. It focused on six teenagers who were confronted by a giant head and given the powers to morph into colorful rangers and fight aliens. I was just made aware that they are still on television in Power Rangers Megaforce.

Michelle Forbes joins Mockingjay - Part 2

We have yet another casting announcement for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.

Michelle Forbes, most often known for her portrayal of Maryann Forrester in True Blood, has been cast as Lieutenant Jackson in the second part of the Hunger Games finale. You also might recognize Forbes from the short-lived series The Killing and Battlestar Galactica.
Mockingjay has apparently wrapped filming already and many are speculating that we will be getting a teaser for Mockingjay - Part 1 before too long. At this time last year we already had one for Catching Fire, so the marketing is a bit behind schedule.

If you aren't familiar with Jackson, she is a soldier from District 13 who is placed on Squad 451 as a sharpshooter alongside Katniss, Gale, and Finnick. She is also tricked by Katniss on numerous occasions while on District 13 missions. She is described as a middle-aged woman who is capable of seeing and shooting objects others can't see without a scope.

New poster for Interstellar

We have a new poster for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, Interstellar. We also learned that the first full trailer will be attached to Godzilla next week. The trailer already premiered before Hubble 3D at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. 
So far the only info we have regarding Interstellar is it follows a group of explorers looking to make use of a newly discovered wormhole and discover full interstellar travel and voyage.

Interstellar stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Topher Grace, Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, and plenty more. It opens in theaters on November 7th.

Scout Taylor-Compton teases Halloween return

We learned that yet another Halloween movie was in the works the other day and there was immediate speculation on whether it will be another reboot or a third installment based on Rob Zombie's reboot and sequel. Well, the star of Zombie's take on the franchise has begun teasing everyone on Twitter. Whether she has any credit remains unknown.

Scout Taylor-Compton portrayed the nerdy high school babysitter Laurie Strode in both Zombie installments and has gone to Twitter and teased that she "can't wait to jump back into Laurie Strodes mindset." Now if this turns out to be a somewhat subtle casting announcement pretty much seals the deal that Halloween 3D will be a third installment of the Zombie reboot.
Just keep in mind that the last Halloween movie we got was in 2009, so she very well could be full of shit. BUT, given the way H2 ended I have an idea on what they might be doing with her. I would rather not say it in too much detail, but if you saw H2 you would agree with me that we very well could see her put on a Michael Myers mask at some point.

Whatever happens with this it should prove to be either very interesting or something that will mean nothing. If they continue Laurie Strode with Scout Taylor-Compton I won't be upset, I guess. She played a believable enough, modern version of the character.

First trailer for Girl Meets World

The Boy Meets World spin-off, promptly titled Girl Meets World, features Cory and Topanga as their daughter enters seventh grade.




I personally used to watch and love Boy Meets World, so I am curious about this but I am just putting this out there... I don't think I am going to watch this one. I might tune in and see the premiere because it looks cute and all, but it just doesn't seem to be the same. Can't say we weren't expecting it, though.
Girl Meets World premieres on June 27th and will be available via iTunes on June 13th. Disney Channel will also be airing a Boy Meets World marathon beginning on the 15th.

V/H/S Viral confirmed

A third installment of the horror anthology series V/H/S has been confirmed and received the title V/H/S Viral. It will follow the sequence of several short stories in the found-footage arena and will be about fame-obsessed teenagers who unwillingly become part of a viral video sensation. It will be collaboratively directed by Todd Lincoln, Nacho Vigalondo, Marcel Sarmiento, Gregg Bishop, Justin Benson, and Aaron Moorhead.

V/H/S was released in 2012 and was a collaborative effort from Adam Wingard, David Bruckner, Ti West, Joe Swanberg, and Radio Silence. It was fairly popular among horror fans and received overall positive reviews. It spawned a sequel, V/H/S/2, which was released last year. The sequel brought back Wingard and welcomed directors Gareth Evans, Eduardo Sanchez, Simon Barrett, Gregg Hale, Timo Tjahjanto, Huw Evans, and Jason Eisener.
Personally, I have loved both V/H/S films so far so I welcome a third one. Hopefully it follows the pattern well and brings the same feeling to the table.

Michael Myers to return in Halloween 3D

Yeah, this is really happening. At least it will have the legendary villain.

Michael Myers will reportedly return for the 3D version of Halloween. It is still unclear on whether this will be another reboot or a continuation of Rob Zombie's reboot and sequel.
Also bear in mind that this project has been on the back burner until, apparently, now. Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier had been working on a screenplay, but it has pretty much been in limbo since.

The basic plot of the original, 1978 film is centered around an institutionalized man who killed his family as a small boy. He escapes and brings mayhem to his hometown, specifically a bookworm high school babysitter played by Jamie Lee Curtis.

Hailee Steinfeld joins Pitch Perfect 2

Outside of the group of returning cast members, we have confirmation that Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld has joined the cast of Pitch Perfect 2. There is also talk that if the movie does well that Steinfeld will lead the franchise for future installments.
A decent number of people are returning for the sequel including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Brittany Snow. Elizabeth Banks is also returning and will direct. It is obviously a story about singing so it's pretty safe to say Steinfeld must have impressed the powers that be with her vocal skills.

Pitch Perfect 2 hits theaters on May 15, 2015.

Bob Hoskins passes away at age 71

Legendary actor Bob Hoskins has passed away. Hoskins had been suffering from Parkinsons Disease and succumbed to pneumonia on Tuesday. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Hoskins has over 100 acting credits to his name including roles in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Hook, Mona Lisa, Super Mario Bros., and The Long Good Friday. He had retired from acting in 2012 due to his illness and was last seen in Snow White and the Huntsman as the blind dwarf, Muir.

Rest in peace, good sir.

Star Wars Episode VII cast revealed!

It is a few days before the expected May the 4th announcement, but we do have an official rock-solid casting announcement for Star Wars Episode VII as well as a photo.

Our initial casting announcement for the upcoming continuation of the Star Wars saga includes:

Harrison Ford
Carrie Fisher
Mark Hamill
Anthony Daniels
Kenny Baker
Peter Mayhew
John Boyega
Daisy Ridley
Oscar Isaac
Adam Driver
Andy Serkis
Domhnall Gleeson
Max von Sydow


You may recognize the first six names as they are Star Wars veterans. Ford is reprising the role of Han Solo, Fisher is reprising Leia Organa, Hamill returns to Luke Skywalker, Mayhew will don the Chewbacca suit again, Anthony Daniels will come back as C-3PO, and Baker will go "back in the can" as R2-D2. It has been rumored for months that these actors would be reprising these roles, so it is a rather welcome confirmation.
The new faces have yet to have any roles attached to them, but there is a lot of speculation that the leads have gone to John Boyega and Daisy Ridley. It was already previously "confirmed" that Adam Driver would be playing a villain so that is pretty much set. As for Oscar Isaac, it is a toss up as he can easily portray a protagonist or a villain. It is also expected that Andy Serkis will be in a motion capture suit. He has been praised as the best motion capture actor of the modern film age, so it would be a bit silly to utilize him in anything else. All I ask is that he isn't a Gungan. Let's just hope the Gungans are extinct by now.
You might recognize Boyega from Attack the Block (if you saw it) and Imperial Dreams. Isaac recently starred in Inside Llewyn Davis and is also known for Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch.  Adam Driver is known from the HBO series Girls as well as Inside Llewyn Davis. Andy Serkis, of course, is known for The Lord of the Rings saga as well as the new Planet of the Apes films.

Now, keep in mind that this is just the initial announcement. I am positive we will slowly be receiving more casting news and other information about characters in the following weeks. J.J. Abrams mentioned in the announcement that filming starts in a few weeks.

Just for fun, here are some names that did not show up in this announcement. I am not completely ruling anyone out just yet.

Benedict Cumberbatch
Zac Efron
Jesse Plemons
Lupita Nyong'o
Hugo Weaving
Miles Teller
Gary Oldman
Saoirse Ronan
Alex Pettyfer
Michael Fassbender

Honestly, the list goes on. Practically every actor on the planet read for this movie. The interesting thing for me is the fact that we have no kids yet. Each announced actor so far is over the age of 21. Either way, we will find out soon. Star Wars Episode VII is set for theaters on December 18, 2015.

[Updated] Zack Snyder to direct Justice League

We still won't see the Batman vs. Superman project until 2016, but Warner Bros. is moving quickly to lock down director Zack Snyder for their DC universe. It was announced that not only is Zack Snyder locked to direct Justice League, but that Batman vs. Superman will be a direct lead into the film.

In addition to this, there is also word that Justice League won't see the big screen until 2018 which is a year after the tentative 2017 date already announced. There is no confirmation if the superhero team will include the original group of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter.

Not like we didn't see this coming.


[Update] Some people are spreading around, specifically @Borys_kit, that Batman vs. Superman and Justice League will film back to back. If that is true then it would explain the high level of superhero presence in BvS and would also put Justice League back on track for 2017. That ups a possibility of Justice League opening opposite a third Avengers movie, unless The Avengers 3 is set for 2018. Either way, a likely announcement for anything regarding this entire situation is SDCC this summer.