Being that it’s a slow Christmas week, The Huffington Post reported that, according to Showbizspy, Harrison Ford wanted to kill off his alter-ego Indiana Jones.

“Harrison thinks it would be good for Indy to die and pass on his hat to his son in the next one,” the site quotes an insider as saying.

“[Producer and creator] George [Lucas] especially is resisting the notion but [director] Steven [Spielberg] is considering it. Funnily enough Harrison wanted the same for Han Solo in the final Star Wars but George put an end to it. This time he doesn’t have all the say though.”

Not so fast says Ford’s reps:

“Ford representatives reached out to The Huffington Post to deny reports of Fords’ wish to kill off the Indiana Jones character, calling them false.”

Ford has played Professor Jones 4 times beginning with the 1981 classic RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK in 1981. The latest one was in 2008′s INDIANA JONES AND THE CRYSTAL SKULL with Shia LeBeouf playing Jones’ son.

Indy 5 is still in the planning stages of development.

Source: The Huffington Post

The on-going rumor about another go at F. Scott Fitzgerald’s THE GREAT GATSBY is alive and well. Too bad Hollywood is attempting to top the original. The Oscar winning 1974 version filled with soft lensed close-ups of Redford and Farrow is still sublime. The Nelson Riddle score forever magical.

I’d say anyone would be hard pressed to try to recapture that kind of lightning in a bottle, unless your MOULIN ROUGE director, Baz Luhrmann. MTV News pinned down Luhrmann on the status of the film he’s still pursuing as well as casting rumors. Here’s what the director had to say on THE GREAT GATSBY. 

And on Thursday, Production Weekly tweeted this:

Rumored casting for THE GREAT GATSBY, Leonardo DiCaprio for Jay Gatsby, Tobey Maguire for Nick Carraway & Amanda Seyfried for Daisy Buchanan.

To be truthful, I’m kind of torn on this. On the one side, a remake, or whatever you may call it, is so unnecessary. The idea of DiCaprio and Maguire in this film is fine, but Seyfried? Shame if that casting rumor comes to fruition. On the other side, if the project is green-lit, who better to go forward with it than Luhrmann. Undoubtedly, his wife and collaborator, Oscar winner Catherine Martin will once again serve as Production Designer.

We’ll keep you updated if and when the film begins production.

Source: MTV News

In what seems like a bit of a stretch, The Daily Mail online is reporting that Angelina Jolie and George Clooney will star as Marilyn Monroe and Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, in a new film about the Hollywood bombshell.

The 35-year-old actress is set to play Monroe in an adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe, the author revealed at the Edinburgh Book Festival yesterday. And George Clooney has been lined up to play Monroe’s close friend Frank Sinatra, O’Hagan confirmed, adding that production on the film would begin soon. While Scarlett Johansson and Christina Hendricks had previously been in line for the role, it was eventually decided Jolie would be the best choice to play Monroe in the new film. The story will take place during the last two years of Monroe’s life.

O’Hagan’s novel tells the story of Monroe’s final two years before her death in 1962 through the eyes of her pet Maltese terrier Maf – a gift from My Way singer Sinatra in 1960. As well as meeting Monroe’s friends including former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Maf also accompanied the star to acting classes and restaurants.

When she received the dog from Sinatra, Monroe decided to call it Mafia – a joke reference to Sinatra, before shortening the name to Maf, or Maf Honey. In the book, written entirely from Maf’s perspective, the canine comments: ‘She was an artist to her fingertips… a strange and unhappy creature, but at the same she had more comedy to her than anybody I would ever know. More comedy and more art.’ When Monroe died in August 1962 aged 36, Maf was inherited by Sinatra’s secretary Gloria Lovell. It has not yet been revealed who will be voicing Maf in the movie.

For this biopic to be plausible, a director will need A-list actors like Jolie and Clooney to pull this off. I like the idea. What do you think?

Source: The DailyMail

I knew there was a reason I tuned into the Golden Globes Sunday night.  It’s not so I could see who was wearing who or witness James Cameron unceremoniously beat ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow for Best Director.  It was to see Robert Downey Jr, his awesome acceptance speech, and his facial hair.  If you look closely, it resembles that of Tony Stark.  Some of you might not find this so odd, seeing as how Downey plays Stark in the IRON MAN movies, but the question has been raised as to why he was still sporting this look.

Principal photography wrapped back in July, and Jon Favreau announced via his Twitter feed they were “‘locking reels’ today.”  So it more than likely doesn’t mean they are going back for touch-up shots.  Sure, Downey played the most method of actors in TROPIC THUNDER, but surely he isn’t wearing the Stark goatee for publicity on the film.

Really, the only reason Robert Downey Jr. would be wearing this facial hair now is if he is planning to shoot scenes for other pre-AVENGERS films that are currently in development.  At this stage of the game, the most likely one is THOR, which is set to begin shooting in the next week or two.  This isn’t that big of a surprise, either, when you consider how tightly wound Marvel Studios is keeping these movies leading up to THE AVENGERS.  Expect more and more cameos to pop up in films like THOR, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and even this May’s IRON MAN 2.

As indicated, this is strictly conjecture on my part based on Downey’s facial hair.  For all I know, he really likes the look and wanted to keep it.  It does make you wonder, though.

Another week, another rumor going around about what to expect from the possible GHOSTBUSTERS 3.   There were early talks that Chris Farley would be in the film.   That is how far back these rumors go.   I think, at this point, it’s just the staples of the first two films (Bill Murray, Ivan Reitman, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, even Ernie Hudson) all dragging this out seeing how far they can string us (and Dan Aykroyd, who genuinely thinks it’s going to happen soon) along.

Today’s unobtainable carrot bit of information comes from Weaver herself, who was doing interviews promoting AVATAR.   She sat down with Channel 4, and the subject of a third GHOSTBUSTERS film was broached.   What she had to say was pretty startling and gives some serious spoilers as to what the direction for the next film might be.

Here is the gist.   Note, if this does end up becoming true, these could be considered major spoilers for the new film.   You were warned.

• She hopes people are excited for it.
• She is not officially involved, but she has had some offers to read the script.
• Her son from GHOSTBUSTERS 2 is likely going to be a Ghostbuster in the new film.
• Bill Murray’s character, Peter Venkman, is going to be a ghost.

In all honesty, at this point, I could care less if there is another GHOSTBUSTERS film.   The first one is a classic.   The second one is funny in parts but, overall, a let-down from the first one.   We will always have THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS episodes and the new video game to keep us company.   We really don’t need another film, and these plot points, if they are true, don’t do much to sway me the other direction.

What do you think?   Should another GHOSTBUSTERS film be put on the fast track?   How much do you think Weaver is really giving away in her comments here?   Are you, like me, under the impression that this is all a big, decades-long April Fool’s joke on Aykroyd?   Let us know by commenting below.

In case you wanted to see it, here is the video clip from Channel 4 where Weaver makes these comments:

With a director like Kenneth Branagh behind THOR, it wouldn’t surprise me a bit to learn he is casting bona fide thespians in his film rather than cheap imitations of actors.  This way of casting has done wonders for Christopher Nolan and it didn’t treat Jon Favreau too bad, either.  However, taking into note that this bit of rumor is just that, rumor, there’s no telling where the cast list of THOR might stand once this is officially confirmed or denied.

Nonetheless, Ain’t It Cool News is saying German actor Matthias Schweighöfer  makes the claim in the German edition of GQ that Jude Law and Robert DeNiro have joined the cast.  Schweighöfer says he is, actually, in the running for a role, but that, too, has not been confirmed by other sources.

While the thought of Law stepping into the role of Thor’s arch-nemesis, Loki, might whet a few comic book geeks’ appetites, that role has already been filled by Tom Hiddleston.  If this turns out to be true, Law and DeNiro would be joining a cast list that already includes Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson and Stellan Skarsgard.

THOR is set for release on May 20th, 2011.

This bit of news/speculation goes out to all the people who, after eight years, are still catching up on every episode of “Smallville,” whether the annoying protagonist can friggin’ fly or not.  Evidently, there will be a “Smallville” panel/presentation at next month’s Comic-Con. Someone wrote to Ain’t It Cool News about the signage that is being prepped for this presentation. Here is how the description breaks down:

On black, with crimson/red text in the same font lettering that Smallville uses, and a transparent grey Superman “S” watermark behind the text:

METROPOLIS

CHRISTMAS 2010

Then at the bottom is a banner advertising the Smallville presentation, with the time/place (can’t remember).

This “untested” source, who calls himself/herself Yoda’s Bitch, also claimed that this is in preparation not for a spinoff TV series from “Smallville,” which is rumored to be entering its final season.  They claim this is for a feature-length project, one that will likely air on the CW a number of months after “Smallville” ends.  If next season is to be its last, “Smallville” would conclude in May, 2010, giving the CW nearly seven months to market the “film.”

Hercules, the guy over at AICN who put up this bit of rumor, says 18 months isn’t much time to put together a big-screen film for Tom Welling nad company to finish up the series in theaters.  However, he then does note that Warner Brothers had ‘Clone Wars’ into theaters with much notice.

I guess well all find out for sure next month when Comic-Con rolls around.

Source: AICN

The folks over at IESB caught up with comic book maverick Todd McFarlane while at the ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ World premiere in Tempe, Arizona. (Do you think someone like McFarlane gets turned away if he doesn’t have an invite? Doubt that!)

McFarlane, creator of ‘Spawn’ and Arizona native, laid down some juicy bits about the status of a new ‘Spawn’ movie, and even maybe a new animated series.

Todd McFarlane tells us he has five offers on the table to do a new Spawn film. From big special effects studio budgets to a smaller indie budgets that he hopes to be able to write and direct himself. — IESB

Personally, I think it would be great to see the ‘Spawn’ franchise successfully translated into a live-action feature. As for the possibility of another animated series, I can take it or leave it, really. Check out IESB’s exclusive video interview by clicking the link below.

[source: IESB]

Many of you will remember back when Matthew McConaughey was being touted as the shoe-in for the role of Captain America in the coming movie from Marvel, but the reality is that the rumors never ceased for this role.

The difference at the time was that McConaughey showed very little, if any, interest in the role. Of course, it’s not really his genre of expertise. Now, on the other hand, McConaughey is apparently having a change of heart and the idea is growing on him.

McConaughey told MTV that “it would be fun” in response to being asked about landing the role of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. Better yet, Jennifer Garner chimed in as well…

“You would be a great Captain America,†� Garner told McConaughey during a recent press event. “You could wear a cape and tights and little pointy shoes.†�

Funny! Someone hasn’t been reading their comic books, eh? Then again, this isn’t nearly as funny as some of the other rumored casting choices that include Channing Tatum and John Cena.

[source: MTV]

So, technically this only a quasi-rumor with some merit to it’s theoretical possibility based on an interview with the actor himself. Sci Fi Wire spoke with actor Faran Tahir about his involvement in the ‘Iron Man’ franchise (he played Raza, the terrorist leader who captured Tony Stark at the beginning of the movie) and the idea of Mandarin being the villain in a “future” installment of the franchise came up. It’s unclear if Tahir would play Mandarin himself, but it obviously is a thought that’s being tossed around, based on the interview and what he had to say.

[source: Sci Fi Wire]

The new (at least, updated) Tom Cruise rumor is that he’s already started working on ‘Mission Impossible IV’ which is currently in the story development phase.

A reader of Ain’t It Cool News sent in some information about Tom Cruise’s appearance on a popular Japanese television where he was asked about the Mission Impossible franchise. Cruise’s response was that he has started work on the fourth installment and they are planning the story for it.

He also mentioned that he was thinking about planning a big action sequence in Tokyo for the next film – What a coincidence because he was in Japan when he said it! I wonder if he made that up on the spot. — ScreenRant

I thought the franchise was alright. The first one was good, but the second and third were just OK in my opinion. The only thing I really liked in the third was in casting Philip Seymour Hoffman as the evil mastermind.

This makes me curious about who the big bad guy would be (casting wise). Then again, a part of me says three movies is where the line should be drawn. Anything beyond a trilogy (with a few exceptions) is usually just overkill.

[source: ScreenRant]

You may want to consider sporting your B.S. protective visor for this one because the rumors are really starting to fly. Of course, one important element crucial to something being a “rumor” is that we really don’t know if it’s true or not. Apply this rule of thumb to this bit of info with full force.

Nikki Finke states on her site that she’s “been told” that Natalie Portman is leading the casting choices for the role of the female lead in the new ‘Thor’ movie. She also mentioned the reason Hartnett is being considered for the role of Loki is based on his performance in ‘O’ (Othello).

I can buy that reasonably well, but for some reason I just have a hard time swallowing Portman in this movie, but… we’ll just have to wait and see.

[source: DeadlineHollywoodDaily]

Nothing major here, but for fans of the franchise it’s been revealed during a Hollywood press junket that there may be a fifth installment in the ‘Fast & Furious’ string of movies. Here’s what Frosty at Collider.com picked up during the junket when actor Paul Walker was asked about the possibility:

“I’ve heard it in the rumor mill. I’ve spoken with executives at Universal at this point and they’re pretty serious about it. They’re developing it. They know where they want it to take place. They want to do it in Europe.†�

I can’t honestly say I myself am thrilled… actually, I’m sort of apathetic to the whole thing. These movies, more or less, have been fine but not excellent, so a fifth wouldn’t really bother me either way. I will say, however, that the fourth installment looks interesting in the sense that it seems it may be different than it’s predecessors and possibly take the franchise down a new path.

[source: Collider]

Not long ago, we informed you of some news/rumor that Kenneth Branaugh is courting Alexander Skarsgà ¥rd (‘True Blood’) to play the mighty Thor in the coming movie based on the Marvel comic books. Now, it seems he has a favorite in mind to play Thor’s villain.

So far as we know, the villain will be Loki (aka God of Mischief) who happens to be Thor’s brother. Loki is at constant odds with Thor and makes numerous attempts to dispose of his brother to claim the throne of Asgard for himself.

According to sources of IESB.net, Josh Hartnett is on a “very short list” of potential candidates to play Loki, and is apparently excited about the opportunity to play a villain for the first time. No official selections have been made.

[source: IESB.net]

This is not official.   I cannot express that sentiment enough.   THIS IS NOT OFFICIAL NEWS.   This is speculation brought on by someone who just happened to see Kenneth Branagh and a young, blonde actor having lunch together.

This news/not news comes to us from Latino Review’s El Mayimbe via an email from a reader.

Check it out:

Hey Mayimbe,

Long time reader, finally with something juicy.   I had a first hand eyeball witness of Kenneth Branagh eating dinner at Blairs today accompanied by a young Blonde actor who i recognized from HBO’s awesome miniseries Generation Kill that was on a year or so ago.   I had no idea what his name was but I got home today and Googled him, his name is Alexander Skarsgà ¥rd.   I have no idea if he actually is Thor or not, maybe he’s being considered, maybe he and Kenneth are just friends.   However, it seems likely he is being considered since he’s a young Blonde actor and seems to fit the description of the character. Two other men were with them but I didn’t recognize either of them. I know it’s speculative at best, even so I thought you’d wanna know.

Now, for those of you who don’t know Alexander Skarsgard, then you haven’t been watching HBO’s True Blood.

He’s 6’4″.   He’s the son of a great actor (Stellan Skarsgard).   He and Branagh are repped by the same agency.

If this ends up being an actual news story and Skarsgard is cast as Thor, I couldn’t be happier.   His Eric is by far the coolest character on True Blood, he’s a great actor, and the guy is friggin’ huge.   He would be the perfect choice to play Thor.

Once again, just take this as speculation for now.   When something official comes down the pipeline, we’ll be sure to dish that out for you, as well.

Source: Latino Review

According to IESB.net, word on the street is that Fantastic Four will possibly be joining the likes of Daredevil and Superman in terms of comic book movies getting rebooted in an effort to appeal to fans and create a financially successful franchise.

The first two Fantastic Four films had mediocre box office turnout (at best) and never truly caught fire, but the kicker is that there are LOTS of ‘FF’ fans out there. So, the theory is that the approach needs to be changed.

It’s anyone’s call on whether this is legit, or simply a rumor, but it appears as though the game-plan is to completely overhaul the franchise with new writers, director, cast and even the cinematic approach to a new ‘FF’ movie being more serious with funny bits (i.e. ‘Iron Man’) than “bubble gum” fun, as the first film felt.

The sequel ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’ made an effort to move a little closer to this approach, but fell short. So, the question is… well, there’s lots of questions. What would a “successful” ‘FF’ movie look like? Would Dr. Doom return, or do we move on to other villains? Who should be cast as the Fantastic Four?

[source: IESB.net]

UPDATE: Just a quick update.   We told you this one was probably just a rumor.   Once again, The Sun has been proven wrong.   A rep told MTV News that the news about Boyle being suggested for ‘Bond 23′ is absolutely untrue.

“While Danny says he always has and always will enjoy the Bond movies he has no plans to direct one. Danny is naturally flattered to be thought of”"

Okay, stamp this one with a big, fat “RUMOR ALERT” stamp, as it comes from The Sun, not exactly the most accurate news source when it comes to film-related news.   Nevertheless, it is an interesting rumor that might even delve into simple fan wishfulness when all is said and done.

The Sun is reporting that Boyle’s name is in the mix as far as directors go for the next film in the ‘James Bond’ franchise.

Here’s what a “source” had to say:

“Danny is the man of the moment and he is being bombarded with offers from studios.

“He has been offered the chance to direct the 23rd Bond film by Barbara (Broccoli). The EON team love his vision and think that it would work perfectly for the new look of Bond.

“Danny has always insisted he is more interested in the film than the money.

“However, with Daniel Craig’s involvement and the way the films are now structured — with the emphasis on the characters and plot rather than gags and gadgets — it is right up Danny’s street.

“Everyone on the EON team thinks Danny would be a fantastic addition to the Bond family.†�

And now it comes to opinions, because the chances of this news being accurate are growing less and less likely.   On paper, Boyle as a Bond director seems to be an awesome choice.   He has an amazing visual style, and I’m sure he would have no problem moving his camera around some big-budget action.

However, I thought the exact same thing about Marc Forster, and ‘Quantum of Solace’ was a huge step back in the franchise from ‘Casino Royale’.   If anything, I think bringing Boyle onto the project would put some heart back into the series.   Bond might not be the cold, surgical knife he was in ‘Quantum of Solace’, and certain fans of that film might not welcome a friendlier, even if slightly so, Bond to the mix.

What do you think?   Would Danny Boyle be a good choice for the 23rd ‘Bond’ film?   Is there any accuracy to this story whatsoever?   Have you ever not seen Boyle smiling?   Let us know by commenting below!

Source: The Sun

Okay, stamp this one with a big, fat “RUMOR ALERT” stamp, as it comes from The Sun, not exactly the most accurate news source when it comes to film-related news.   Nevertheless, it is an interesting rumor that might even delve into simple fan wishfulness when all is said and done.

The Sun is reporting that Boyle’s name is in the mix as far as directors go for the next film in the ‘James Bond’ franchise.

Here’s what a “source” had to say:

“Danny is the man of the moment and he is being bombarded with offers from studios.

“He has been offered the chance to direct the 23rd Bond film by Barbara (Broccoli). The EON team love his vision and think that it would work perfectly for the new look of Bond.

“Danny has always insisted he is more interested in the film than the money.

“However, with Daniel Craig’s involvement and the way the films are now structured — with the emphasis on the characters and plot rather than gags and gadgets — it is right up Danny’s street.

“Everyone on the EON team thinks Danny would be a fantastic addition to the Bond family.†�

And now it comes to opinions, because the chances of this news being accurate are growing less and less likely.   On paper, Boyle as a Bond director seems to be an awesome choice.   He has an amazing visual style, and I’m sure he would have no problem moving his camera around some big-budget action.

However, I thought the exact same thing about Marc Forster, and ‘Quantum of Solace’ was a huge step back in the franchise from ‘Casino Royale’.   If anything, I think bringing Boyle onto the project would put some heart back into the series.   Bond might not be the cold, surgical knife he was in ‘Quantum of Solace’, and certain fans of that film might not welcome a friendlier, even if slightly so, Bond to the mix.

What do you think?   Would Danny Boyle be a good choice for the 23rd ‘Bond’ film?   Is there any accuracy to this story whatsoever?   Have you ever not seen Boyle smiling?   Let us know by commenting below!

Source: The Sun

Thanks to LatinoReview.com we’re getting wind of this slip of the tongue from one of the new ‘Star Trek’ movie’s writers, which occurred during the IDW Comics Panel at WonderCon 2009.

First of all, I want to say I don’t normally like to copy and paste such a large portion of another site’s article, but I felt it was necessary in order for you (the reader) to get the full picture. So, here goes…

When it came time to talk about Star Trek’s prequel comics, they were talking about how the Next Generation cast plays an important role in the story of the prequel and that in the last issue, (issue 4 I believe) it ends in a major cliffhanger with Nero that leads right into the new J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie.

“The end of issue 4 is a cliffhanger and is going to continue in the first few minutes of the movie.”

Right after that was said, another writer (or artist) said that part of the movie will take place with the Next Generation cast and to look out for that. Another guy on the panel gave him a quick “uh oh” look and smiled.

After that, someone from the audience asked “So are members of the Next Generation cast in the new Trek movie?” to which the same guy replied, “I really cannot say anything about that.” — LatinoReview

Hmm, Wow! This is certainly out of left field. Then again, I suppose it would make more sense if I was a reader of the comics that were mentioned. Any WAMG readers out there that have read these prequel comics? If so, give us your feedback on this news by leaving comments on the post.

LatinoReview.com

It should serve as no surprise that Stuart Gordon’s cult classic shock horror favorite ‘Re-Animator’ would get re-made, but it seems with the following this film has, this is likely to effect fans on one of either extremes… Fans will LOVE it and rejoice, or (more likely, considering the track record of the average remake) the fans will riot in the streets in bloody protest!

Producer Ray Haboush (‘Last House on the Left’ remake) of Automatic Media/Halcyon International Pictures is apparently developing a remake of ‘Re-Animator’. While he is working in collaboration with Brian Yuzna, who produced the 1985 original and directed ‘Bride of Re-Animator’ and ‘House of Re-Animator’.

So, sound good? Maybe sounds to good? Well, for those of you looking for a reason to scoff, here it is… the producers want to do the remake in 3-D! Yeah, that’s what I said. Anyway, it’s early and only time will tell. There doesn’t seem to be any indication yet whether Combs will return to fill the role of Dr. Herbert West.

[source: ShocktilyouDrop.com]