Disney To Buy Marvel For $4 Billion
The Walt Disney Co. said Monday it is buying Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in cash and stock. As part of the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters, including The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the X-Men, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man.
The Marvel universe has been responsible for some of the biggest box office successes of the past several years. The Spider-Man series is currently expanding to two more films and a sequel to Iron Man will hit theaters next May. Meanwhile, the X-Men franchise has successfully a delivered a spin-off installment with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which now has a sequel in the works. No word on what this will mean for future movies based on the various characters.
Jon Favreau Confirms Iron Man 3
It’s been reported that Jon Favreau has confirmed that there will be a third instalment in the “Iron Man” franchise.
MoviesOnline caught up with Jon Favreau who revealed the latest on the upcoming “The Avengers” movie and “Iron Man 3.”
The director, who is currently shooting “Iron Man 2” said that the trilogy may be completed before “The Avengers” goes into production.
“There’s an Iron Man 3. Here’s how I know. When they make the option deals, they include Iron Man 3. So I know they’re planning on 3. Whether that would be before or after Avengers, they’ve announced that Avengers is next but they pushed back The Avengers once, which I thought was encouraging,” he said.
The on-screen teaming of Marvel Comics characters such as “Iron Man,” “Thor” and “Captain America” will also reportedly depend upon production of upcoming films based on individual projects directed by Kenneth Branagh and Joe Johnston.
A few months ago we reported that Marvel rescheduled the release dates of some of its self-produced feature film properties through 2012.
“My involvement has yet to be determined on that project. You’re not going to know about Thor for two years, what that really means. And Captain America, they haven’t even started prepping yet. So there’s a lot of discovery that has to take place before you can understand what Avengers really is,” Favreau added.
However, “Iron Man 2″ will be released as scheduled on May 7, 2010.
Natalie Portman Joins Marvel’s Thor
Marvel announced today that Natalie Portman has been cast to star as Jane Foster in upcoming “Thor.” Foster, a nurse, was a character from the early comic book lore, and was Thor’s first love.
Portman will join Chris Hemsworth who’s playing the title role and Tom Hiddleston who is playing the villain Loki, the god of mischief.
Marvel Studios expands its film universe with a new type of superhero: Thor. This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
Kenneth Branagh (Sleuth, Hamlet, Frankenstein) is directing the movie from a screenplay by Ashley Miller (Agent Cody Banks), Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend, The Cell) and Zack Stentz (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles).
Marvel Pushes Back Thor And The Avengers
Marvel Entertainment Inc said it rescheduled the release dates of some of its self-produced feature film properties through 2012.
Marvel has delayed its superhero blockbusters “Thor” and “The Avengers” by a year. Thor’s new release date is June 17, 2011, moved from July 16, 2010, while “The Avengers” is now on course for a May 4, 2012 arrival having been originally planned for July 15, 2011.
Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel said that the change of dates are in order to space out the release of their solo superhero movies before uniting the characters for ensemble film The Avengers.
“[It] maximizes the visibility of our single-character-focused films, leading to the highly anticipated release of the multi-character The Avengers film in 2012,” Maisel explained.
Initial plans would have seen two Marvel movies out in 2010 – “Iron Man 2” and “Thor” and three the following year – “The First Avenger: Captain America,” “Spider-Man 4” and “The Avengers.”
“The First Avenger: Captain America” has also been shifted back two months to July 22, 2011, instead of May 6, 2011.
Marvel also confirmed that Sony Pictures will release “Spider-Man 4″ on May 6, 2011. Marvel has licensed theatrical rights of “Spider-Man,” its most popular character, to the unit of Sony.
However, “Iron Man 2″ will be released as scheduled on May 7, 2010, Marvel said.
Robosapien Rebooted Poster and Plot Details
Crystal Sky Pictures has unveiled the first poster and full synopsis for their upcoming scifi flick “Robosapien: Rebooted,” based on the popular toy robot Robosapien
An inventor working for Kinetech Labs has designed a robot for search and rescue missions that has the ability to mimic human actions and emotions. After discovering that the robot’s advanced microchip is actually going to be used by Kinetech for military applications, the inventor programs the robot to flee, whereupon it is damaged. Twelve year old Henry finds the broken robot, fixes him up and names him Cody. With no memory of his past, Cody becomes Henry’s best friend, helping him win over his love interest, battle bullies and partake in some crazy fun. Cody quickly becomes a valuable part of Henry’s family as he helps them forge better relationships with one another, and even surprises them by remodeling their home.
All the while, both the inventor and Kinetech are searching for Cody. Finally located, Cody is taken home by the inventor, to Henry and his family’s dismay. Noting how upset Cody is to be apart from his new family, the inventor brings Cody back to Henry, where he meets Henry’s mom. It’s an instant love connection. Ultimately, one step behind, Kinetech kidnaps Henry’s mom and the inventor. It’s up to Henry and Cody to save their family and take downKinetech once and for all.
The film is produced by Marvel Studios head Avi Arad and Steven Paul and directed by Sean McNamara (Bratz, Fantastic Four, Ghost Rider).
“Robosapien: Rebooted” is scheduled to hit theaters in 2009. [source: Crystal Sky] Continue Reading…
Punisher: War Zone Review
Here is the good news for Frank Castle fans. Punisher: War Zone is far and away the best movie based on Marvel Comic‘ vigilante anti-hero The Punisher to date.
Of course, anyone who has cable-surfed upon the 1989 Dolph Lundgren embarrassment or was re-gifted the DVD of 2004’s Thomas Jane vehicle The Punisher knows that’s a backhanded compliment if ever there was one.
War Zone is a relentlessly grim and unapologetically violent mess of a movie that pays tribute to comic book creators Garth Ennis and Tim Bradstreet’s dark, twisted take on the character as well as give the cinematic finger to the first two films. But it’s still not very good…full story [newsarama]
I remember growing up and loving The Punisher comics because Frank Castle would do what the good guys were not allowed to and kill his enemies. (And really at a time when girls have cooties what could be more interesting to a twelve year old boy?) But the Punisher on film had none of the charisma and excitement as The Punisher on the pages. It didn’t help that the budget for the film was about equal to the amount spent on straightening Kirsten Dunst’s teeth in the Spider-man movies (I know they’re still not straight, that’s how little Punisher cost).
The lessons learned from the first Punisher were these: 1) don’t hire Travolta to ever be in a comic book movie. He approaches ever role as though he were still Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back, Kotter. Even though the source is comic books, the audience needs to believe in what they’re seeing so go hire Ed Norton or Tobey Maguire. 2) Frank Castle’s world does not involve supernatural powers and super villains that fly, but he still exists in a comics world and the films require a budget to show that…full story [M&C] Continue Reading…
Daniel Craig Offered, But Declined, Lead Role In “Thor”
Daniel Craig has been indeed considered to be the leading man in “Thor“.
Craig, Olga Kurylenko and director Mark Forster attending the press day in Beverly Hills on Monday, October 20, for the 22nd Bond film “Quantum of Solace“. IESB’s Robert Sanchez talked with both Olga and Daniel, who actually had a bit to say about another widely known hero, Thor, who is currently set up over at Marvel for a 2010 release with Kenneth Branagh attached to direct.
IESB asked if Craig was interested in doing something a little different character-wise, like Thor? Craig said no, he turned it down and laughed about it.
Sanchez continued, “seriously, I heard the folks over at Marvel had you on a short list to be Thor.”
Craig said yes they [Marvel] did approach him but he turned it down. He added jokingly, it would have been too much of a power trip, both Bond and Thor, and running around with long hair and a hammer.
So far, “Thor” has been linked to many actors from wrestler-turned-actor Triple H to Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt. However, up to date, there is yet real indication on who will tackle the part. The search for Thor continues! [source: IESB]
The First Avenger: Captain America Synopsis
Marvel has released an official synopsis for “The First Avenger: Captain America.” Marvel is planning to keep the character true to his comic bookroots.
Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment…Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the ‘Super-Soldier Serum’ and bombarded by ‘vita-rays.’ Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and leader of the Avengers.
“The First Avenger: Captain America” is scheduled to hit theaters on May 6, 2011.
Source: MovieWeb
Kenneth Branagh Will Direct Thor?
Director/actor Kenneth Branagh is negotiating to helm “Thor,” the next Marvel Comics property that will be turned into a live-action film by Marvel Studios, reports Variety.
This choice by Marvel is surprising in a way, considering Branagh has not directed a big action adventure movie before.
“Stardust” helmer Matthew Vaughn had earlier been attached to the comic book movie, but left when his holding deal expired.
Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend) wrote the comic adaptation, which follows disabled medical student Donald Blake, who has an alter ego as the hammer-wielding Norse god Thor. The character is also a member of The Avengers.
Branagh’s directorial debut came in 1989 with an adaptation of “hakespeare’s “Henry V,” which he also starred in. He’s also directed “Much Ado About Nothing”, “Frankenstein” and last year’s thriller “Sleuth.” Continue Reading…
Jon Favreau returns for “Iron Man 2″
Jon Favreau had earlier criticised studio Marvel for setting an “unrealistic” release date for the superhero sequel.
The director said he had been surprised by Marvel’s announcement that the superhero sequel will be released on April 30, 2010.
“Neither Robert Downey Jr. nor I were consulted about this and we are both concerned about how realistic the date is in light of the fact that we have no script, story or writers hired yet.”
He recently told that the stars of the original film are in negotiations to reprise their roles, saying:
“When it comes to the cast of the sequel there is no need to worry, it looks like everyone from Robert Downey to Gwyneth Paltrow is back for more.”
Rumours later surfaced that Jon Favreau would not return to direct the film – The director is said to be at odds with Marvel Studios over his salary for the upcoming sequel.
After guiding the superhero film to box office success, Favreau has allegedly requested a pay increase for 2010’s “Iron Man 2.” However, Marvel has been unable to match Favreau’s demands and believes that a franchise sequel will be a commercial success with or without the director of the first film.
But Favreau has now reportedly agreed a contract after being offered a more lucrative deal by Marvel boss David Maisel, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily.
Robert Downey Jr. will also return for “Iron Man 2,” which is scheduled for an April 2010 release.
Read full story: Deadline Hollywood Daily
