Justin Theroux to Write “Iron Man 2″
Marvel Studios has reportedly tapped Justin Theroux to pen to “Iron Man 2“. Hollywood is finally noticing Theroux for something other than his soulful eyes and killer cheek bones.Theroux made his directorial debut with last year`s Billy Crudup/Mandy Moore dramedy “Dedication” and will now get first crack at writing the sequel to this summer`s highest-grossing film so far.
Variety also reports that Downey Jr and director Jon Favreau are close to signing on the dotted line for the new film.
The first film has gone onto become the second highest worldwide grosser of 2008 by accumulating $565.2 million across the globe since opening on May 2, 2008.
It was Marvel Studios’ first self-financed pic, and released by Paramount Pictures, so it’s no surprise that the studio is looking to get another installment into theaters as quickly as possible.
“Get Smart” Easily Beats “The Love Guru” in North America
Warner Bros. thriller-comedy “Get Smart” is expected to top the box office in North America this weekend as the film takes in estimated 39.1 million dollars over the four-day period, according to preliminary figures released Sunday.
“Get Smart,” starring Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway, is the latest big-screen adaptation of the popular 1960s sitcom about the bumbling U.S. agent Maxwell Smart on a mission to stop a plot by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS.
Meanwhile, Paramount’s heavily-marketed comedy “The Love Guru,” the weekend’s other new wide release, is pegged to finish in a sad fourth place at the box office, with just 14 million dollars in receipts, the Los Angeles-based box office tracking firm Media By Numbers predicted.
In a near-tie for second place were two movies that premiered earlier. DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda” will take in 21.7 million dollars over the weekend, narrowly followed by last week’s box office leader, Marvel Studios‘ “The Incredible Hulk,” with an estimated take of 21.6 million dollars.
The panda movie has grossed estimated 155.6 million dollars in North America since its release three weeks ago, and the hulk, in its second week of release, has a track record of 96.4 million dollars. The two films were close enough that their rankings could change when final numbers are released Monday.
- Get Smart : $39.15m
- Kung Fu Panda : $21.70m
- The Incredible Hulk : $21.55m
Iron Man 2 May Start Filming in March 2009 !?
In an interview with Military.com, Terrence Howard talks about playing Tony Stark’s military liaison in ‘Iron Man 2‘.
“Iron Man 2” is scheduled to begin filming in March 2009. Most of the main actors, including Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard, are expected to reprise their roles in the sequel. Meanwhile, the main character of the Marvel adaptation movie, Tony Stark who becomes known as Iron Man when he suits up in his armored steel suit, will be seen making a cameo appearance in the highly anticipated action movie “The Incredible Hulk” which hits the big screen on Friday, June 13.
“Iron Man 2″ is currently scheduled for an April 2010 release from Marvel Studios. Read the rest of this entry
Iron Man Soars Above Competition at North American Box Office
Iron Man battered the competition for the second consecutive weekend as an estimated $50.5m haul through Paramount Pictures raised the running total to $177.1m.The result consolidated the Marvel Studios adaptation as the season’s first bona fide blockbuster and relegated new openers Speed Racer from Warner Bros and What Happens In Vegas from Fox to second and third, respectively.
Box office was up 21% against the same weekend last year as the top 12 films combined for $128m. Year-on-year 2008 still trails 2007 by some 2.5% at this stage in the game.
Speed Racer disappointed on $20.2m. The family film was adapted from the 1960s Japanese anime television series by Andy and Larry Wachowski in their first outing as directors since The Matrix Revolutions opened in 2003.
Emile Hirsch stars as a talented racing driver in a high profile cast alongside Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon and Matthew Fox.
Opening in third place on $20m was the romantic comedy What Happens In Vegas with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. By the time actual results are confirmed on Monday, What Happens In Vegas and Speed Racer may switch places. Read the rest of this entry
Matthew Vaughn to Remake Israeli Thriller ‘The Debt’
Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman’s remake script for Israeli thriller “The Debt” has been picked up by Miramax.The story follows three Mossad agents who chase a Nazi war criminal across Europe 20 years after the Second World War has ended.
Vaughn has previously directed Layer Cake and Stardust, as well as producing Guy Ritchie’s early films. He is currently attached to direct Thor for Marvel Studios and Kick-Ass, based on Mark Millar’s comic series.
He will reportedly produce but not helm The Debt. Several directors are said to be interested in the project.
Goldman, the wife of TV presenter Jonathan Ross, co-wrote Stardust with Vaughn.
Lionsgate, New Line, Slayer - Trade Breaks
“Both Lionsgate and Marvel Studios have reached interim agreements the Writers Guild of America. These deals mean that both studios will put writers immediately back to work on their development slates. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed, but shows such as “Weeds” and “Mad Men” along with films like “Saw V,” “Thor” and “Captain America”…”
Full Story: Variety
Contrary to previous reports on IMDB there is “no truth” to the rumor that New Line Cinema’s Bob Shaye & Michael Lynne were being sacked, and all projects, including The Hobbit were moving completely over to the Warner Bros. camps. A New Line spokesperson stated via email to us today that the story was false, and they are seeking a correction on IMDB…”
Full story: The One Ring
Anchor Bay Entertainment has picked up U.S. distribution rights to Jon Knautz’s horror comedy “Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer” in a mid-six-figure deal with a theatrical commitment. The film (featuring “Nightmare on Elm Street” star Robert Englund) tells the story of a teen (Trevor Matthews) who is haunted by the murder of his parents. As his rage builds, he accidentally awakens an ancient evil, prompting chaos in the vein of ’80s horror-comedy creature features…”
Full story: Hollywood Reporter
