‘Mortal Engines’ Trailer: Peter Jackson Is Back With His Latest Fantasy Epic

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June 5, 2018

If you’re looking to adapt a gigantic, sprawling fantasy novel series into a blockbuster franchise, you could do worse than having Peter Jackson running the show. The man behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is back with Mortal Engines, and while he’s not behind the camera Jackson’s guiding hand is very clear.

Behind the camera is Christian Rivers, a longtime Jackson collaborator who has been working with him since 1992. Jackson co-wrote the script alongside Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, adapting Philip Reeve’s book set in a post-apocalyptic world in which cities have been transformed into mobile war machines, the better to claim the planet’s dwindling resources.

Hugo Weaving, Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Jihae, Ronan Raftery, Leila George, Patrick Malahide and Stephen Lang star, and while that’s not the most starry cast ever, let’s remember that Lord of the Rings turned a lot of folks into household names. Here’s the synopsis:

Thousands of years after civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted and a new way of living has evolved. Gigantic moving cities now roam the Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns. Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan)—who hails from a Lower Tier of the great traction city of London—finds himself fighting for his own survival after he encounters the dangerous fugitive Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar). Two opposites, whose paths should never have crossed, forge an unlikely alliance that is destined to change the course of the future.

This looks pretty wild, and I’m excited to see Hera Hilmar, who was great in An Ordinary Man and The Ottoman Lieutenant, getting her shot in a big studio film.

Mortal Engines opens December 14th.

Warner Bros. May Bring Ben Affleck And ‘The Batman’ To Comic-Con

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John Nolan

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June 5, 2018

With Marvel bowing out of a major presentation at next month’s San Diego Comic-Con, Warner Bros. has another opportunity to steal the show. Arguably they’ve had Hall H presentations on par if not better than Marvel every year, but the excitement of the moment is later steamrolled by lackluster movies. Will that be the case this time, too? A new rumor claims to have the breakdown of what DC Films projects will be on display.

The first one is a no-brainer, and that’s a trailer for Aquaman. Hall H is where the first big trailers tend to debut and Warner Bros. has used the platform to premiere Justice League, Batman v Superman, Suicide Squad, and Wonder Woman footage in the past. The film sees Jason Momoa reprising his role as the Atlantean hero, with James Wan directing. I would expect that Momoa, who had a blast during the Justice League panel last summer, to come surfing back onto the stage along with the film’s co-stars.

Another one that’s unsurprising is a teaser for Shazam! The time seems right for at least a tiny bit of footage from the Zachary Levi movie, especially since we’ve already seen images of him as the iconic DC Comics hero. And possibly some concept art for Wonder Woman 2 since production officially begins this month. The rumor goes that it would focus mostly on Kristen Wiig as the villainous Cheetah. I would actually think more from the ’80s-set sequel could be available since we’ve seen teasers cut in less time in order to make a big Comic-Con splash.

While the story also suggests Warner Bros. will unveil a full DC Films slate, that wouldn’t be such a big deal. Last year they did exactly that, teasing Flashpoint, Green Lantern Corps, and other films that are either off the schedule, dramatically changed, or going nowhere.

The big surprise would be if Matt Reeves and Ben Affleck arrive to hype up The Batman as the rumor suggests. I have a hard time buying this one but it would be the biggest news of the Con if true. First of all, it would confirm recent buzz that Affleck may be sticking around as Batman, especially now that Jake Gyllenhaal has signed up for Spider-Man: Homecoming 2. But with development on the movie seeming to move so slow, with a villain reportedly unconfirmed, a big announcement seems unlikely. Would Warner Bros. risk embarrassing themselves by announcing a release date they may not be able to hit?

So we’ll see how this goes. I intend to be in Hall H as all of the news breaks, and when it does you’ll be among the first to know! [ScreenRant]

‘The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part’ Trailer Goes Intergalactic In A Big Way

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John Nolan

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June 5, 2018

Warner Bros. has been trying to capitalize on the success of 2014’s The Lego Movie in a series of spinoffs. The results have been mixed at best, and in the process they’ve made fans wait a long time for a true sequel, which we recently learned would be titled The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. The film won’t arrive until early next year but today brings the first teaser teaser trailer and poster.

Let’s just say everything is definitely not awesome. The Lego world is harder, tougher in a Mad Max sort of way…well, it is for everyone except Master Builder Emmet who is just as happy-go-lucky as ever. That is until the Duplo aliens attack, blasting Beastie Boys’ forever funky hit “Intergalactic”. It’s up to Emmet to save Wyldstyle, Batman, and everybody else who has been kidnapped by the extraterrestrial visitors.

Along with the returning voice cast of Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Channing Tatum, and Jonah Hill, the biggest new addition is Girls Trip star Tiffany Haddish as Queen Whatevra Wanabi.

Directed by Mike Mitchell (Trolls), The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part opens February 8th 2019.

Chris Hemsworth Promises ‘Avengers 4’ Will Be “More Shocking” Than ‘Infinity War’

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John Nolan

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June 5, 2018

No matter how cynical most of us are about movies, in particular blockbuster franchises, the conclusion to Avengers: Infinity War still left us stunned. Prepared thought we might have been for the snap of Thanos’ fingers, seeing the results play out was something else entirely, and I’ll never forget the silence that accompanied the audience’s exit from the theater. Is there any way Marvel could possibly shock us that way again with Avengers 4? To me it seems very unlikely, but Chris Hemsworth says we might want to hold on to our seats…

“If you were shocked by [‘Infinity War’], I think the second one is even more shocking, for other reasons entirely. That’s what kind of blew me away the first time I read both scripts, is how they managed to orchestrate so many different characters but give them each their own separate shot and moments, and have it be elevated and feel fresh and unique—not just like a messy, thrown-together assembly of these guys.”

Hyperbole? Maybe, but I’m inclined to believe Hemsworth in this case. Marvel didn’t get where they are by blowing smoke up our butts. I think they’ve always played the expectations well, perhaps even undersold things on occasion. Plus it’s not like they have anything to gain by misrepresenting Avengers 4, do they? Is there anybody who saw Infinity War who won’t see the next one? I doubt it. [Esquire]

Clint Eastwood’s ‘The Mule’ Adds Michael Pena, Laurence Fishburne, And More

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John Nolan

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June 5, 2018

Only a couple of weeks ago we learned Clint Eastwood would be getting back behind the camera for The Mule, a crime drama that would also see him on screen for the first time since 2012’s Trouble with the Curve. Now we know who will be joining Eastwood and his American Sniper star Bradley Cooper in the film’s cast. Turns out it’ll be at least two stars of Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Michael Pena and Laurence Fishburne are joining the film about Earl Stone, a man in his 80s who is broke, alone, and facing foreclosure of his business. Things begin to turn around when he’s offered a job that simply asks him to drive, but unbeknownst to him he’s become a drug courier for a Mexican cartel, who assign him a handler because he’s doing so well. It also puts Earl on the radar of a dogged DEA agent played by Cooper. As Earl’s past mistakes begin to catch up with him, it’s unclear if he’ll be able to fix things before the cartel or the Feds get him first.

Pena will be taking the role of the cartel’s enforcer, while fellow new cast member Dianne Wiest will play Earl’s ex-wife. Also joining the cast are Taissa Farmiga, Alison Eastwood, and Ignacio Serrichio. [THR]

‘Bumblebee’ Trailer: The Autobot Hero And Hailee Steinfeld Share A Transformative Adventure

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John Nolan

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June 5, 2018

The Transformers as you know them on the big screen are changing. With Michael Bay’s exit from the franchise and a future that is uncertain, Bumblebee is the last movie on the radar and it is about as far away from the giant blockbuster action movies we’ve been seeing since 2007. With Laika chief Travis Knight behind the camera and a story set firmly in the 1980s, the spinoff most closely resembles the sweet and tender Amblin films most of us remember growing up with.

The first trailer for Bumblebee bears a striking resemblance to E.T. in both tone and style, although a handful of Decepticons appear (including G1 Starscream!) to remind us the Cybertronian war isn’t so far away. Hailee Steinfeld stars a Charlie, a teenage girl who befriends the damaged Bumblebee and they set off on an adventure together. The plot details are slim and this footage doesn’t reveal much other than the Autobot’s cosmetic changes. Gone is the sleek Camaro of his modern look, replaced by the classic Volkswagon Beetle.

Am I crazy for thinking this looks like the best Transformers movie so far? I love that it doesn’t seem to be about earth-shattering consequences but is instead a more personal story about the bond between Charlie and Bumblebee. And of course the return to the classic models is going to be a plus. There won’t be a ton of Transformers who show up but I can’t wait to see which ones do and if they also stick to the G1 model. Finally, it’s got John Cena and he looks to be playing a bad guy. Us WWE fans have been waiting a decade for that.

Also starring Rachel Crow, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Abby Quinn, Jason Drucker, and Kenneth Choi, Bumblebee opens December 21st.

Halle Berry Makes Her Grand Entrance In New ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’ Photo

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John Nolan

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June 5, 2018

As everybody knows, John Wick is quite the dog lover and went off on a killing spree when harm came to his favorite pet. I wonder what that means for his relationship with Halle Berry’s character in John Wick: Chapter 3, who is seen in this first image accompanied by two very intimidating canine friends.

Berry, who only joined the cast a couple of weeks ago, debuted the photo on her Instagram page. She plays an assassin named Sofia, but that’s really all we know about her other than her choice in pets. Can we assume she’s one of the many killers after the $14M bounty on John Wick’s head for breaking The Continental’s rules?

Chad Stahelski is back behind the camera with Keanu Reeves and Berry joined by Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Common, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishburne, Asia Kate Dillon, Anjelica Huston, Mark Dacascos, Jason Mantzoukas, and Hiroyuki Sanada. John Wick: Chapter 3 opens May 17th 2019.

Helena Bonham Carter Rumored For ‘Bond 25’ Villain Role

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John Nolan

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June 5, 2018

Rumors about James Bond movies are plentiful across the pond, so picking out which ones are legit can be tough. That’s basically my way of saying to not invest too much in this latest one, although if true it would be quite a turn for the franchise on top of just being a good casting decision. The Mirror is reporting that Danny Boyle’s upcoming Bond 25 is eyeing Helena Bonham Carter to play the series’ first female lead villain in years.

The story goes that producers are really high on the two-time Oscar nominee, as they want to assemble an A-list cast for the anticipated movie. At this point it doesn’t appear that Carter has been officially approached, she’s just high on their wish list. Higher than Angelina Jolie, apparently. If true this would be the first female antagonist for Bond since Sophie Marceau’s Elektra King in 1999’s The World is Not Enough.

There have been rumblings of another female Bond villain for some time, picking up steam after Quantum of Solace when a leader of the criminal organization Quantum was needed. However, that idea was quietly dropped in the build up to Skyfall and Spectre, especially when the classic villain Blofeld (played by Christoph Waltz) became available for use. We’ve heard the reason Bond producers wanted Boyle to direct so badly is because of the tremendous script he and writer John Hodge came up with. Perhaps that includes giving 007 a female adversary to contend with?

As for Carter, she’ll be seen this week as part of the Ocean’s 8 ensemble. The 25th Bond film opens November 8th 2019.

‘White Boy Rick’ Trailer: Matthew McConaughey Takes On The 1980s Drug Crisis

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John Nolan

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June 4, 2018

It’s been a dry stretch of movies for Matthew McConaughey over the last couple of years. His most successful movies have been animated (Kubo and the Two Strings, Sing!), while his live-action efforts (Free State of Jones, Gold, The Dark Tower) have landed like turds in a punch bowl. His run of bad luck could be about to change with the crime drama White Boy Rick, which now has an excellent ahead of its late summer release.

While I’m encouraged by what appears to be another strong performance by McConaughey, of real interest is director Yann Demange. His previous film was the amazing war movie ’71 and this sees him jumping into the big time. Set in 1980s Detroit, White Boy Rick is based on the true story of a blue collar father (McConaughey) whose son Richard Wershe Jr. (newcomer Richie Merritt) is recruited to go undercover for the FBI as their youngest informant ever. Later after he’s provided them with key information, Rick is left high and dry which is when his life begins to spiral out of control.

I’m sure the FBI really wants this story out there right now while their name is constantly being dragged through the mud on TV. This won’t help.

It’s a different kind of story about family and one that looks very promising. White Boy Rick opens September 14th and co-stars Bel Powley, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brian Tyree Henry, Rory Cochrane, RJ Cyler, Jonathan Majors, Eddie Marsan, Bruce Dern, and Piper Laurie.

‘Legally Blonde 3’ Is Happening And Reese Witherspoon Is Coming Back For It

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John Nolan

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June 4, 2018

When the Legally Blonde movies were hits in the early 2000s it was a very different world. Both films helped make a legit superstar out of Reese Witherspoon, though, combining for around $260M worldwide and it seemed like that would be the end of the actress taking on the Elle Woods role. Fifteen years have passed since the last time she did, and yet somehow all of this time later she’s going back to it in a Legally Blonde 3.

That’s right, Legally Blonde 3 is happening and Witherspoon is in final talks for it. MGM has hired writers Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah , who penned the first movie, to get crackin’ on the screenplay which Deadline says will be in the same spirit. Currently there is no director attached.

No word on what story necessitates Elle’s return to the big screen. And whatever that story may be, it wouldn’t exactly be Witherspoon’s return to the franchise. She stuck around as a producer on the 2009 film Legally Blondes, which centered on Elle’s two British cousins. Yeah, it was straight-to-DVD as you probably guessed. Something tells me the crucial events in that film will be ignored. Broadway hit Legally Blonde: The Musical has kept the franchise in the public eye, especially after scoring multiple Tony nominations in 2007.

So what do you think? Are you excited to see Legally Blonde 3?