Kenneth Branagh Explains Why He Directed Thor

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Interviews, Movies, Marvel Comics,

Kenneth Branagh believes Thor is like a Shakespeare play.

The actor-and-director - best known for his adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays - says he took on the job of directing the forthcoming superhero movie, because it reminded him of the English playwright’s works:

“I read the script and saw an epic adventure with, at the centre, human dynamics - which for me is what really works in comics. I looked at the relationships and saw brothers, mother, father and sons: the tight royal circle. When you get down to it, this is pure Shakespeare it’s a great drama about familial problems concerning those who possess great power.”

Click to continue reading Kenneth Branagh Explains Why He Directed Thor

Bryan Singer Signs Deal For X-Men Origins Film

Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Movies, Marvel Comics,

Showing up on the red carpet at the Avatar premiere a few nights ago, X-Men and X2 director Bryan Singer spilled some major news regarding the next X-Men Origins film.

“I’m prepping up to do a movie called Jack the Giant Killer [at] Warner Brothers, and I just yesterday signed a deal to do an X-Men First Class Origins picture, which is kind of cool.” So much for keeping the audience guessing!

Then again, word of Singer directing the next X-Men film isn’t as shocking when you consider that he’s already expressed interest in returning to the mutant mythology; he probably was simply uber-excited to break the story: “I’m still looking to possibly returning to the X-Men franchise. I’ve been talking to Fox about it. I love Hugh Jackman. I love the cast.”

Unfortunately, Singer will be working with a younger cast that sounds like Jackman won’t be asked to join. Series producer Lauren Shuler Donner described X-Men Origins: First Class as such: “The movie focuses on the first class at Xavier’s school of the gifted, so only those mutants will be featured in the first movie.”

Street Kings writer Jamie Moss is set to pen the script; aside from that, little else has been said about the project.

Click to continue reading Bryan Singer Signs Deal For X-Men Origins Film

Read More | /Film

Warner Bros Freezes Superman

Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Movies, DC Comics,

Despite the fact that JJ freaking Abrams is practically handing himself on a plate to Warner Bros. for the next Superman movie, the film giant is putting the Man of Steel on hold.

Sources are saying that the studio has halted any production with the character because of a legal dispute concerning co-creator Jerry Siegel’s heirs. Well, there’s also the fact that Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns didn’t fare as well at the box office as the execs were hoping.

With everyone and their mother (Kevin Smith, the Wachowski brothers, Mark Millar, and McG are all rumored to have thrown their hats into the ring) vying for the coveted script and directing positions, it’s considerably understandable as to why Warner Bros. needs some time to process what they’ll do with the franchise.

I say that while still feeling impatient at the same time—solve the legal problems (as if they don’t have enough money) and pick someone already! Well, as long as it isn’t McG; I fear seeing anyone from The O.C. or Charlie’s Angels casted as Lois.

Read More | io9

JJ Abrams Wants in on Superman Movie

Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Interviews, Movies, DC Comics,

Hey Warner Bros.—ever consider hiring JJ Abrams? You ought to know that he’s still asking for that Superman gig!

The Star Trek director and Lost co-creator had written a script for the caped crusader way back before his career took off. Despite his vast success with his Star Trek reboot, Abrams is still longing for a shot at revitalizing the Superman franchise. He recently opened up about his relationship with the superhero:

“Writing that script was a long process. It was a very passionate character for me. As a kid growing up it meant a lot to me. It would be wonderful and fun to see that brought back. I don’t know what Warners is thinking or what their plan is. It would be a blast… No one has talked to me about it. Obviously I’m sure Warner Brothers has a plan for what they want to do.”

Did you hear that, higher-ups?

Not only are Abrams fans supporting this collaboration, but apparently so is fellow filmmaker, Kevin Smith—check out the video after the jump.

Click to continue reading JJ Abrams Wants in on Superman Movie

Read More | MTV