UPDATE 06/11/08: Let’s just say that if you want Fav aboard for Iron Man 2, umm, it’s a good time to let Marvel know.
And everything was going so well! Today, Peter reported on director Jon Favreau’s moderately disconcerting statement to fans regarding Marvel Studios‘ proposed 2010 release date for Iron Man 2. In summary: Sounds like a rush-job, there’s no script, and like a shady GF/BF in the summer Marvel hasn’t called him in weeks! We haven’t speculated on the reasons for why Fav is not yet signed for a sequel, but after consulting with inside sources IESB just called out the studio for being cheap (and crazy).
“So bottom line, [...]

Are UFC leg-tanglers brawlers the new rapper actors (or “raptors” as coined by Vulture)? Last night, Ultimate Fighting champ, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where it was announced that he’s a contender for the role of B.A. Baracus in John Singleton’s upcoming A-Team movie. You can watch the clip here to get a feeling for his mannerisms, and I’ve included a requisite photo with digital flames to the right. Yeah, he already wears that chain everywhere.
Kimmel: Now, what’s going on with your hair…because I heard you’re going to play–not Mr. T–but B.A. Baracus in the A-Team movie.
Rampage: I don’t know what you’re talking about, man. [laughs] [...]

When all is said and done, will The Incredible Hulk take the spot on our Fave Movies of Summer ‘08 listicles previously reserved for Indy and Spielberg? For months, the redo’s marketing, CGI, behind the scenes differences, and purpose have been scrutinized beneath formidable anticipation for The Dark Knight, Iron Man and Hellboy 2. Early reviews are hitting the Net and it appears that the latest Marvel tale, from director Louis Leterrier and star Ed Norton, is a worthy contender and then some. I’ve compiled excerpts from what’s currently being said on the Net. If you’ve attended an early screening, let us hear all about it in the comments, or [...]

No NPH? No rental. Perhaps the makers of Starship Troopers 3: Marauder should have thrown a good portion of that $20 million budget (yes, it’s direct-to-DVD) at Neil Patrick Harris, the token star of Paul Verhoeven’s campy, nihilistic 1997 original. The Japanese trailer has arrived and while it looks much better than anything I may have accidentally gleamed from the first home-market sequel, so does a half-eaten, six-day old meatball sub and Lost Boys 2. Do you think the Japanese subtitles here make everything seem that much more happy-joy? I do.
The SST franchise should really consider a move into the TV ether or webisodes. Casper Van Dien is back (from [...]

Though it recently showed at Cannes and received a fan-site response equal to, “if you want to watch a movie about vikings and a human alien versus an alien creature, go for it,” Outlander still remains tucked in at the Weinstein Co. and is without a release domestically. Meanwhile, an international release for the James Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) sci-fi actioner is tentatively planned for late summer. Worth noting is how easy it is to get this film mixed up with Marcus Nispel’s dismally received Pathfinder (suped-up vikings versus Indians). Shock received the Frank Frazetta-ish poster, click for the high-res, and you can find more info on the flick [...]

The PG-13 Effect: Brett Ratner’s officially “blowing ‘em where the pampers is.” The Miami-born maverick tells MTV that his Beverly Hills Kindergarten Cop 4 will be out to impress kids who can’t get into PG-13 movies. Is there another franchise that has ever consisted of three R-rated films (two of which are really good) and then had a PG sequel?
“Ten-year-old kids, 12-year-old kids don’t really know the old Beverly Hills Cop. So it’s an opportunity to make it new for kids,” Ratner said. “The same way it felt for me watching Beverly Hills Cop when I was a kid, that’s what I want to do for kids today.”
The youth have [...]

“I have arrived to destroy your Internetz!”
We’ve held off on posting about the gargantuan Terminator 4 spoiler that hit AICN yesterday because it just seemed so ‘tarded. Then again, this is a PG-13 Terminator with a subtitle that belongs on a Madonna biography, so anything can happen. ;) Well, CHUD has connected the dots based on their own inside info and the verdict is that the ending/mega-spoiler may very well be legit. In their words, AICN just kicked McG’s film (the new first in a new trilogy) “in the balls.” Need I say that everything below this point is glowing radioactive with SPOILERS so do not read if you [...]

IESB speculates that director Peter Segal, currently attached to helm a Shazam feature for Warner Bros., might also be the man who brings the studio’s planned tentpole, Jonny Quest, to the world as well for Summer ‘09. Apparently the script by Dan Mazeau is quite strong and in better shooting condition than Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam. Moroever, the site spoke to Segal recently, who was enthusiastic about the latest screenplay, noted his involvement with getting a Quest flick off the ground in the past, and even discussed casting preferences (The Rock for special agent Roger “Race” Bannon). As you might recall, for over a year now [...]

NSFW, Sundays, or her muddah!
Dolemite né Rudy Ray Moore has returned at the tender age of 71 from “Motherland Africa” where he apparently learned how to conduct and fire laser beams like Raiden from Mortal Kombat. Dive right into the trailer for The Dolemite Explosion, a poppin’ Jacuzzi of nonsense that will wash away Sex and the City’s 1,001 cougar licks (Gross).
Do you think Rudy Ray Moore even understands the concept of a red band trailer? In your face Retired Dirty Harry! Note the above poster’s use of two taglines, a deadly disco ball on a cane (no big deal), and yes, that’s the Bishop Don Magic Juan. Moore’s [...]

Two days ago, we delved into rumors that the next Peter Parker could be played by the Macguire-esque Patrick Fugit (Almost Famous, Wristcutters) or the younger, spunkish Michael Angarano (Sky High). Well, Sony wants to put some Internet skywriting out there and fast. Their message is: “Tobey Maguire you’re the best, you’re our Spider-Man!…right?” Sony’s head of media relations tells IESB…
“No one is being considered for the role but Tobey. Period.”
IESB adds that numerous inside sources and agencies have confirmed that no actor in Hollywood or Bollywood has been contacted for Peter Parker. Prior to this, CHUD caught word from a producer on Fugit’s latest film who said the rumor [...]

If you haven’t checked out the promo vid for Evil Dead: The Musical do so here. Lots of red syrup and possessed hand action makes for a seemingly faithful, campy adaptation of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell’s classic goofball horror. The Toronto production has released three poster spoofs of the Broadway staples Hairspray, Mamma Mia! and Les Miserables. Let us know if you’ve seen the play (did you sit in the splatter section?) in the comments!
Update: /Film reader, The Addict, points out an online petition to bring the production back to the States. Canadian /Film reader, Jonny, also points out that those “Canada: America’s Hat” Busted Tees ads on our [...]

“Meh, believe it.”
Let’s go to the tape from Cannes! Shortly after a giggly French interviewer hands him a video camera and requests to “directed,” Quentin Tarantino is asked what his next film will be. Will it be Kill Bill 3? Kill Bill 4 (those silly Frenchies!) No, he says, it will be Inglorious Bastards…coming to Cannes in 2009?!?
“Oh, yeah, no. The next movie I’m doing is my WWII movie Inglorious Bastards. I actually just finished the first draft of the script and when I go home I’ll be finishing it up…and if all goes well [pregnant pause] I will be here 2009 at Cannes with my war film INGLORIOUS BASTARDS!!! [...]

“No way!”

With one of the choicest “stranded on an island with entertainment center” filmographies, genre or otherwise, director John Carpenter is without a doubt a fave here at Slashfilm. Next month, the man himself will be on hand for two out of four nights to wax awesome on his various ’80s era classics at a film festival presented by non-profit American Cinematheque (nice effort!) and Santa Monica’s Aero Theater. Unfortunately, They Live (probably my fave of his) is not being shown, but one really can’t moan the slightest about such a rare opportunity. Here’s the schedule…
Friday, June 13th, 7:30 p.m.
The Thing and The Fog
Carpenter will discuss films between showings
Saturday, [...]

Will the original squad be back, or will Sony recruit new talent? A week ago we reported on the rumor that Spider-Man 4 and Spider-Man 5 will be filmed back-to-back, Back to the Future styles. Today, a quote from Marvel’s Vice Chairman, Peter Cuneo, hit the Net via IESB regarding Sony’s stirring plans for a third sequel…
“As far as Spider-man 4, it’s really up to Sony, it’s up to them, most likely scenario is 2010 or 2011 but we can’t speak for them and I think, that we don’t know. They have given us their re-up payment for that film so you know they’re going to make it within a [...]

You special kids can stop meddlin’ with your mashed potatoes because the last major bit of casting on Oliver Stone’s W. is close to a done deal: ass tamale Richard Dreyfuss will play elusive veep Dick Cheney. Wow. There wasn’t any question that Stone was going for the president’s jugular with this biopic, but Dreyfuss adds a bubbly new layer of vitriolic spittle. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dubbya chews dip, in both color and Stone’s signature b&w psycho-vision, for the entire running time. Wait, does one chew dip? I guess one dips it.
Moreover, SAG has shined its light on W., giving the Lionsgate production a waiver that allows [...]