http://superherohype.com SuperheroHype RSS en-us Nov 21, 2009 A few years ago, director James McTeigue helmed an adaptation of Alan Moore and David Lloyd's V For Vendetta and in recent months, there's been talk of Warner Bros. maybe getting him to tackle one of their DC superheroes. When ComingSoon.net recently spoke to him about his new movie Ninja Assassin which opens next Wednesday, November 25, we did broach the subject, and while he was non-committal about even preferring to work with one DC character over another, he did share some interesting thoughts on the subject of superhero movies: ComingSoon.net: Over the last few months, there've been rumors about you being in talks with Warner Bros. about doing some superhero stuff. Is that something you've been seriously considering or would that not be possible if you do those... http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8853 http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8853 Nov 21, 2009 Ever since Natalie Portman signed on to play Dr. Don Blake's love interest Jane Foster in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming Thor , the actress hasn't done a ton of interviews, so we haven't had much of a chance to learn about her take on the character. At the press conference for Jim Sheridan's Brothers , a terrific drama in which Portman is quite astounding as a young mother whose husband is a soldier who has gone missing and presumed dead in Afghanistan, we tried our best to broach the subject, trying to find out why she decided to do it, having already starred in one comic book movie ( V For Vendetta ) as well as starring in one of the biggest sci-fi franchises of all time (Do we even have to name it?). We also were hoping to find out what sort of research or comics she might have... http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8860 http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8860 Nov 21, 2009 Paradox Entertainment's CEO Fredrik Malmberg told Fantasy.fr that a new "Kull" movie is in the works. Here is the translated article, courtesy of the site: Paradox Entertainment is currently working on a new movie adaptation for Kull the Conqueror. Fredrik Malmberg, Paradox Entertainment's CEO, used the occasion of an exclusive interview to reveal his company was working on a new Kull movie. Fredrik Malmberg also told us about Conan and other ongoing adaptations. You'll hear of it soon. Robert Ervin Howard created a hero called Kull in 1929 for the Weird Tales magazine. Howard would draw some inspiration from this character to create Conan, but he dwells in an era predating the cimmerian's one. Native to Atlantis, Kull grows up with his family in Tiger... http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8859 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8859 Nov 21, 2009 'Dillan' sent in this new promo for the upcoming "Smallville" episode titled "Disciple," airing on The CW on January 22nd. You'll get a peek at more members of the Justice Society! http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8858 http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8858 Nov 21, 2009 After setting a new record for midnight openings with $26.27 million at 3,514 theaters, Summit Entertainment's The Twilight Saga: New Moon has also broken the record for a single day, earning $72.7 million on Friday at 4,024 theaters. The previous single day record of $67.2 million was held by The Dark Knight . It looks like The Dark Knight 's 3-day record of $158 million may be in jeopardy now as well. http://superherohype.com/news/batmannews.php?id=8857 http://superherohype.com/news/batmannews.php?id=8857 Nov 20, 2009 ComingSoon.net reports that The Twilight Saga: New Moon set a new midnight opening record with $26.27 million from 3,514 theaters last night. That surpasses the opening nights of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ($22.2 million) and The Dark Knight ($18.4 million). Will "New Moon" be able to pass up "Dark Knight's" $67.1 million single day record? http://superherohype.com/news/batmannews.php?id=8855 http://superherohype.com/news/batmannews.php?id=8855 Nov 20, 2009 Warner Bros. Pictures has released this international behind-the-scenes featurette on director Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes , starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan and Kelly Reilly. The film opens in theaters on Christmas Day. http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8856 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8856 Nov 20, 2009 USA Today talked to director Michael Bay who said there are no hard feelings between him and Megan Fox regarding her recent comments and talked a bit about her part in Transformers 3 : He also said, “She’s got a great part in Transformers 3,” and he said he’s currently working on the script. So Bay’s not planning on getting revenge by, say, killing her off? “No, no. no,” he said, dismissing it. “She gets enough of that already.” The third installment is scheduled for a July 1, 2011 release. http://superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=8854 http://superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=8854 Nov 20, 2009 Screenwriter Peter Iliff ( Patriot Games , Varsity Blues ) will pen the live-action big screen version of American Gladiators , reports Variety . The story, which will feature the Herculean characters as superheroes, will be based on the TV show that first aired in 1988 and has been broadcast in more than 90 countries, with the format adapted for the local market in 14 of them. Scott Mednick (upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ) is producing, and "American Gladiators" creator Johnny Ferraro is executive producing. They are targeting a release for 2011. http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8852 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8852 Nov 19, 2009 Idris Elba has joined the cast of Marvel Studios' Thor , reports Heat Vision . Elba will play Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard, who stands on the BiFrost Bridge ready to defend the city from intruders. He joins a cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson, Stellan Skarsgard, Stuart Townsend, Ray Stevenson and Tadanobu Asano. To be directed by Kenneth Branagh, the comic book adaptation will be released by Paramount Pictures on May 20, 2011. Shooting will begin mid-January in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Elba also stars in Warner Bros.' comic book adaptation The Losers , opening April 9. http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8851 http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8851 Nov 19, 2009 ComingSoon.net reports that the return of "Chuck" to NBC means that "Heroes" will have to give up its timeslot on Mondays: NBC's action-comedy series "Chuck" returns to the NBC lineup on Sunday, January 10 with all-new missions and two action-packed, back-to-back original episodes in its season premiere (9-11 p.m. ET) before the series -- starring Zachary Levi in the title role -- moves to its regular day and time (Mondays 8-9 p.m. ET) beginning January 11. In other programming news, a special two-hour episode of "Heroes" will be broadcast on Monday, January 4 (8-10 p.m. ET) and then the series moves to its new time slot of Mondays (9-10 p.m. ET) starting January 11. http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8850 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8850 Nov 19, 2009 In retweeting a question about when we'll see the first trailer for Iron Man 2 , director Jon Favreau appears to be giving us a big hint: RT @Ann_Howard: @Jon_Favreau PLEASE tell us the trailer is coming soon - w/Sherlock Holmes, perhaps?? It makes sense since Sherlock Holmes also stars Robert Downey Jr., of course. The Guy Ritchie-directed film opens Christmas Day. Our guess was that we'd be seeing the trailer with Avatar on December 18, but it looks like we'll have to wait just a week longer. http://superherohype.com/news/ironmannews.php?id=8849 http://superherohype.com/news/ironmannews.php?id=8849 Nov 19, 2009 With Iron Man 2 only a little over five months away, news about the tie-in toys is starting to be revealed. Diamond Toychest posted the following Minimates and Marvel Select figures coming in February and April: Marvel Minimates Series 35 The stars of the blockbuster Iron Man 2 have invaded the Minimates line and they're going to blow you away! This assortment contains Iron Man & Whiplash, Iron Man & War Machine, the high-tech mystery army-builder & Pepper Potts, plus the limited variant Happy Hogan! Each two-inch Minimate features 14 points of articulation plus removable and interchangeable parts! Iron Man 2 Marvel Select War Machine The build-up for next year's sure-fire hit begins here with the only full-size action figures based on the... http://superherohype.com/news/ironmannews.php?id=8848 http://superherohype.com/news/ironmannews.php?id=8848 Nov 19, 2009 Marvel's Joe Quesada and comics writer Brian Michael Bendis have been tweeting about the sets they visited for Marvel Studios' Thor . Quesada wrote : I could listen to Branagh talk about Thor all day long. Cast is in place, sets are being built and screenplay is brilliant. Marveldom rules! Bendis added the following in two tweets: Broadcasting live from marvel west. Thor movie meeting with Ken branagh was over the top amazing. Visited the sets! I was in Odin's chamber! U should get in line for the Thor movie today. Just saying. Sounds like things are well underway. Thor , to be directed by Kenneth Branagh and opening May 20, 2011, stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson,... http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8847 http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8847 Nov 19, 2009 It looks like we can add another name to the list of actresses who are reading for a new role in Spider-Man 4 . Deadline Hollywood reports: While Sony Pictures insists no decisions have been made, sources tell me that the producers have approached Anne Hathaway to star in the film. Maybe you experts have an idea what she'll play? All I know is that she's wanted for a starring role, and she won't replace Kirsten Dunst who's also cast in the Spidey fourquel. Julia Stiles, Rachel McAdams and Romola Garai have previously been rumored to be auditioning for possibly Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Will Sony Pictures start making official casting announcements soon? Stay tuned... UPDATE: Entertainment Weekly talked to Hathaway's rep who said that "there are no negotiations... http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8844 http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8844 Nov 19, 2009 Sam Worthington (upcoming Avatar and Clash of the Titans ) will star in an adaptation of Radical Publishing's "The Last Days of American Crime," reports Mania . Here's how Radical describes the title: From critically-acclaimed writer, Rick Remender, comes a fast-paced, futuristic crime story. In the not-too-distant future as a final response to terrorism and crime, the U.S. government plans in secret to broadcast a signal making it impossible for anyone to knowingly commit unlawful acts. To keep this from the public, the government creates a distraction, installing a new currency system using digital charge cards. Enter: Graham Brick. A career criminal never quite able to hit the big score, Graham intends to steal one of the charging stations, skip the... http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8846 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8846 Nov 19, 2009 Heat Vision reports that Mandalay Pictures has picked up the film rights to Boom! Studios' action-thriller comic book "Unthinkable." Created and written by Mark Sable, "Unthinkable" centers on a brilliant man who was recruited just after 9/11 into a government think tank consisting of America's most imaginative minds and tasked with dreaming up wild scenarios for possible attacks on U.S. soil. Years after the think tank was disbanded, the attacks the man concocted begin to occur, and he becomes the only one who can stop them. But the government has become his pursuer. Peter Guber and Cathy Schulman will produce via the Mandalay banner with Ross Richie and Andrew Cosby of Boom! http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8845 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8845 Nov 18, 2009 Production Weekly tweeted that The CW is again looking to adapt Warren Ellis' comic book "Global Frequency" with Scott Nimerfro ("Pushing Daisies") writing the pilot. Ellis, himself, reacted to the tweet on his official website : I haven't been cleared to comment yet, so I can't really add anything to this. I've spoken briefly to Scott Nimerfro — by which I mean I threatened to have him stabbed, and he thanked me and told me a funny story about how he's had worse threats — and he is Okay. Anyway. Yes. Shouldn't say any more until I get the nod from the studio. But yes. Mark Burnett and The WB (before it became The CW) previously attempted to adapt the comic in 2005 with Michelle Forbes playing Miranda Zero, Josh Hopkins as Sean Flynn, Jenni Baird... http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8843 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8843 Nov 18, 2009 William Stuart's Aurora Productions and Platinum Studios, Inc. have partnered to bring Platinum Studios' graphic novel "Nightfall" to the big screen. "Nightfall" tells the story of a man who finds out just how bad life can get when he discovers that the prison he just entered is controlled by vampires. William Stuart will produce with Platinum Studios' Chairman and CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. Former Universal Pictures senior executive Randy Greenberg of The Greenberg Group, who helped negotiate the deal, would be an executive producer. "'Nightfall' is an extraordinary opportunity to make a fantastic horror/thriller in a genre which is unbelievably hot right now," said Stuart. "Platinum Studios has wonderful creative depth and a proven... http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8842 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8842 Nov 17, 2009 Entertainment Weekly reports that the two-hour Justice Society-centric "Smallville" TV movie coming to The CW now has a title - Smallville: Absolute Justice . The event combines two episodes -- "Society" and "Legends." The magazine adds that the pic will air as a seamless two-hour event with only one set of credits. Smallville: Absolute Justice airs on February 5th. http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8841 http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8841 Nov 17, 2009 UGO has learned that Julia Stiles has also auditioned for a role in Spider-Man 4 . This follows the rumor that Rachel McAdams had auditioned (she said she didn't) and Romola Garai did put herself on tape for a role, but she believes she won't get the role. The site doesn't know which role Stiles talked to a casting company in New York for. Reports say that these actresses are trying to land the Felicia Hardy/Black Cat role, but that hasn't officially been confirmed. What we do know at this point is that Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and Dylan Baker are officially returning for the fourth film, scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2011. http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8840 http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8840 Nov 17, 2009 Moviefone chatted with Faran Tahir, who played Raza in Iron Man , about possibly returning for the third installment: Every interview asks if you'll be in 'Iron Man 3.' If that role gets confirmed, what will be better: the fact that you're in it or that you'll never again be asked if you're in it? [Laughs] I think I'd welcome both of those. I'm happy to keep answering the question. Jon Favreau and [the producers] are not stupid. They're also listening in on all of this and wanting to get the pulse of where the audience is. But at some point, they want to introduce Mandarin into the storyline and my character, like Mandarin, was the leader of the Ten Rings. We're leaving it open because, partly, it makes good business sense for us to leave a little bit of uncertainty for... http://superherohype.com/news/ironmannews.php?id=8839 http://superherohype.com/news/ironmannews.php?id=8839 Nov 17, 2009 Star Trek and Avatar star Zoe Saldana talked briefly to ComingSoon.net about playing Aisha in The Losers : "She's a blend of [Star Trek's] Uhura and [Avatar's] Neytiri," Saldana said. "Toss in a couple of guns and some tattoos - she's really badass. At times I was kind of afraid of her. I don't know why it's a PG-13 movie to be honest." She co-stars in the April 9 film with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chris Evans, Idris Elba, Columbus Short, Holt McCallany, Oscar Jaenada, Jason Patric and Peter Macdissi. Sylvain White directs Warner Bros.' adaptation of the comics. http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8838 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8838 Nov 17, 2009 Last week, it was reported that Rachel McAdams was a frontrunner for the role of Felicia Hardy/Black Cat in Spider-Man 4 , but she tells Entertainment Weekly it's not true: “That’s a total rumor, I have to say,” the actress, who will next be seen in the Dec. 25 action-adventure tentpole Sherlock Holmes, tells EW. “I was hanging out in Toronto the other day and someone came up to me and said, ‘I just heard you’re doing Spider-Man 4.‘ And I said, ‘Really? No one told me!’ It’s not true.” A rep for Sony Pictures concurs: “It’s an Internet rumor, as so many things are these days.” That may be true, but there's been many cases of actors or actresses denying they've landed a role in a film, only to be announced a little later as being officially attached. We'll have to wait... http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8837 http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8837 Nov 16, 2009 Variety reports that Marvel Studios and Thor director Kenneth Branagh have signed Stuart Townsend, Ray Stevenson, and Tadanobu Asano to play The Warriors Three, a trio of Asgardian adventurers who fight alongside the Norse god. Townsend plays Fandral, Stevenson is Volstagg the Valiant, and Asano plays Hogun the Grim. They join a cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Samuel L. Jackson and Stellan Skarsgard. Filming is set to start in January for a May 20, 2011 release. http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8836 http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8836 Nov 16, 2009 SpoilerTV has posted an interesting casting call for Spider-Man 4 . According to the site, the production is looking for a "2 or 3 year old boy to play 2 year old, Caucasian with RED HAIR, an adorable toddler with an engaging personality, on set experience preferred. IDENTICAL TWINS ONLY." We don't want to jump to any conclusions, but the "Red Hair" mentioned is certainly interesting. Stay tuned for whether this will be significant at all. The fourth installment is targeted for a May 5, 2011 release. http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8833 http://superherohype.com/news/spider-mannews.php?id=8833 Nov 16, 2009 ShockTillYouDrop.com reports that Stephen Susco ( Red , The Grudge ) has signed on to write Hack/Slash , which has had previous drafts by Justin Marks, Todd Lincoln, Ben Magid and Martin Schenk. The site says that "Shock was able to confirm Susco's involvement, however, he was not available to comment about his take on the project and whether or not he was starting from scratch or simply revising the script that's currently out there." Based on the Devil's Due Publishing comic book series, Hack/Slash chronicles the adventures of Hack, a young woman who travels to small towns across the country hunting slashers. http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8835 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8835 Nov 16, 2009 USA Today has posted an article on "Alien Legion Omnibus" and the possible Alien Legion movie is addressed, with quotes by series creator Carl Potts and series artist Chris Warner. Derek Haas and Michael Brandt are reworking the script for Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney. Here's an excerpt: "Alien Legion has been optioned for some time," Potts confirms. "The script is currently in its third rewrite"...Potts believes Bruckheimer is the type of producer who could do a great job on a film version of Legion. "Bruckheimer's never done a science-fiction before, so that challenge, I think, is something that would hold his interest. The success they've had with blending CGI and live-action characters in The Pirates of the Caribbean series could translate... http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8834 http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=8834 Nov 16, 2009 TV Guide Magazine has your first look at Michael Shanks ("Stargate SG-1") as Hawkman in "Smallville's" upcoming two-hour movie event coming February 5th (the second hour is directed by Tom Welling). Click on the photo to read an interview with Shanks about the role! http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8832 http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=8832 Nov 16, 2009 Jaimie Alexander ("Kyle XY") has been tweeting about her training for the role of Sif in director Kenneth Branagh's comic book adaptation Thor , which starts filming in January. Some recent tweets from her Twitter account talk about her stunt training: 1st day of stunt training for Thor... kinda nervous :) wow.......that was pretty dang tough....but a sh*t ton of fun!!!! :) :) need to sit in an ice bath for year.....am beyond SORE! is feeling very productive today! working my butt off!! :) day two of stunt training: complete! :) is off to train :) getting so much stronger!!! :) is gearing up for a full week of stunts! :) I LOVE MY JOB! Jaimie, we would recommend adding some golden apples to your diet as well! Scheduled to hit theaters on... http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8831 http://superherohype.com/news/thornews.php?id=8831