FORUM: Who Would YOU Like To See Take Over Batman?

Okay, so this is a bit of a weird post, but really, everyone minus yours truly is in Telluride, waiting for the Toronto Film Festival, and then Fantastic Fest, so there is no news to talk about. Also, The Playlist had an interesting idea this afternoon. First, the news portion of this forum.

It appears as though the brilliant film maker Nicolas Winding Refn, most famous for the Pusher trilogy (A MUST SEE), and this years Bronson, a film I'm excited to check out, had signed on to write and direct a modern Bangkok-set Western titled, "Only God Forgives." It will center on a Thai police officer and a gangster who decide to settle their differences in the boxing ring. The director is also in talks to helm an as-of-yet titled heist film produced by Gore Verbinski.

This is all insanely good news, because getting this guy to work is always great to hear. Also, to hear that he's involved with a heist AND gangster picture is really music to my ears. HOWEVER, that's not really the interesting portion of the post over at The Playlist. Here's their idea:

Either way, it's apparent this Danish talent is in very high demand. Don't be surprised when some major studio tries to rope him into a major tentpole or a super-hero film. Hopefully he resists the temptation to do anything that inherently crap, but we'd actually love to see him take over "The Dark Knight" series if and when Christopher Nolan left. But that's if and when. We'd love for him to pursue all his original projects first.

Now, THAT is something I would love to see. Here's the deal. I love Chris Nolan. Like a child. He's a brilliant director, but if you have seen the trailer for his new film, Inception, he's also beyond creative. He has a lot of ideas up in his dome, and while I would love to see him go out with a trilogy, the idea of having the man behind The Pusher trilogy taking over the Batman franchise, has me freaking out like a pre-teen at a Jonas Brothers concert. Not only is Refn a fantastic film maker, but if you want a real and raw Batman film to come after the Dark Knight, there is NO ONE better. Even Nolan. Nolan may be a better film maker, but Refn's Batman film would be more than dark, if he was given the chance.

That said, I will guarantee that 99% of you haven't seen ANY of this guys films, so that's where you come in. Who WOULD you like to see take over the helm of Batman? Just wondering...

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WTF: The Next Batman Is Just Two Years Away?

Or so says actor Gary Oldman.

Recently, during a panel for The Book Of Eli, phenomenal character actor Gary Oldman, best known as Commissioner Gordon from Chris Nolan's epic Batman series, said something rather interesting when discussing the possibilities of a Batman 3.

“The next batman is next year, so I think it is two years away. But you didn’t hear it from me.”

I, like you, kind of laughed at this. Sure, Nolan likes to move to new projects quick, but for a man so creative and inventive, to jump right back into a world he's been in for 4 or 5 years now, seems a little unlikely. However, as many online sources who actually were at the panel note, he seemed dead serious when saying this. So that brings up two things. Is he honest and is Nolan on the project still? What do YOU think?

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NEWS: Batman 3 Not a Given With Nolan At The Helm...

This does come as quite a surprise, and not a good one, at least for fans of the Caped Crusader.

IGN is reporting that the rumor mill is a blaze with suggestions that Christopher Nolan's involvement with the inevitable sequel to The Dark Knight may not be 100%.

A trusted industry source for Batman-on-Film claims that it is going to take a herculean effort on the part of Warner Bros. to sell Nolan on doing a third Bat-film, confirming an old rumor that the studio has indeed compiled a short list of replacement candidates. So why is Nolan reportedly iffy on directing the film?

"The death of Heath Ledger in January of 2008 rocked Mr. Nolan hard. So hard that Chris was convinced that TDK was going to be it for him and Batman on film," according to BoF's source, adding that the Joker was envisioned as the villain in the third film.

Their source did also confirm that BoF was indeed correct when they reported that Nolan is currently developing a story for the film with his brother, Jonathan Nolan, and David Goyer, but we are still waiting until at least 2012 until Batman will be in theatres again, and maybe not until 2013.

BoF's source went so far as to say that, as of now, there is no story for Batman 3 though.

Tis is all bad news. Just look at the Spiderman and X-Men franchises for why a third Batman film is bound to dissapoint, particularly in the case of X3, when they also ended up switching directors. This is about as good of news as hearing that you are getting a root canal from a toddler with a katana. Just not something you want to hear as the night ends.

Who do YOU think should take over this franchise? I'm hoping this goes into the hands of Zack Snyder, who is on WB's short list. What about you?

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NEWS: Bale To Be Batman; No Matter Who Directs?

Recently, Total Film was able to get to Mr. Wayne himself, Christian Bale, about what exaclty the chances are of a Dark Knight sequel.

Ever since the release of The Dark Knight, Bale has insisted, to many a film website or publication, that not only does the story have to be quality, but that he can't imagine doing the sequel without the series director, Chris Nolan. Well, it looks as though he may have to. Here's a snippet from the Total Film interview.

"I would like it if people say, 'You'll never make a good third movie.' I say, 'OK, let's make a third movie in that case, let's prove them wrong. But that's just me. The fact is, I have to! I've signed up! Chris doesn't. So I'm in a bit of a fix if he says he doesn't want to!"

It looks like Bale will be suiting up again, no matter who will be directing him, as Chris Nolan still hasn't signed up, and will be working on Inception for a while.

I whole heartedly believe that Nolan WILL return for a third film, and along with the production and release of Watchmen, the patience that Warner Brothers is showing is proof that their may not be a better and more artist friendly major studio on this planet. I will be shocked if Nolan doesn't return, so really, it's just a matter of time. Most likely, he will finish Inception, take a tiny break, and then get to work on the new Batman film, if some things haven't already been going on behind the scenes over in the Nolanverse.

However, it's fun to think about who would be an interesting director for the third film. Who do you think should take the helm if Nolan can't?

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NEWS: A Tiny Note on The Next Batman Film...

So, it's been quite a while (about two weeks) since our last piece of news on the next Batman film, and today has seemed to change that.

IGN is now reporting that at this moment, the only screenwriter attached to The Next Batman Film as /Film so greatly put it (they say that Batman films began before Begins, so it's not Batman 3), is Mr. Chris Nolan.

Studios and guild members are required to submit work lists to the guilds of the projects that they are on. IGN has learned that a work list from Warner Bros. was submitted last week listing Christopher Nolan as the sole screenwriter on Batman 3.

From what we've learned, The Dark Knight's Jonathan Nolan or David Goyer aren't officially involved in the script phase as of yet.

So, while the film is still in the most bare stages, as a story hasn't even been created yet (at least that we know of), this is a true final lock to Nolan's involvement in the project, which if the film is to succeed, is mandatory.

Also, in smaller news, it looks like the deal that was struck by WB for Nolan's next film, Inception, has a "Batman clause", stating that he will indeed be helming the second sequel to Batman Begins. Inception is set for a release in 2010, and is in pre-production if IMDB is to be believed...

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NEWS: Batman 3 Will Need To Wait...

So it looks like The Caped Crusader will be put on the shelf for a while. Reports are that Chris Nolan will NOT be helming the third film in his Batman franchise right out of the gate, but instead, he will be holding that off for a while, in place of a original piece called Inception...Thanks to Comingsoon.net for the heads up...

Christopher Nolan has set up his next project with Warner Bros., an original screenplay he wrote called Inception. The "Dark Knight" director hopes to shoot the sci-fi action film in the summer for a release during summer 2010.

Nolan will produce with partner Emma Thomas, who served as a producer on The Dark Knight.

"Chris Nolan is a visionary filmmaker who continually raises the bar with each movie he makes," Warner Bros. Pictures Group president Jeff Robinov said. "We are thrilled to be collaborating again with him and Emma on this exciting new motion picture."

Inception is described as "a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind."

This pushes back any potential filming on a third Batman film, but three years -- and The Prestige -- passed between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Nolan has also long been attached to direct a big-screen adaptation of the British TV series "The Prisoner" for producer Scott Stuber at Universal.

This is brilliant news. He is still attached to the third Batman film, so he will be doing it, but it's good to see this brilliant of an auteur go out of that comfort zone for something he created. And look, The Prestige came between Begins and Dark Knight, so I have complete faith that not only will this film be amazing, but so will the third Batman film. Honestly, I have more interest in this piece than the Dark Knight sequel, so I'm excited.

-In other news, I saw RockNRolla and rewatched Vicky Cristina Barcelona on DVD and both films are great. RockNRolla isn't Guy Ritchies best, but it's vastly superior to Revolver, and while it's not as good as Lock Stock or Snatch, it's a return to form, and one hell of a step up from Revolver. Sherlock Holmes is next for the guy, and I can't wait. Oh, and it had one HELL of a soundtrack.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is brilliant, and just go check out my old review of it. It's better every time I see it...

Come back later for more news and notes.

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FORUM: Should The Joker Come Back?

So, as we are now 10 days into this new year, we are past due for a senseless Batman 3 rumor. However, this one may have more meat to it than talks of Eddie Murphy being cast. Thanks to Total Film for the heads up...

The Dark Knight producer Chuck Roven has claimed that people need to “separate the actors from the role,” in response to a question regarding The Joker and Heath Ledger. When asked by MTV whether the filmmakers would have done anything different had they known Ledger wouldn’t be reprising the role, Roven claimed that the character wasn’t tied to the actor.

“On a personal level, Heath was a friend of mine,” he said at the People’s Choice Awards. “We had worked together before The Dark Knight, but I still think that The Dark Knight is its own thing, and we have to separate them.”

Since the day Heath passed away, there have been talks about the future of the Joker, and whether or not there would even be a future within the Nolanverse that Chris and his brother Johnathan have created.

Me personally, I've been of the thought that ANY role would be recastable, especially this one, for a few reasons. First off, and this may sound a little bad, but I mean it respectfully, Heath wasn't a brilliant actor. He was just hitting his stride however. Early in his career he would be stuck in fluff roles like his character in 10 Things I Hate About You and A Knights Tale, and he didn't completely excel in those roles. Sure, he was brilliant in Brokeback Mountain, I'm Not There, and even his very small role in Monster's Ball, but overall, he just needed more time. THAT is why losing him was a big deal. Heath would have completely blown up after this performance, and it's sad that he's gone, but someone could do it better. There is ALWAYS room for improvement, and it's hard for me to say that, because I think his performance is one of the 10 best I've ever seen.

Also, and this pertains more to the concept of bringing the Joker back, it would be a bigger disservice to what Ledger did do if WB decided to completely change the mood and feel of the character, which I don't think Nolan would ever think of doing, than just ditching the character as a whole. There is no more important character within the mythology of the Bat, than it's antithesis, the Joker. He's so important to the overall story of Batman, that he would almost have to come back at some point in time.

However, do I think they should, not right now. It's to soon, and honestly, we've had our Joker fix, and I think it's time to give another villain or two their shot. That said, they are almost going to have to mention what happened to Joker, as there is still that huge, sadistic, clown painted elephant in Gotham City. Nothing was completely resolved, as we still don't know what happened to him at the end of TDK. Sure, the police got to him, and he may just be sitting in Arkham, but if so, we need to know that, or else it's going to be a big unresolved thing. Just because Heath passed, doesn't mean the Joker has to.

Give it to Daniel Day Lewis and let him run wild. I'm just saying.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? SHOULD THEY RECAST OR JUST SKIP OUT ON THE CHARACTER AS A WHOLE??

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NEWS: MORE Batman 3 Bullsh**

Okay, now the proverbial shit has hit the fan. The European newspaper, The Sun is now reporting that Eddie Murphy and Shia Lebouf have officially been cast in the sequel to this year's hit, The Dark Knight, as The Riddler and Robin respectively. Peter Sciretta over at /film put it best, "it looks like the rumor mongers aren't even putting an effort into these things anymore." Honestly guys?

Truthfully, I HOPE that Christopher Nolan doesn't come back to the franchise. All of this casting bull has really left a sour taste in my mouth, and I pray that the people at Warner Brothers don't force another film down his throat, and it looks like they aren't. To me, and a friend of mine said this last night at a poker game, there's really nowhere that Nolan can go with one film to really make an impact on the overall franchise. Do I want' the films to continue, most definitely, but with a guy as brilliant as Christopher Nolan and a group of actors and crew as great as the one they've got for this thing, I think it's time for them all to move on and do other work. Now, Bale WILL be back for a third film, but this is where my question to you all comes in...

I was watching an episode of the great TV series, The Directors, on Reelz Channel, about the work of the brilliant filmmaker, Darren Aronofsky. At one point and time, right before he went into pre production on The Fountain, he was set to take on the Dark Knight, in Batman: Year One. However, that fell through, and he went on to make a vastly superior film to both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, in the Fountain, and the rest is history, but that brings me to my question. Of all of the film makers working today, who would YOU like to see take the reigns of this franchise for a third film. My personal pick is Frank Darabont, the writer/director behind The Shawshank Redemption. I would say Aronofsky, but he's been working on Robocop and I hope he pushes EVERYTHING aside for his 4 hour Noah's Ark Epic, so, who would YOU guys like to take the helm?

Come back later for more news and notes!

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NEWS: Captain America, SNL, and The End of All Batman Rumors...

Hey guys! Here are your headlines for this Tuesday, the 7th of October...
- It looks as though the people at Marvel have released the official plot synopsis for their upcoming film, Captain America...thanks to Movieweb for the info...

Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment… Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the ‘Super-Soldier Serum’ and bombarded by ‘vita-rays.’ Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and leader of the Avengers.


This sounds A-OK to me...What do you guys think? It looks like Cap will be fighting Nazis, and then be frozen, and thawed in time for the Avengers...what are your thoughts?

- Helen Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway have joined the cast for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland...
- Speaking of good 'ol Annie, it looks as though their are rumblings that Get Smart 2 may begin production next year...
- We can FINALLY destroy all Batman 3 rumors...thanks to /film for this little tidbit from David Goyer, one of the screenwriters for TDK and Batman Begins...

“It’s all B.S. ALL of it,” Goyer told MTV. “Chris and I haven’t even talked about it. He quite understandably is taking a long, long vacation and wants to purge himself.”
There it is friends. If you hear a Batman rumor, it's BS, unless it comes straight from WB or Chris Nolan, because as of right now, it's his baby, and WB would be very smart to let him make all decisions on this one...
- The rumor mill has it that on this thursday's prime time Weekend Update special, we may just see an appearence from a much talked about Govenor of Alaska...
- Finally, io9 has reported that Ridley Scott is indeed in the process of getting an adaptation of Brave New World to the big screen...

That's all I've got for now...I would say I was going to watch a movie tonight, but there will be much better, if a little more awkward, theatre on tonight in the Presidential Debate...so come back later for more news and notes, and if you have a good idea for a top 10, let me know...

Go see something good!

NEWS: Depp's Payday, and a possibly legit Batman 3 rumor...

Hey guys! Here are your headlines for this Monday, the 6th of October...
- It looks as though the 28 Later series is getting another film, 28 Months Later, and is set to be helmed by UK Director, Paul Andrew Williams...
- Johnny Depp has REPORTEDLY been signed on for Pirates 4 with a payday of 75 MILLION DOLLARS...thoughts???
- The wheels are in motion for a possible sequel to the surprise 2006 hit, The Break Up...
- It looks like another sequel is in the works, this time, for the sports hit, Bull Durham...
- The upcoming Disney release, Tron 2 or TR2N, is set to be released in 3D...
- In TV News, Entourage has been renewed for a 6th season...
- Guillermo del Toro is looking to "reimagine" the famous tale of Frankenstein when he goes into production for that film...
- Slumdog Millionaire has been moved up a week, and will now see release on November12th, 2008...
- Finally, Production Weekly has reported that Christopher Nolan has signed on to helm the sequel to this year Blockbuster The Dark Knight, and production will go into motion Feburary '09...they are a credible source, so more on this as it comes out...

Come back tomorrow for more news, notes, and a special top 10, the Top 10 Scariest Films...

Go see something good!

Some news and notes...

Hey guys! Thanks for checking out my blog, and I've got some news to get through, so here are your headlines...

- Looks like Wes Anderson's next project will be a remake. Variety has reported that the Birdman is signed on to write and is looking to also direct a remake of the French flick, Mon Meilleur Ami or My Best Friend. /Film has more...


The original movie chronicled the adventures of François, an arrogant and unpleasant antique dealer who was challenged by his business partner, Catherine, to produce his best friend (not believing that he had one). If he succeeds, he will be able to retain possession of a valuable Greek vase he purchased using company money. François sets out to look for a best friend and finds Bruno, a gregarious cabbie, who will hopefully help him win the bet.


Thoughts? It looks like Anderson isn't going to the well with his next two projects. Between the Fantastic Mr. Fox and this, it looks like Wes is changing it up, and just in time, at least to me. Hopefully he can just throw his style into these two. Can't wait to see more. What about you guys?

- Lets put a rumor to bed...Phillip Seymour Hoffman is NOT going to be the Penguin in Batman 3...

“No one has talked to me about it ever — never,” replied Hoffman. “It happened, like, five years ago, too. It was a rumor back then and it’s still a rumor. [laughs] It’s just in the press. It’s funny.”

Thanks to the Movie Blog for the quote, and I hope this puts all Batman 3 rumors to bed.

- There's a new Quantum of Solace trailer out, and it kicks a ton of ass...


Thoughts?

- Finally, and this isn't news, but I saw this poster over at the Movie Blog, and I thought it was so bad ass and really funny, that I thought I would share it with you guys...Enjoy the brilliance...



Come back later for more news and notes!!!

Go see something good!