News Round-Up: Spider-Man Joins Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brad Pitt Joins Robert Zemeckis Movie, and More
In an epic week of new news breaks, below outlines the huge announcement that Spider-Man would join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This, in turn, has an effect on Sinister Six and future Marvel/Disney release dates. Outside of that, there’s news below about Fifty Shades of Grey sequels along with the announcement that Neighbors 2 will, in fact, happen. Other than that, I have casting that involves Brad Pitt (in an untitled romantic thriller) and Keanu Reeves/Christina Hendricks (in The Neon Demon).
All the news stories can be found below. Make sure to check out this week’s trailers, posters, and photos if you missed them, too.
Although there are plenty of big news stories each week, there are rare blockbusters like what we learned this week about Spider-Man and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Before this week, Sony held exclusive rights to Spidey on film. However, a deal was reached to include a new Spider-Man (not to be confused with the recent reboot that starred Andrew Garfield) alongside all the Avengers. More details are to come but he’ll join the MCU (he plays a big part in the Civil War storyline) then eventually get a solo film (there’s more on release dates below). You bet the casting announcement will be a big deal. Your move DC! (Source: Marvel)
With the big Spider-Man news, people began wondering about the already-planned spin-offs, including the Sinister Six adaptation. The good news is the projects look like they’re moving forward. However, everything has, understandably, been delayed a bit. With a new Spider-Man joining the MCU, there are actually plenty of potential plot choices in Sinister Six that weren’t imaginable before. Again, keep your ears peeled for more information on the Spider-Man spin-offs. (Source: CinemaBlend)
Like it or not, the Fifty Shades of Grey mania is upon us. With the first adaptation (directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson) set to release this weekend, it was announced that sequels were already in development. This surely isn’t a shock; it’s more of a confirmation. Two sequels are in the works and they should star Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson again. We’ll have to wait for casting confirmations, the chosen director(s), and respective release date. (Source: Collider)
Also in the new projects category came the news break that Neighbors 2 is moving forward. Last year’s comedy overarchieved in some ways, making it a prime candidate for the sequel treatment. The sequel will bring back Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, and Zac Efron. This time around the plot will focus on a sorority and Rogen’s character will enlist the help of Efron’s character in a funny little plot twist. Director Nicholas Stoller will also be back and the release date is currently set for May 13, 2016 with a production date set for this summer. (Source: THR)
Brad Pitt made headlines this week as well when he was cast in Robert Zemeckis’ (Forrest Gump) untitled romantic thriller. Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of plot details outside the setting (World War II). The scope, though, is rumored to be pretty big so it’s worth keeping tabs on. We’ll update you with a title and release date when we get them. (Source: Variety)
Keanu Reeves and Christina Hendricks (Drive) joined Nicolas Wending Refn’s (Drive) The Neon Demon as well. The female-driven horror film also stars Elle Fanning (Super 8), Jena Malone (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), and is set to start production on March 30th. A release date will come later on. (Source: The A.V. Club)
Circling back around to the Spider-Man-Marvel story, the biggest release dates involve the ripple effects of those future plans. Disney and Marvel have altered their schedules to include a new movie on July 28, 2017. This also means Thor: Ragnarok (now November 3, 2017), Black Panther (now July 6, 2018), Inhumans (now November 2, 2018), and Captain Marvel (now July 12, 2019) changed their plans. Avengers: Infinity Wars Part 1 & Part 2 stayed the same, though. Update your calendars now! (Source: Collider)
Come back tomorrow for some new clips.
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