News Round-Up: ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Returners; Gareth Edwards’ ‘Star Wars’ Spin-Off; and More
In this week’s edition of News Round-Up, the bulk of the movie news involves casting. For example, I’ll have news on the mutant returners in X-Men: Apocalypse, Johnny Depp in The Secret Life of Houdini, Benedict Cumberbatch in Black Mass, and Robert Pattinson (and De Niro) in Idol’s Eye. In the director section, both Gareth Edwards (in a Star Wars spin-off) and David Gordon Green (in Score) lined up new projects. To finish things off, I’ll run through some of the Cannes Film Festival winners.
Check out all the information below.
Since X-Men: Days of Future Past is officially in the past, it’s time to look forward to the next one (that’s how things work, right?). News came out this week that some of the “original” cast members would return to X-Men: Apocalypse. We already knew Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, and Michael Fassbender would return, but it looks like Patrick Stewart is also coming along for the ride. I am excited, as always, to see what Bryan Singer has to offer on May 27, 2016. (Source: Comingsoon)
Johnny Depp also added to his schedule as he’ll play Houdini in The Secret Life of Houdini. Apparently this project has been bouncing around Hollywood for quite some time. Now it appears Depp will star as Dean Parisot (Red 2) will direct. Production details are limited at this point, but Lionsgate is hoping to start filming in November with a presumed late 2015 release date (if I had to guess). (Source: IndieWire)
Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness) is apparently replacing Guy Pearce (Iron-Man 3) in Black Mass. The movie will be about famed Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger (speaking of Johnny Depp). Cumberbatch will play Bill, Whitey’s brother, in the movie that is directed by Scott Cooper (Out of the Furnace). Expect this one to hit theaters in October of 2015. (Source: EW)
Two Roberts (Robert Pattinson and Robert De Niro) were added to Idol’s Eye. This one will be about two thieves that get in some trouble after robbing an adult store. It’s directed by Olivier Assayas (Something in the Air). As of now this one is without a release date. I’d guess it’ll be in theaters next year. (Source: Collider)
Gareth Edwards, coming off the success of Godzilla, was in the headlines after his name became attached to direct a Star Wars spin-off. Since then, we’ve gotten confirmation that Edwards is still on track to be involved in the Godzilla sequel (which I reported on last week). As for the Star Wars adaptation, it’s not clear who or what the story will focus on (Disney is good at keeping it a secret), but the movie will fill the December 16, 2016 release date slot. (Source: The Guardian)
David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express), a director with a seemingly endless docket of movie releases (he has directed Prince Avalanche and Joe in the last two years and is currently working on Manglehorn), is attached to direct Score. This one will put him in the college football arena. Since the project was just announced, we don’t know many production or casting details. We’ll try to keep you posted. (Source: First Showing)
To finish things off, I wanted to quickly mention the Cannes Film Festival winners. Cannes is one of the biggest festivals, but it is noteworthy because it is in the middle of the year and serves as a launching platform for end-of-the-year movies. Although Winter Sleep took the top prize, the Palme d’Or, it is worth mentioning the much-talked-about Foxcatcher (by Moneyball director Bennett Miller) took home the Best Director prize. For the full list of winners, check out the source. (Source: Cannes)
Come back tomorrow for the latest clips and movie releases.
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