Welcome to the first installment of The Rushes: Weekly News Roundup! We’ll give you the top ten news stories in the movie world from the past week, along with a little commentary. Feel free to send suggestions to screenerscast@gmail.com!
James Franco Developing Shel Silverstein Biopic
In one of the more unexpected stories of the week, a biopic about renowned children’s author Shel Silverstein will be directed by star James Franco. The film will be an adaptation of Lisa Rogak’s book “A Boy Named Shel”. While Franco might not have been the first person to come to mind for this project, it’s intriguing. He’s getting raves (and Oscar buzz) for his latest biopic, The Disaster Artist. If he can do it for Tommy Wiseau, why not Silverstein?
Production Halts on Bryan Singer’s Queen Biopic
Bryan Singer’s Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody may be in trouble, as production was suddenly halted this week. Production on the movie is apparently very close to completion, but rumor has it that Singer hadn’t been showing up to set. A statement from his reps say there is “a personal health matter” preventing him from the filming. Still, with new sexual assault allegations taking down many men in Hollywood, decades of rumors about Singer may be catching up to him. It’s too bad that the film, starring Rami Malek, may get caught up in the shuffle. I’ve been looking forward to this movie for some time.
Quentin Tarantino’s Manson Film Release Date
Tarantino’s highly anticipated ninth film, currently untitled, will come to theaters on August 9th, 2019. The film will in some way involve the Manson murders, though the actual plot is still under wraps. That release date isn’t exactly random: it marks the 50th anniversary of Sharon Tate’s murder. With actors like Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and Margot Robbie circling the project, this is shaping up to be an incredible film.
Margot Robbie Working on Third Harley Quinn Spinoff
While promoting her new movie I, Tonya, Margot Robbie revealed that she’s developing a “totally separate” Harley Quinn spinoff movie. This is significant because it’s technically the fifth announced Harley Quinn movie in development. Yes, the fifth: A Harley Quinn solo film, a Harley Quinn & Joker film, Gotham City Sirens, Birds of Prey, and of course Suicide Squad 2. There are a staggering 22 DC movies that have been announced as in development, so you can go ahead and assume most of them will never actually happen.
David S. Goyer to Direct Masters of The Universe
The reboot of Masters of The Universe has been in development for years, but may finally be getting off the ground again. David S. Goyer, the screenwriter behind Batman Begins and Man of Steel, as well as director of Blade: Trinity, will helm the new film. McG had most recently linked to the adaptation but left the project in April.
Hellboy Gets January 2019 Release Date
The Hellboy reboot will hit theaters on January 11, 2019. Starring David Harbour as the title character, this movie is looking to be grittier and darker than Guillermo del Toro’s franchise, as they’re aiming for an R-rating. While January can often be a dumping ground for bad movies, since they’ve set this date so far in advance, it must be a strategic move.
Disney’s Mulan Casts Lead Role
While the new Lion King has been getting attention for its high profile casting, the new live-action Mulan has set their leading lady: Chinese actress Liu Yifei. Also known as Crystal Liu, Yifei is one of China’s biggest stars. Niki Caro is directing the adaptation. No word yet on if Mushu will be playing a role, much to my chagrin.
Matthew Vaughn Circling New Spec Script
The mysterious spec script Courage may be getting a strong director: Matthew Vaughn. Though we don’t have any real details on the film, written by Karl Gajdusek, writer and producer of Stranger Things, it’s described as “an epic action sci-fi drama in the vein of Inception or Edge of Tomorrow.” Anything directed by Matthew Vaughn is worth keeping an eye on, especially something this epic.
All The Money In The World Completes Reshoots
In a staggering turnaround, Ridley Scott has already completed reshoots on his upcoming film All The Money In The World Completes Reshoots to replace Kevin Spacey, embattled with sexual assault allegations, with Christopher Plummer. It’s astonishing how quickly this has all happened. Reshoots were first announced on Nov. 8th, and a new TV spot with Plummer appeared on Nov. 29th. According to Scott, the film is still set for its Dec. 22nd release date, with press screenings happening even sooner.
Redmayne and Jones to Pair For The Aeronauts
The Theory of Everything co-stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones will team up yet again for The Aeronauts. This action adventure film will tell the story of “two 19th century hot air balloonists.” Directed by Tom Harper, this sounds like it could be a unique, fun movie. I absolutely loved Redmayne and Jones in Theory of Everything, so I’m in for this one.
Which projects are you excited for? Let us know on Twitter (@screenerscast), and send us stories for next week’s Rushes!