‘It’ Smashes Box Office Records and J.J. Abrams is New Episode IX Director

The latest Stephen King adaptation, It, came out this past weekend, and it definitely left its mark in the box office. It was originally projected to make $50-60 million in its opening weekend, a number that is amazing on its own. However, surprising many people it managed to more than double those predictions and make $123 million in its opening weekend. This broke many box office records including:

• Largest September Opening (Beating Hotel Transylvania 2 which opened with $48.5 million in 2015)
• Largest Fall Opening (Gravity previously having this with a $55.8 million opening in 2013)
• Largest Horror Movie Opening (Paranormal Activity 3 brought in $52.6 million in 2011)
• Largest Stephen King Adaptation Opening (1408 came in at only $20.6 million in 2007)
• Second Largest Opening For an R-Rated Film (Of course, Deadpool is in first place with $132 million in 2016)
• Widest R-Rated Opening (It opened in 4,103 theaters beating Logan‘s 4,073 record)
• Second Highest Total Gross For a Stephen King Adaptation (Unadjusted for inflation The Green Mile is in first place; Adjusted for inflation It is in seventh place)

I think we can all agree that this is one of the biggest box office surprises of the year. No one expected this to open this big. It even made more that Spider-Man: Homecoming, which opened at $117 million. You also have to keep in mind that there could have been a bigger opening if Hurricane Irma didn’t close down theaters in Florida. I do have admit that I haven’t seen It yet because we had family over from the hurricane, so I had to stay with them. I do send my condolences to all in Florida that were affected and the families of those who were affected by Hurricane Irma. Movies are fun to talk about, but real life is more important. Because of all that, I plan to see It next weekend. In the mean time, I’m working on another Stephen King movie review that should go up sometime this week. Guess what it is in the comments!

Image via Warner Bros.

In other news, Star Wars: Episode IX has a new director. Starwars.com announced that J.J. Abrams will return from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to work on the final film in the new Star Wars trilogy. Abrams will direct the film and co-write it with Oscar-winning Chris Terrio. Kathleen Kennedy made the following statement:

“With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,”

Image via IMDb

I think this quote says what my thoughts are on Abrams returning. I loved The Force Awakens, it was a great reintroduction to the universe that was one of the most enjoyable Star Wars movies to date. I said in one of my previous articles that I thought Rian Johnson would direct Episode IX, so this is somewhat surprising to me. I am excited that J.J. is coming back, he will probably bring the fun feel that The Force Awakens had the close out the trilogy in a high note. However, I would have liked to see a new take for Episode IX instead of bringing back Abrams, but I’m certainly not upset by the choice they made. 

What do you think of It doing extremely well this weekend? Do you want to see J.J. Abrams return to direct Episode IX? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Colin Trevorrow Leaves ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

After Disney bought Lucasfilm, there was a plan to make more Star Wars movies with a new trilogy with that. We’ve had two new Star Wars movies so far with three more officially announced on the way. They had a plan for who would direct each film, and when they would release. Lucasfilm wrote a report saying that Colin Trevorrow would no longer be directing Star Wars: Episode IX. They released the following statement:

“Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.”

This is very concerning for many Star Wars fans, especially after the recent news that Lord and Miller would not direct the Han Solo stand alone movie, well into production, with Ron Howard stepping in the finish the film. Lucasfilm hasn’t announced a new director yet, but they did say in their statement that updates would be coming soon. 

Image via Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm seems to be having some problems with keeping their visions straight with their directors. The same thing happened when Lord and Miller were removed from the Han Solo movie. However, according to multiple reports that was a case of the directors agreeing to make one movie and instead making a slapstick comedy. If that’s what happened, it wasn’t completely  Lucasfilm’s fault. The crazy thing about that director change was that they only had weeks of filming left, so they had already made the majority of the film when they left. Lucasfilm seemed to have learned their lesson this time, separating before production starts on the film. This would remove problems with mixing ideas inside the film and how much time is spent on reshoots.

Like I said, many fans are upset by this because it’s the second time in a row this has happened. I think those concerns are absolutely valid While I’m not really worried about it, it only makes sense to be apprehensive now with the same thing happening twice. I don’t think Lucasfilm is falling apart or anything like that, but something is going on whether that’s a major thing or a minor thing.

Image via Lucasfilm

On the other hand, some fans are happy about this news based on Trevorrow’s filmography. While Jurassic World was one of the biggest movies of all time, it was not received very well critically. Also, Book of Henry failed critically and in the box office. I didn’t bother seeing Book of Henry because of lack of interest and review. But, I did see Jurassic World and I thought it was a fun movie, however it had script and structural problems along with that. I think the most likely choice to direct Episode IX is Rian Johnson. Disney seems to be very pleased with what he’s done with The Last Jedi, and it makes sense for him to go from Episode VII to IX. It would be a smooth transition to have the same director with the two films. 
Like all movie news, let’s not freak out just because of this one story. Let’s wait to see who is the new director, a trailer, or better yet wait until the movie itself comes out. While it’s natural to be concerned, we can’t judge the movie until we see it.

What do you think about Colin Trevorrow leaving Episode IX? Do you feel apprehensive? Who do you think will direct now? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Warner Bros. Eyeing Leonardo DiCaprio to Play Joker

After the recent news of a standalone Joker movie set outside of the DCEU, the one question many fans have been asking is “Who will play the Joker?” It looks like Warner Bros. it’s looking at one of the greatest actors working today, Leonardo DiCaprio, to take on the role.

In a report from THR, it was said that Warner Bros. wants to get Leonardo DiCaprio to star in the Martin Scorsese produced Joker film. This could help legitimize the film to be awards worthy with Scorsese and DiCaprio both involved. DiCaprio has been nominated for five Oscars for acting roles, winning his lastest one. This would be a major change for the look on this film is this works out. DiCaprio hasn’t been given an offer yet and Scorsese isn’t even officially signed on to produce yet. This is only what Warner Bros. plan is at the moment, nothing is set in stone.

Image via DC Comics

Getting DiCaprio in the film would obviously be a fantastic choice. He’s worked with Scorsese multiple times in films like Gangs of New York, The Departed, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Although Scorsese won’t be directing, the two of them have proven they work well together. I think it will be interesting to see a DC movie that doesn’t have to connect to a larger universe and can tell its own story. As long as they wait until their current universe is well established, this could turn out to be very successful. However, If I could have anyone to play the Joker I would have Daniel Day-Lewis. I know he’s retiring after his next film, but wouldn’t it be awesome to see his take on the Joker? He just seems like he could give a Joker we haven’t seen before.

What do you thing about Leonardo DiCaprio being Joker? Do you like the idea? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Also, are there any topics you would like me to discuss? Leave them in the comments and I’ll be sure to write about them.

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Joss Whedon Gets Writing Credit For ‘Justice League’

Joss Whedon is officially a writer for the next DC film, Justice League after taking over for Zack Snyder. Earlier this year, Snyder left the film due to family problems, and Joss Whedon took over to direct reshoots and oversee post-production. One of the many questions fans had was who would get credit as director. This question was emphasized when reshoots went on for months, which is much longer than normal, and people started to wonder how much was being reshot by Whedon. Reshoots went on for so long that it got in the way of Henry Cavill shooing Mission Impossible 6, meaning that he had to keep a moustache while shooting which cost Warner Bros. money to digitally remove it. In a press release from WB, Joss Whedon is credited as a writer for the film with Zack Snyder as director.

Image via Warner Bros.

I’ve been wondering who would get credit as director since Whedon first stepped in to take up the film. Rumors went around that he was shooting 50% of the film over again, which raised some questions of who’s film it would be. Joss Whedon coming on was a great decision, he has proven that he can handle big budget movies with both Avengers movies. He has also proven that he can focus on characters while making a fun action movie, which are both things that Justice League needs. Since Joss Whedon is a writer, he probably had a big hand in reworking the script.

According to the WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) you have to be responsible for 33% of a script to be credited as a writer in the final movie. This means that he had a major part in the script. Joss Whedon as a writer is very promising based on his previous works. It seems like WB is really trying to get this movie right. Despite their track record so far, I have high hopes for Justice League.

Image via Warner Bros.

What do you think of Joss Whedon as a writer? Leave your comments down below.

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Joker and Harley Quinn Movie In The Works

DC sure seems to love Joker. THR reports that Warner Bros. is working on a DC movie centered on the villains Joker and Harley Quinn. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa from Crazy, Stupid, Love, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and This is Us will be directing the movie. Jared Leto and Margot Robbie. The film is being described as a “criminal love story”, one insider says it’s  “an insane and twisted love story. When Harry Met Sally on benzedrine.” This movie will take place in the DCEU, not in the separate DC universe with the Martin Scorsese Joker movie.

Image via Warner Bros.

This is the strangest time to reveal this news. Right after they say a Joker movie outside of the extended universe is being made, another Joker movie goes into development. Also, there was a mix up with Matt Reeves claiming that his Batman movie would not take place in the extended universe. This was cleared up on Twitter with Reeves saying it would take place in the DCEU, but this shows how DC doesn’t really have a game plan. If you look at the list of movies they are working on, it just seems like they’re announcing movies just because they’re cool ideas.

• Justice League
• Aquaman
• Shazam!
• Wonder Woman II
• Cyborg
• Green Lantern Corps
• Justice League Dark
• The Flash: Flashpoint
• Justice League 2
• Man of Steel 2
• Gotham City Sirens
• Black Adam
• Nightwing
• Batgirl
• The Batman
• Joker and Harley Quinn Movie
• Standalone Joker Movie

That’s 17 movies that DC has in development. Granted, Justice League comes out in November, and Aquaman is shooting currently. Also, Shazam! will go into production soon, and Wonder Woman II has a release date. But, that leaves 13 movies that they don’t have dates for, and some no directors for. I just don’t see any direction for the universe at all. Honestly, I would like to see every one of the movies on that list. (except maybe Suicide Squad 2) So, I really want them to figure themselves out. It does seem like The Batman is making progress, but new movies are announced all the time. They just need to slow down, figure out what order they want to release the movies, then work on new projects after they make a few more.

Image via Wikipedia

As for the idea of a Joker and Harley Quinn movie, I like the idea. However, I was not a fan of Jared Leto’s Joker. I appreciated him taking a risk and going really far with the portrayal, but i just didn’t think it was they best way to use the character. On the other hand, I absolutely loved Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. I thought she was the best part of Suicide Squad. The relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn is very tragic, especially in the Animated Series, and it has potential for story. So, sure I do like the idea, I just think they should wait it out before doing any other movies. I’d like to see a game plan for the universe before anything else come out. If they announce a release slate, I’ll be all for these movies, but until then I’m apprehensive about all these movies.

What do you think of the Joker and Harley Quinn movie? Do you like the idea? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Martin Scorsese Produced Joker Standalone Movie On The Way

Warner Bros. is developing a standalone DC movie focused on the origin of the Joker based on an article from Deadline. Todd Philips (The Hangover, War Dogs) will direct the film and co-write it with Scott Silver (8 Mile, The Fighter). Jared Leto will not be playing the Joker, and it will not take place within the DCEU. Warner Bros. is planing to use the film to launch a line of DC movies that are unique takes on iconic characters outside of the DCEU. As of now, the film is set in a 1980s Gotham City. Another report says that Martin Scorsese is set to produce the film.

 Image via Warner Bros.

Fans are pretty upset with this idea. I have to agree with some of the concerns. The way the report states it is that DC is looking to make this a movie based on the origin of the Joker, which I don’t want to see. The Joker works because you don’t know where he came from. No one knows how he became the clown prince of crime. It was handled perfectly in The Dark Knight and the fake stories he made up about how he got his scars. One graphic novel, The Killing Joke, gave him an origin story that wasn’t so in-depth that it ruined the character. If they make a movie focused on Joker in his early years, I would be interested in seeing that. One of the other problems is that DC is just starting their shared universe now.

Right now, DC only has four movies in their shared universe, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and Wonder Woman. They also only have two movies officially slated to come out, Justice League and Aquaman. Now is not the time to start a separate universe because they’re barely getting this universe back on track after the negative reviews and box office. (Excluding Wonder Woman) I think they should get their supposedly “in development” movies like The Batman, Batgirl, Gotham City Sirens, and Nightwing up and going before they do another universe of movies. The separate universe is similar to a line of DC comics called “Elseworlds”, which is when they do an alternate take on certain characters that are each in their own respective universes. For example, there is a story called Speeding Bullets when Clark Kent lands in Gotham City and becomes Batman. I’m fine with them doing separate movies, I actually think it’s a cool idea, but they should wait a little bit longer.

Image via Warner Bros.

This story is certainly interesting. Martin Scorsese being involved is definitely the most surprising thing about it. Even though he’s only producing, he could still have a say in certain elements of the film. The thing we always have to remember is, we don’t know anything until we see the final product. It’s fun to speculate and discuss news stories, but it’s not worth freaking out when the movie isn’t even written yet.

What do you think about the Joker movie? Do you think it’s a good idea? Start a discussion in the comments below.

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Obi Wan Kenobi Spinoff Movie in the Works

It looks like the next Star Wars spinoff will be a much requested one, Obi Wan Kenobi.

The Hollywood Reporter wrote an exclusive article revealing that Lucasfilm is developing the next Star Wars movie that will come out after Episode IX, and it will be focused on the character of Obi Wan Kenobi. Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) is in early talks to direct the film.  The report goes on to say that multiple spinoffs are being considered including a Yoda movie and a Boba Fett movie. No details have been announced about the cast or plot details.

I think we’ve all been asking for this movie. Of all the possible ideas for a spinoff, Obi Wan has probably been one with the highest demand. He has the most story potential. There’s a huge gap between episodes III and IV where we know nothing about what Obi Wan was doing. Ewan McGregor has expressed a lot of interest in coming back to play the character, so it would make sense for him to come back. I’d really love to see him third and so would the rest of the fans. 

Image via Lucasfilm

As much as I do want the Obi Wan movie, I would like to see Lucasfilm stray away from character that we already know. The article goes on to say that Boba Fett and Yoda movies are in development. I feel like the Star Wars universe is starting to seem small. If we keep relying on characters that we already know, then there’s less expansion of the world. Star Wars is filled with thousands of possibilities. There are countless planets, alien species, and stories to make movies about. You could tell so many stories that don’t have to do with any of the trilogies and stand in their own. I think there is a certain mentality that people won’t see a Star Wars movie if it doesn’t have familiar characters. I think The Force Awakens proved that wrong because while Han Solo was in the trailers, he was a very small part of them. It shows that the creators are perfectly capable of establishing new character and getting audiences instantly attached to them like Rey and Finn. 

Variety adds in their report that a Jabba the Hutt movie is also being considered. Surprisingly enough, I think this idea has potential if they take it in a certain direction. I wouldn’t want a movie centered around Jabba the Hutt, but if you could make a Star Wars movie based in the underworld, I think that would be something really different and interesting. It could be like a Star Wars gangster movie. Jabba could be in the movie of course, but not the main character. If he is the focus of the movie, I’m not interested. However, if he is a side note it could be really good. Just keep in mind that the Yoda, Boba Fett, and Jabba movies might not even happen. They are just being considered. 

Image via Lucasfilm

As far as the Obi Wan news, I think it has a lot of different ways it could go. Depending on where the movie will be set. Like I said, I do want new character in my spinoffs, but Obi wan is one of the only exceptions to get me excited.

What do you think of the Obi Wan movie? Are you excited? Do you think Ewan McGregor will return? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Ben Affleck as Batman and Why I’ve Stopped Caring

In case you didn’t hear, in an interview at Fenway Park, Casey Affleck discussed his brother, Ben Affleck, as Batman. While talking he said, “He’s not going to do that movie, I don’t think. Sorry to say.” Now, many people are saying that he was joking when saying this, but that’s not the point today.

Ben Affleck’s involvement in the DCEU has been a rocky journey. If you look at the past of everything that has been said about him and this solo Batman movie, it’s really hard to take anything they say seriously.

• Ben Affleck is Directing The Batman
• January 10, 2017 – Ben Affleck says the movie is going well
• January 30, 2017 – Ben Affleck will not direct The Batman 
• January 31, 2017 – Matt Reeves is frontrunner to direct
• February 10, 2017 – Matt Reeves to direct
• February 17, 2017 – Matt Reeves leaves the project
• February 23, 2017 – Matt Reeves back on to direct
• July 21, 2017 – Warner Bros. looking to usher Ben Affleck out of the DCEU
• July 22, 2017 – Ben Affleck says he loves being Batman at Comic Con
• August 18, 2017 – Casey Affleck says Ben Affleck will not be in The Batman

  

  Image via Warner Bros.

This has gotten to the point where I won’t believe anything that is said until I sit in the theater and see the credits for the movie. I’m just tired of hearing stories every week saying that either Affleck is happy being Batman, that he’s leaving, that he’s staying for one more movie, or that ht’e even doing a whole trilogy. At this point, I just don’t care. Don’t get me wrong, I really loved Ben Affleck as Batman. He was my absolute favorite part of Batman v Superman. If it were up to me, I’d have him stay forever in the role. But, with all these rumors and news stories coming out, I just can’t deal with it anymore. Until Ben Affleck or Warner Bros. definitively says that he absolutely will play Batman, I’m not going take the res of these statements with a grain of salt. So, if you want to know what I think of what Casey Affleck said, I guess it could be true. They are brothers so he probably knows certain things about him, but there is a good chance he was joking. I don’t have much to say other than that.

What do you think of Ben Affleck being Batman? Do you think he will stay? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Sony Sets New Release Dates (‘Silver & Black’,’Sicario 2′)

Sony has set release date for some of their upcoming films in the next two years including Silver & Black and Sicario 2: Soldado.

Image via Sony

Silver & Black, the Spider-Man spin off that takes place out of the MCU, will release around Valentine’s Day on February 8, 2019. It will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and will feature the characters Silver Sable and Black Cat. This is only four months after the first spin off,Venom, starring Tom Hardy. 

It’s now confirmed that Anne Hathaway will star in the Barbie movie, which has been pushed to August 8, 2018 from July 29, 2018. The article also notes that Bad Boys for Life has been completely removed from the schedule. It was originally supposedly to come out in November 9, 2018 after many release date pushes. 

Sicario 2: Soldado, the sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s film in 2015, Sicario, will release on June 29, 2018. Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro will return being directed by Stefano Sollima. The article also highlights some smaller movies being released like The Nightgale on January 25, 2019, Homes and Watson, the Seth Rogan and Will Ferrell comedy, on November 9, 2018, and The Rosie Project on May 10, 2019. 

I hope Silver & Black ends up being really good. I’ve said this a thousand times, but I’m not a fan of what Sony is doing with the spinoffs, but Venom is looking promising with the casting. Hopefully both movies can end up succeeding. I’m also really looking forward to the Sicario sequel. The first movie was amazing. It’s not a rewatchable movie, but it is very well made. Denis Villeneuve is the main thing that makes that movie work, however I am open to see what the new director can do.

Image via Screen Rant

What do you think of these dates? What movies are you looking forward to? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 
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Riz Ahmed in Talks for ‘Venom’

Looks like the one of the stars of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be in Sony’s new Spider-Man spinoff movie, Venom. 

Image via standard.co.uk

THR reports that Riz Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Jason Bourne, and The Night Of) is in talks to be in Venom, the Solo movie for the Spider-Man villain. The report states that he will not play the villain of the movie, Carnage, who Sony is still looking to cast. The movie will star Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/Venom and be directed by Ruben Fleischer. 

The Sony movie movie, Venom, has gone through some confusion as to its involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One moment it was separate, then it was in it, then it was separate again. As of now, it will not take place within the Spider-Man: Homecoming universe. It will be a completely separate story focusing on Venom. Riz Ahmed is a great up and coming actor who will be getting lots of work once he builds up his filmography further. Even though I’m not completely satisfied with Sony’s decision to make this movie, this adds a second great cast member and make me a little bit more optimistic about the movie.

Image via Screen Rant

What do you think about Riz Ahmed being cast? Leave your comments below.
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