Deadpool Fans Unite for Change…and Quentin Tarantino?

After the rather drama-free departure of Tim Miller from ‘Deadpool 2’ Friday, it’s obvious there’s an empty seat that needs to be filled on this satire-saturated feature film. Fox has no doubt been mining for the perfect successor for the fan admired director. Some fan’s however, have decided to actively take matters into their own rapidly typing hands.

Sunday on Change.org, a petition-organizing site for the masses, fans assembled to gather votes to have directing tour de force Quentin Tarantino take to the set for our beloved merc-with-a-mouth. Carl Champion Jr., the creator of the petition is quite confident in the success that having the Academy Award winning Tarantino on the project would bring:

“If there was ever a chance to see Tarantino do a project almost guaranteed to make a billion dollars, this is it. We got a great taste of what this could be like in Kill Bill, but imagine having a guy like Tarantino write dialogue for The Merc with the Mouth! It would be so glorious. Join me!”

Having Tarantino’s spin on our favorite fourth wall-breaking badass would no doubt be something to see, but whether Fox takes the sway of potentially 2500 max dedicated Deadpool supporters is extremely unlikely. The sound of the cash registers at the box office is far too deafening for the clicking of keyboards to be heard over, and it’s the producer’s call on the creative end most of the time.

Thus far, with only 554 votes left to reach the petition goal, at least some of us agree with Champion Jr. Personally, I love Tarantino’s body of work, but I’m not feeling the feels about him potentially taking the directorial reins of the project. I’d rather see Tarantino do his own thing on his own projects, where he so often shines in full effect. With Deadpool having such an ardent protector and producer in star Ryan Reynolds, who’s vision of the character is so razor-focused it pushes any occluding visions completely out of the way, the next director will no doubt be a handpicked accompaniment to his dyed in the sites dedication. 

SOURCES: CHANGE.ORG, CBR.COM

‘Deadpool 2’ Drama: Ami-Cable Split?

Director Tim Miller parted ways with the rest of his former collaborators on the ‘Deadpool 2’ movie Friday, with the term ‘creative differences’ used as the core cause of his exodus.

According to The Wrap, it seems that the film’s leading actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, who renegotiated his deal with Fox in the time since the first Deadpool           installment to include casting and “other creative controls,” had a different vision in a few key areas; the casting of long-time fan favorite Cable was possibly the main cause of the lack of resolution between the two.  It seems that Miller was exploring the option of casting actor Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights, Bloodline), and Reynolds was just not having it.

Any actor chosen for the role would ideally have some sort of chemistry with Cable’s ally with benefits, Domino (currently casting with a shortlist in tow), but there are still a lot of variables to mull over in that dilemma. I think Kyle Chandler is an incredible actor, but do I see him as Cable, the time-tumbling prodigal Summers son? Not really. I’m more on Reynolds’ side there. I’ve heard actor Stephen Lang‘s name being fervishly tossed around as a candidate, but I’m not sure how I feel about that quite yet, either. I’m sure we’ll get a lot of great contenders including him for the role as I’d love to see it done right. Crossing my fingers, and feeling confident putting my faith in Mr. Reynolds, as usual.

SOURCES: THE WRAP, SCREENRANT

‘Jessica Jones’: All Women Directors for Season 2

The depiction of rape and sexual violence towards women has been alluded to, and written into storylines for decades, and each time I view such a storyline, I can’t help but overanalyze it with a bit of a racing mind. Being a writer who’s even had some of this particularly damaging imagery in my own stories to help lend a voice to those who need it, I was emotionally eviscerated with relief when Season 1 of ‘Jessica Jones’ took the subject head on.

With its main character of Jessica being a survivor of rape, and outrageously outspoken about everything to nearly a volatile level, the show’s efforts soaked in all the feels and displayed the actions that come with being branded with such a trauma; these include violent outbursts, binge drinking, and distancing one’s self from everyone trying to contain the heartbreak bleed out.

‘Jessica Jones’ showrunner, Melissa Rosenberg announced during her keynote panel at the Transform Hollywood symposium that all 13 episodes of Jessica Jones season 2 will be directed by women. Marvel has had an ongoing initiative to diversify across its media boards, and this is just a fantastic effort in that vein. The maturity level, overall graphic telemetry, social diatribes, and emotional content that Marvel has been pouring into its Netflix offerings is truly impressive. Seeing that reflected behind the cameras is a fitting feather in that extending wingspan.

Rosenberg went on during the panel to speak on being in the industry:

“I think the only reason I’m sitting here is because of tenacity. It’s a tough business. You really have to be able to take a hit… I’ve gotten fired so many times, I can’t even count now… That’s the nature of the business, it’s really hard. You have to be able to pick yourself up and say that tomorrow is going to be better than today.”

Tenacity is that rare savory sting of metallic determination on the palate of any person’s career; once you get a taste for it or of it, you can’t live without it scraping the pages of your life. The character of Jessica Jones is striding towards crafting a better life for herself, moving forward from crushing past events, as JJ season 2 starts filming after ‘The Defenders’ which is set to begin in November of this year. Tomorrow may not be coming today, but it is coming, and that is something beautiful for any survivor out there.

Melissa Rosenberg

SOURCES: SCREENRANT, VARIETY 

‘Deadpool 2’: Tim Miller Bows Out

Creative differences should be on the radar of pretty much any writing team as that thing you say when there’s nothing else to say, and listed as ‘that other silent killer.’ According to Deadline, Director Tim Miller has amicably stepped away from the upcoming ‘Deadpool 2,’ due to these aforementioned ‘creative differences’ between him and the film’s star and producer, Ryan Reynolds. This news no doubt will make fans of the first Deadpool outing writhe in their collective seats a little (myself included), as the tone and delivery of the film’s cinematic feel and action was perhaps just eerily glorious.

Miller has been re-delegated by Fox to’Influx’ based off the David Suarez novel that will feature a Mark Bombek script, and is slated for a 2018 release.

Having been with Deadpool posse Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese,  and Paul Wernick since his 2011, it’s sad to see Miller go, but the days of future forward look promising for all those involved.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Ryan Reynolds’ “Very Special” Relationship with Deadpool

When I think of truly championing a project, I’d like to envision putting myself between my main character, and anyone that could compromise the integrity of his or her original voice. I’d love to think I would negotiate fiendishly to defend the authenticity of the character’s honor. Their likes and dislikes would be categorized. I’d be ready to dive into the trenches for them, for as long as it might take. Actor Ryan Reynolds has been such a champion for our beloved merc-with-a-mouth, Deadpool for the better part of a decade, and it hasn’t been an easy romp in the park.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mr. Reynolds spoke about his casual to intimate relationship with the character, who’s R-Rated lifestyle hadn’t always been the ideal reel deal for unconvinced studio execs:

“Deadpool is probably the most unpolished superhero out there, and it gave us this almost unfair advantage. We used this opportunity over and over because we had a character that is a total misfit and f—ing rascal. I can channel this guy in a way I just can’t seem to channel anything else. When it comes to Deadpool’s sensibility, and certainly his sense of humor, I feel like we were born on the same end of the spectrum.”

After a bit of test footage shot by director Tim Miller was leaked to the hungry jaws of the internet, Deadpool was green lit with shocking speed, and no one was more satisfied with that outcome than Reynolds himself. With a polite $60 million dollar budget as fashioned by Fox, he and fellow writers Rhett Reese, and Paul Wernick delivered an enormously successful, honest-to-merc version of the saucy, ‘tude toting Deadpool, and now look forward to the next chapter of his story as ‘Deadpool 2’ is currently casting and set for a 2017 release.

“There’s no one like him. He has a mercenary way of looking at things, and there’s a humor and darkness to his personality that allows you to take him to places that no other superhero character could enter. It’s a dream to be able to take on this role and push the envelope.”

SOURCE: THR, OBSERVER CULTURE

Tilda Swinton Talks ‘Doctor Strange’ Whitewashing; Ancient One Prequel

Last night at the world premiere for Doctor Strange in Hollywood, actress Tilda Swinton who plays the Ancient One (a Tibetan man in the comics) weighed in on the controversy surrounding the whitewashing of her role.

They need to see the film to understand why Scott Derrickson and Kevin Feige decided to reimagine the Ancient One as a woman. People shouting loud and proud about needing more diversity in Hollywood cinema have got us right behind them.

You heard her people, keep shouting. But as important as the need for diversity is in Hollywood we have to remind ourselves that it’s also important to cast whomever the right person is in the role, regardless of race. Director Scott Derrickson  has already stated that the role of The Ancient One was reimagined with Swinton in the part for the film and that if Swinton did not take the role, the character would have been rewritten from the ground up.

Screencrush also dropped a tidbit from an upcoming interview with Swinton that will come out sooner to the release of Doctor Strange where Swinton expressed her interest in a solo film featuring the mystic mentor and sorcerer.

Swinton:

I’m pretty confidently dropping hints in Kevin Feige’s ear about a prequel, I’m constantly harassing him about that. I don’t know if it’ll get anywhere.

Doctor Strange hits theaters November 4, 2016.

SOURCES: VARIETY, SCREENCRUSH, THR

James Wan Teases Swashbuckling Action Adventure in ‘Aquaman’

Warner Brothers and DC Entertainment caught the world’s attention when it was announced that Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa would be starring in the title role of Aquaman. Add director James Wan (The Conjuring, Furious 7) to the mix and you’ve got something that not even the disappointing Batman V. Superman could stop from making truckloads of money. Even the most vocal of the Batman V. Superman haters are ready to hand over their hard-earned cash to see the former Khal Drago as the first ever on-screen King of the Sea (no, Vinnie Chase doesn’t count).

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wan teased a swashbuckling action adventure quest story that is very much Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Romancing the Stone.

Wan also commented on what to expect from Aquaman and the recently revealed Amber Heard as Mera in the upcoming Justice League.

I think Amber and Jason Momoa, in their moments in Justice League, are going to give the rest of the world a flavor of what their own standalone movie could be. And that is just scratching the surface of what I plan to do.

It will be another year before we get to see Justice League and an even longer wait for Aquaman.

Justice League hits theaters November 17, 2017 and Aquaman drops the following year on July 27, 2018.

SOURCE: EW

‘Doctor Strange’: Red Carpet World Premiere

In case you weren’t one of the lucky few who got to attend the world premiere of Marvel’s latest entry to the MCU, Doctor Strange in Hollywood last night, you can catch up on all the action here including interviews with the entire cast plus other stars from the MCU including Chadwick Boseman, Jessica Henwick and even the chairman of Marvel comics himself, Stan Lee!

Marvel proudly invites one and all to experience the World Premiere of Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” LIVE from Hollywood! On October 20th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET as your favorite stars arrive at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre!

Sponsored by “Marvel Contest of Champions”, this LIVE event, available to watch at marvel.com/doctorstrangepremiere, will get you up close and personal with the cast of “Doctor Strange” like no one else can!

While you’re watching you can also tweet using the hashtags #DoctorStrange, follow @DoctorStrange on Twitter and like Marvel’s Doctor Strange on Facebook at Facebook.com/DoctorStrangeOfficial.

‘Logan’: Hugh Jackman Tweets Tease; Trailer Tomorrow

Fanning the already amped up buzz around Logan, Hugh Jackman shared an all-too-short teaser trailer, announcing that it would be arriving tomorrow. The trail of stunning yet secretive black and white photos that have lead us here, to this only six-second snippet of what’s to come is still satisfying enough to set your collective alarms for the morning.

TOMORROW pic.twitter.com/AIDSK0in1J

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) October 19, 2016

Nature made me a freak, man made me a weapon, and god made it last too long.

Logan hits theaters March 3, 2017.

‘Deadpool 2’: Domino Shortlist

Collider is reporting a shortlist of actresses being considered for the role of Domino in the Deadpool sequel which is currently in development at Fox. The shortlist includes actresses include Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (10 Cloverfield Lane), Sienna Miller (American Sniper),Sofia Boutella (Star Trek Beyond), Stephanie Sigman (Spectre), and Sylvia Hoeks (Overspel).

There’s at least one Bond girl on the list (Sigman), some as well as some other lesser known ready-to-shine talent in the ring as contenders, and it’s going to be fun to see who is selected. At least one character that I would adore seeing alongside our fave wisecracking mercenary-for-hire is the sleek but stone-faced lady mercenary known by many aliases including Neena Thurman, but most often by the tag of Domino.

UPDATE: Collider has just added three more actresses to the list including Ruby Rose (Orange is The New Black), Mackenzie Davis (Halt and Catch Fire) and Kelly Rohrbach (Baywatch). This shortlist doesn’t seem so short anymore.

SOURCES: COLLIDER, MARVEL