The amount of news out there is virtually non-existent at this moment so I’ve done my best to put together a patchwork of stories that may capture your attention or at least pass five minutes or so of your time in-between balancing spreadsheets and answering phone calls. First there’s news of a new director for the live-action adaptation of Akira, a rumor involving Russell Brand and Pirates of the Caribbean 5, a new name joins the Gangster Squad, Cassel is considered for Boyle’s Trance and another pic from the set of The Dark Knight Rises. What fun, let’s begin…
Albert Hughes (The Book of Eli) recently dropped out of directing the live action adaptation of the graphic novel “Akira” leaving the project in something of a state of limbo, but it is now being reported Warner Bros. is returning to a familiar face in Unknown and Orphan helmer Jaume Collet-Sera to direct the feature. Akira will move the action from Tokyo to a rebuilt New Manhattan, where Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, sets out to save his friend, Tetsuo, from a government secret project known as Akira.
There are no casting details yet though Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy were among names short-listed for Tetsuo while Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix were being eyed for the role of Kaneda. The film is expected to carry something along the lines of a $90 million budget. [Variety]
Here’s a rumor that sounds so on the nose it may actually be true, Johnny Depp apparently wants Russell Brand to star in Pirates of the Caribbean 5. A source is quoted saying, “The idea is to give Jack a new sidekick — someone who will bring out a new side to the character. This will also be a massive opportunity for Russell and establish him among the Hollywood A-list.” To that I say this is exactly why this franchise is no longer interesting, because casting decisions such as this leave so little to the imagination you basically end up with a film that can’t possibly surprise you. Oh well. [ShowbizSpy]
Holt McCallany (The Losers) has landed a role as the bodyguard and main enforcer to Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) in Warner Bros’ Gangster Squad. Along with Penn he joins previously cast Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Bryan Cranston and Giovanni Ribisi in a film based on the L.A. Times’ seven-part series “Tales From the Gangster Squad” penned by Paul Lieberman, which chronicled efforts by the LAPD to deal with a chaotic and corrupt Los Angeles by forming what was dubbed the Gangster Squad to keep the East Coast Mafia out of the city. Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) directs. [Deadline]
With Michael Fassbender having departed Danny Boyle‘s Trance, the role of Aiden, the leader of a gang of thieves hired by an auction house employee to steal a painting, is still open. Previously Colin Firth was said to be eyed for the role, but a new rumor says Vincent Cassel has been offered the part where he would play opposite James McAvoy as Simon, the auction house employee. [Twitch]
Finally, we come to your first look at Batman’s Tumbler from The Dark Knight Rises as it arrives on the Pittsburgh set. There were rumors there would be a redesigned Batmobile for this third installment in Christopher Nolan’s Bat-franchise, but this should end that talk, though there still remains that Batcopter rumor. [SuperheroHype]
