sony pictures

Marvel Franchise Vehicle, VENOM, Strikes A Release Date From Sony

It’s been ten years since Marvel villain, Venom, went toe-to-toe with Spider-Man in a movie. Spin-off efforts then underwent a series of gymnastic developments while in limbo and needless to say I won’t get too much into the convoluted history that occurs thereafter. That said, about a year after The Amazing Spider-Man 2, it was finally announced that Marvel would help Sony get itself together with this particular IP in lieu of everything happening with the MCU leading up to Avengers: Infinity War. Does this mean Venom will appear in the MCU eventually as well? I couldn’t tell you, but with Edge Of Tomorrow scribe Dante Harper providing the script as of nearly a year ago with stewards Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach producing, the word now is that an official release date is being slotted for October 5, 2018, the former release date of James Wan’s upcoming DC adaptation, […]

Robin Hood Spin-Off, MARIAN, Lands At Sony With Margot Robbie To Star

Lee B. Golden III

With at least three Robin Hood movies in tow, it is now being reported that a speculative script is behind the latest efforts toward Marian, spining off the classic folklore with actress Margot Robbie being named to star. Deadline describes the project as a cross between Braveheart and Game Of Thrones with a script by screenwriter Pete Barry that aims for the prolific actress to hone in a little more on her dramatic chops. via Deadline: After a conspiracy to conquer England in which the love of her life Robin Hood dies before her eyes, Marian picks up the cause to lead her people into a pivotal war. She comes to power, charging into a battle that will not only decide the fate of the kingdom but will see her don the mantle of the man she loved. In the process, she rises as a legend herself. Donald De Line […]

BLOODSHOT: Dave Wilson To Make His Directorial Debut On Sony’s Valiant Comics Adaptation

Lee B. Golden III

Sony’s current development of comic book adaptation, Harbinger is still without a director, but it appears one other feature-length end of the Valiant Entertainment spectrum with Bloodshot has finally landed its helmer. The word now is that Dave Wilson, Deadpool director Tim Miller’s partner at Blur Studios will be making his feature debut following credits that include promotional materials for Halo, Titanfall 2 and the recent mini-movie for Star Wars: The Old Republic. The announcement, according to Bleeding Cool, was reportedly made by accident over at Emerald City Comic-Con which was held at Washington State Convention Center in Seattle with Arrival scribe and Valiant Comics writer Eric Heisserer and Valiant Entertainment CEO Dinesh Shamdasani in attendance. Bloodshot, created originally by Kevin VanHook and Yvel Guichet in 1992, tells of a resurrected supersoldier infused with nanites that make him the ultimate weapon. Heisserer has since adapted the script and has also […]

Sony's Live-Action UNCHARTED Adaptation Lands Shawn Levy To Direct

Lee B. Golden III

It was back in July that news broke of A-Team and Stretch helmer Joe Carnahan would provide the script for Sony’s pending live-action adaptation of the Naughty Dog adventure game, Uncharted. At the time it hadn’t been known if Carnahan would helm the pic as it’s been 8 years since Sony began developing with the film passing between numerous writers and producers. On Tuesday, an exclusive at Deadline finally confirmed that Carnahan’s script would continue on as he places focus on the studio’s long-awaited Bad Boys For Life threequel installment that began in 1995 with the Will Smith/Martin Lawrence headliner, Bad Boys. In turn, Netflix series Stranger Things executive producer and Real Steel and Date Night helmer Shawn Levy will direct with Sony now fast-tracking the film. Uncharted initially took off for PlayStation systems in 2007 with protagonist, adventurer Nathan Drake at the very center. The game franchise itself spans […]

Sony Brings Alex Graves On Board To Direct Its Own Live-Action MULAN Movie

Lee B. Golden III

I caught cow eyes while reading the latest article at Variety telling of another feature film rendition of the classic fabled character, Mulan. Disney is already working on its own version and recently became the center of criticism over a leaked version of its script which read with a white lead. Backlash from the masses eventually grew via the power of the press to the studio and so it goes, Asians are sure as set to lead THAT film. As for the one perpetuating THIS particular article, however, this one now has a director attached with Alex Graves, whose directorial credits primarily include hit HBO series epic, Game Of Thrones, as well as NBC series The West Wing and next year’s premiere of Taken. Penned by Jason Keller and co-financed by 2.0 Entertainment whose founder, Doug Belgrad, is producing, the film, from Sony as an international/Chinese co-production, will ultimately retell […]

Sony Moves Up HARBINGER To Kick-Off Its Valiant Comics-Based Cinematic Universe

Lee B. Golden III

It was last Spring that people learned a little more about Valiant Comics as it notched up its credentials with a publishing deal through DMG Entertainment for several of Valiant’s properties. That news later followed through with an announcement shortly thereafter regarding Sony Pictures’s stake in establishing a cinematic universe leading up to a Harbinger Wars adaptation, inspired by Valiant’s 2013 crossover event publication. There was even talk of getting 87Eleven Action Design head duo, filmmakers David Leitch and Chad Stahelski in the director’s chair for Bloodshot then set to be the first film in line at the time, although both titles were among several that the pair were being hyped by news outlets to helm after scoring big in 2014 with the Keanu Reeves hit action vehicle, John Wick. Since then, all has been quiet on the Valiant and Sony front so there really has been no knowing of […]

Joe Carnahan Goes UNCHARTED To Script The Sony Adaptation

Lee B. Golden III

Have you ever seen the 2014 action comedy, Stretch? Yes, the one that The A-Team remake helmer Joe Carnahan directed which fell into release limbo months before finally being granted a Fall opening on VoD and Digital. I’ll tell you, if there was ever a film not to overlook in the course of your life and if you’re looking for something good, funny, energetic and full of laughs and spectacle, Stretch is something you’re going to want to add to your memories as a cinephile. That said, I’m pretty damn glad that Carnahan is the one sitting in to lead the way for the third installment of Sony’s Bad Boys trilogy and I’m glad to see he’s moved onto other prospects as well. For this, I speak of Variety’s latest reporting on the director’s involvement with Sony’s forthcoming live-action adaptation, Uncharted. A director is currently being sought after while Carnahan […]

Dwayne Johnson Boards Jay Longino's SON OF SHAOLIN As Producer For Sony

Lee B. Golden III

Well, he’s set to play Black Adam in Shazam, he’s set to play Doc Savage, he’s set to tackle monsters, ancient underground wizards, earthquakes, footballers, sun and sand in several other properties, and he’s even taking on digital media as we speak. Thus, it begs wondering just when exactly Dwayne Johnson will give himself a break, and apparently, like the proper bankable action hero he is, he’s far from done. As we speak, Johnson is set to produce and possibly appear in an adaptation of the forthcoming graphic novel publication, Son Of Shaolin. Deadline reports that Sony Pictures acquired the rights to the feature pitch inspired by the novel written by Jay Longino. Plot details are nil at the moment but the report maintains the film will host a modern day Kung Fu story that mingles Shaolin mythology with contemporary issues faced by teens today. Johnson and the lot at […]

Kathryn Winnick Joins Sony's THE DARK TOWER, Now Filming

Lee B. Golden III

The word as of late is that Sony has begun filming Nikolej Arcel’s latest book adaptation, The Dark Tower, following the recent casting news that’s been building up through now. For this, word via Variety now confirms actress Viking series co-star Kathryn Winnick for her role in the film, though no details have been outlined as of yet. Adapted for the screen by Arcej along with Anders Thomas Jensen, executive producer Jeff Pinker and producer Akiva Goldsman of Weed Road, Elba and McConaughey will portray the respective roles of post-apocalyptic gun-slinger Roland Deschain, and the villainous man in black. The film is based on King’s popular book series which began with the 1982 publication, “The Gunslinger”, offsetting eight books and several comic book installments that take its inspirational cues from the works of authors Robert Browning and J.R.R. Tolkien, and famed spaghetti western director Sergio Leone. As per the books, […]

Charlize-Theron-Mad-Max-4-courtesy-deskofbrian.com_

Charlize Theron Finds Another Leading Action Vehicle In THE GRAY MAN For Sony

Lee B. Golden III

Who would have guessed that actress Charlize Theron‘s role in Mad Max: Fury Road this year would lead to a string of action pictures this year? I sure didn’t, although I will say it’s delightfully surprising. Word from The Tracking Board states she’ll have a starring role in the forthcoming novel adaptation, The Gray Man, the first of a four-novel set by author Mark Greaney. The news comes roughly a year since Sony opted the rights to the 2009 publication with Captain America: The Winter Soldier helmers Anthony and Joe Russo attached to script the film based on the novel described as follows: Court Gentry is known as The Gray Man– a legend in the covert realm, moving silently from job to job, accomplishing the impossible, and then fading away. And he always hits his target. But there are forces more lethal than Gentry in the world. And in their […]

Check Out The Official Trailer For THE 5TH WAVE

Lee B. Golden III

Following a stellar first look trailer earlier this month, the first official trailer for J. Blakeson’s January 29 release, The 5th Wave, is here. It’s another in the latest of popular YA novel adaptations and fittingly now with actress Chloë Grace Moretz leading the way with a staunch action role taking on an aliens in the midst of a systemic invasion while in search of her brother. SYNOPSIS: In the new film The 5th Wave, four waves of increasingly deadly attack have left most of Earth decimated. Against a backdrop of fear and distrust, Cassie (Chloë Grace Moretz) is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal 5th wave, Cassie teams up with a young man who may become her final hope – if she can only trust him. It’s no secret that Moretz is the kind of actress I […]

Sony Will Reboot CHARLIE'S ANGELS With Elizabeth Banks Directing

Lee B. Golden III

Courtesy Of Sony I’ve never seen any of the Pitch Perfect movies (not exactly my cup of tea). However, the good news stemming from both films is the sequel’s huge success this year at the box office, a nod which goes to actress Elizatbeth Banks who debuted as director, and much to her credit as it’s now landed her in the position to direct another go-around at a reboot for Charlie’s Angels. According to The Wrap, the Hunger Games franchise co-star will also produce the film for Sony Pictures with her husband Max Handelman, based on the popular ABC series from 1976 to 1981 and centered on three women, accompanied by their associate, Bosley, who work various assigmments as private investigators for Townsend Agency at the best of actor John Forsythe’s speakerphone voice. McG directed two quirky feature film adaptations in 2000 and 2003 which transitioned the same narrative whilst […]

Like Its Title Character, A ROBOCOP Sequel Still Has A Fighting Chance

Lee B. Golden III

Pic Source: Robocop Archive R-rated classics from the 80’s and 90’s are all the rave for the average action junkie, and the same goes for Paul Verohoeven’s 1987 cyborg action cop thriller, Robocop. Needless to say, director Jose Padilha’s 2014 reboot for Sony with actor Joel Kinnaman didn’t exactly pan out well with its domestic U.S. release having earned a little over half of its $100 million dollar budget. That said, foreign markets did aid in giving the film its extra earning muscle to more than double its budget, which is slightly telling of how optional sequels are for similar films in today’s climate. Apparently the same goes for Sony according to the latest word from Den Of Geek who are now saying that sequel plans are neither a priority nor dead for that matter, with the likelihood of a Chinese co-production should the film move forward. Verohoeven’s R-rated hit […]

[UPDATED] WB & Sony Currently Bidding For Rights To THE FOREVER WAR, Channing Tatum To Star

Lee B. Golden III

UPDATE: Looks like Warner Bros. gets it! (H/T: Deadline) Being the fan that I am, my biggest concern is what lies ahead for actor Channing Tatum when he finally gets things rolling as Marvel mutant cardsharp and X-Men member, Remy LeBeau in a new Gambit film for Fox. Until then, there’s plenty to talk about as the list of titles add up what with Sony moving forward with a batch of work as it continues its 21 Jumpstreet adventures with a possible Men In Black crossover. Moreover, there’s also a newly announced bidding war between Sony and Warner Bros. for the rights to author Joe Haldeman’s 1974 book franchise, The Forever War, which later expanded to two sequel books and a graphic novel. The rights have been switching hands in the last couple of decades, including those of special effects pioneer and Star Wars franchise crew alum Richard Edlund, and […]

James Wan Is In Talks To Direct ROBOTECH For Sony

Lee B. Golden III

It wasn’t until February this year, eight years after sitting in limbo, that Warner Bros. decided to pick up the base on adapting the 1985 Harmony Gold USA/Tatsunuko Productions hybrid animated series, Robotech, for a live-action production via their Hollywood Gang banner. While the production has since switched hands over to Sony Pictures last month, a director was still being sought for with Mama helmer Andy Muschietti in talks at the time, but the prospects have only been greater as at least one director has shot his way to several commercial and critical milestones in the last four weeks, ultimately getting the studio’s attention. With this, we now pan over to Furious Seven director James Wan, better known for his principle work on the horror genre with the 2004 thriller, Saw as well as Insidious 1 and 2, The Conjuring and its forthcoming sequel, with a noteworthy mention of his […]

OPINION: Too Many Robins Spoil The Soup

What do Warner Bros., Sony, Disney, and Lionsgate have in common nowadays? Robin Hood on the brain. Do we really want to hop on this bandwagon again? It seems to me that the British character has been done to death so many times that it’s been seeped into parody like the 1993 Mel Brooks version, Men In Tights. Or perhaps on television you remember When Things Were Rotten (1975). That one had Dick Gautier and Misty Rowe as Robin and Marion. But let’s not go to Robin & Marion (1976) where Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn are our main characters. That was a drama but it looked like a parody in my eyes. Another TV version was The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984) which had comedic actor George Segal, Morgan Fairchild, and the late Roddy McDowall as Robin, Marian, and King John, respectively. This one, I must say, I enjoyed. If […]

Valiant, Sony Rev Up HARBINGER WARS With Stahelski, Leitch To Direct And More!

Lee B. Golden III

Independent comic book platform Valiant Comics struck big with a nine-figure deal a month and a half ago when it partnered with Chinese investment firm, DMG Entertainment to help pitch its numerous comic book properties with a lean toward film production. What’s as important as this, though, is how the source material gets tackled, which means who will be the team behind the forthcoming productions of such titles as Bloodshot and Harbinger. Well, for starters, at least two people so far, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, who have made their way in the ranks as stunt professionals and second unit directors through their directorial debut, John Wick, late last year are now up to helm the former with producers Fast And Furious franchise Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe producing, while the latter seeks a director. These morsel are included in a flurry of other exciting new details announcing Valiant’s official […]

JAY BASU To Script METAL GEAR SOLID For Sony

Lee B. Golden III

The Pier scribe, Jay Basu has become a studio favorite as of late, having recently been tapped to help pen a flurry of writings including Universal Pictures’s currently-developing cinematic monsterverse following Dracula Untold, and an adaptation of Julie Kagawa’s fantasy action novel series, Talon, last year. Hopefully he’s had some time to breathe in between, because now it appears that Sony Pictures is following suit with their own forthcoming adaptation of the popular Playstation favorite, Metal Gear Solid, according to Deadline. The live action film was originally announced by game director Kojima Hideo prior to a series of false starts. Initially released on several Playstation platforms in 1998 courtesy of Konami with more games that followed, Metal Gear Solid tells the story of Snake, a soldier on a stealth mission to rescue two hostages and neutralize a nuclear threat from renegade special forces unit, Foxhound. Avi and Ari Arad are […]

Sony Announces Development For A GHOSTBUSTERS Movieverse For Channing Tatum And Chris Pratt To Star

Lee B. Golden III

It took a bit of evolving in the course of a few hours, but the word is that actor Chris Pratt is possibly on deck to join Channing Tatum in their own all-male Ghostbusters film for Tatum to produce for Captain America: The Winter Soldier helmers Anthony and Joe Russo on board to direct with a script by Iron Man 3-scribe Drew Pearce. That film is being reported as one of four universal films conjoined by Paul Feig’s all-female Ghostbusters movie which is releasing in July of next year as both will tie in to a third followed by a fourth in the form a prequel. These efforts come courtesy of the respective director and co-star of the original, Ivan Reitman and Dan Ackroyd who are now heading what THR cites as a “Ghost Corps” to help write and develop these films over at Sony while they plot a course for […]

Sony, Immersive Announce New 2-Year Deal, New Titles In Development

Lee B. Golden III

This may have been in the works before today, but now Sony Pictures is finally making is official with an announcement of their two-year first-look deal with Immersive Pictures. Their announcement includes a handful of meaty productions now in development with many of these titles having picked up steam in recent weeks, and several periodicals online have already reported them, so the details shouldn’t be too hard to look up if one or more of these peaks your interest. CULVER CITY, Calif., Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Pictures Entertainment has entered into a two-year, first-look deal with Josh Bratman’s Immersive Pictures, it was announced today by Michael De Luca and Hannah Minghella, presidents of Production for Columbia Pictures. In the deal, Bratman is developing and will produce a number of films for the studio, including: The Harlem Hellfighters, based on the bestselling graphic novel by Max Brooks (the author of […]