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And I thought this project was dead! Deadline is reporting that British director Rupert Wyatt is Fox’s top choice to direct the Planet of the Apes prequel. Wait – there’s a Planet of the Apes prequel? We’ve been reporting various rumors and rumblings about a new Apes movie for years, but it never got off the ground. Now this hits almost out of nowhere. Deadline’s report is also suspiciously brief, stating: “No start date, but Wyatt’s come aboard to develop to direct .” They also say the script they’re using was written by Rick Jaffa ( The Relic ) and Amanda Silver ( The Hand That Rocks the Cradle ). So who is this Rupert Wyatt guy anyway? Wyatt is a British filmmaker who got his start directing a few short films. He then directed his first feature called The Escapist in 2008, which was one of my favorite movies of that year. He hasn’t directed anything since then, but if you’ve seen The Escapist (and not many people have), you will agree with me about how much potential this guy has, especially if they give him a huge project like Planet of the Apes . Speaking of which, I have a feeling Fox wants to keep this grounded and low budget, so that it can’t potentially flop big like Tim Burton’s Planets of the Apes . But details are sparse at the moment and it’s too early to tell anyway. The last time we wrote about Planet of the Apes was back in December of 2008 and it was only to provide an update on an Apes prequel called Caesar written (and to be directed) by Scott Frank . However, it looks like that project was thrown out and Fox may be going a different route, but then again Deadline never mentions the name of the project that Wyatt is now developing (it could be Caesar ). I did a quick search and found an article from January this year on CHUD that confirms that Frank left the prequel, which explains why Wyatt is now on-board instead. We’ll let you know if we hear anything else about this, so stay tuned. Thoughts? Discover More: Movie News , Opinions , Rumors

And I thought this project was dead! Deadline is reporting that British director Rupert Wyatt is Fox’s top choice to direct the Planet of the Apes prequel. Wait – there’s a Planet of the Apes prequel? We’ve been reporting various rumors and rumblings about a new Apes movie for years, but it never got off the ground. Now this hits almost out of nowhere. Deadline’s report is also suspiciously brief, stating: “No start date, but Wyatt’s come aboard to develop to direct .” They also say the script they’re using was written by Rick Jaffa ( The Relic ) and Amanda Silver ( The Hand That Rocks the Cradle ). So who is this Rupert Wyatt guy anyway? Wyatt is a British filmmaker who got his start directing a few short films. He then directed his first feature called The Escapist in 2008, which was one of my favorite movies of that year. He hasn’t directed anything since then, but if you’ve seen The Escapist (and not many people have), you will agree with me about how much potential this guy has, especially if they give him a huge project like Planet of the Apes . Speaking of which, I have a feeling Fox wants to keep this grounded and low budget, so that it can’t potentially flop big like Tim Burton’s Planets of the Apes . But details are sparse at the moment and it’s too early to tell anyway. The last time we wrote about Planet of the Apes was back in December of 2008 and it was only to provide an update on an Apes prequel called Caesar written (and to be directed) by Scott Frank . However, it looks like that project was thrown out and Fox may be going a different route, but then again Deadline never mentions the name of the project that Wyatt is now developing (it could be Caesar ). I did a quick search and found an article from January this year on CHUD that confirms that Frank left the prequel, which explains why Wyatt is now on-board instead. We’ll let you know if we hear anything else about this, so stay tuned. Thoughts? Discover More: Movie News , Opinions , Rumors

I don’t think there was anyone watching Shutter Island this weekend who thought to themselves “I wish this was in 3D.” In fact, there probably were some people, and that’s the problem. I’ve begun to slowly accept and appreciate 3D when used properly (e.g. Avatar , Coraline , Tron Legacy ) and used in moderation , as in not for every last movie. But with interest in 3D picking up again, that concern is becoming a reality. “If Coraline ‘ was and Up was a subtle version of what you’d expect for 3-D, why couldn’t a traditional drama work just as well?” director Chris Columbus asks in an AP article on 3D . He’s not the only one they talk to! The most interesting quote of the article comes from Shutter Island director and master filmmaker Martin Scorsese , who pitches in the opening paragraph: “Why couldn’t a film like Precious be in 3-D? It should be.” I love Scorsese, but that’s not a question I ever wanted to hear, especially because that’s right where they’re crossing the line with 3D. Scorsese goes on to try and convince us by saying, “we see in depth, for the most part. We go to the theater — it’s in depth.” True, but 3D is too gimmicky to work well for every movie. Just a few weeks ago we talked about how bad it is to convert a 2D movie in post instead of shooting in 3D. Scorsese later goes on to say “I’d love to do [a 3D movie],” only as “long as he can still move the camera the way he’d like to.” Sure, maybe if they render a digital world and use the cameras Cameron used on Avatar . “It just seems natural that we’d be going in that direction,” he explains. “It’s going to be something to look forward to, but to be used interestingly.” I’m not sure “interestingly” is the right word to describe how it’s going to be used. I prefer inappropriately or excessively or poorly, which already happens all too often. It’s a good article and I suggest reading the entire thing . Does anyone actually want to see Precious in 3D? Discover More: Discussion , Editorials , Opinions

Just over a week ago, we broke the news that George Lucas , who was displeased with director Anthony Hemingway’s work, would be directing some heavy reshoots for the upcoming Lucasfilm production of Red Tails , the story of the Tuskegee Airmen . Shortly after the story gained steam, a representative from Lucasfilm denied our report as “completely inaccurate.” But now, in the new print edition of Entertainment Weekly ( scan of the article here ) comes confirmation that Lucas is indeed directing reshoots on the film, but supposedly only because Hemingway is busy working on the HBO series “Treme” for David Simon instead. However, let’s think about this for a second. In their denial of our inital report, Lucasfilm said “additional shooting that is scheduled to take place was built into production before it began, as it is on all our films.” But if that’s the case, and these aren’t unexpected reshoots, then why weren’t they built into Hemingway’s responsibilities and at least penciled into his schedule? Apparently Lucas simply doesn’t want to wait for Hemingway to finish his work on “Treme” for these reshoots, but can anyone recall another time when an executive producer/financer for a film who happens to be a high profile filmmaker, takes over the reigns for something as simple as “scheduled” reshoots four months into their post-production time? A bit strange. This is all very fishy, and since we have more than a couple sources standing behind our story, we’re sticking to it. Especially because if this was all planned from the beginning and only a scheduling issue came up, then why have we heard from each of our different sources that producer Rick McCallum is seriously sweating and stressed out about Red Tails . Apparently Hemingway will get an opportunity to approve everything that Lucas is shooting, but what if he doesn’t like it? Is Hemingway going to do new reshoots? Sorry, but this just doesn’t jive and I can’t help but going with an old Lucas mainstay quote: “I have a bad feeling about this.” Discover More: Featured , Movie News , Opinions

Don’t get too excited (or angry) yet, nothing has been officially decided. In fact, this isn’t even the first time we’ve heard this. Back in early February, it was stated in a trades story that Michael Bay has been debating with Paramount and ILM about going 3D for Transformers 3 (due in July of 2011 ). As we already know, Hollywood is going 3D crazy right now thanks to Avatar , but it looks like Bay is doing the smart thing and testing out 3D before deciding whether that’s really the route they want to go with the sequel;. Bay himself has even said that he’s not a big fan of 3D, which is why I’m actually surprised that this is what he’s doing. Bay appeared on Starz’ “In the House” last night and MTV transcribed what he said about Transformers 3 . “It’s a process we’re testing with some ‘Transformers’ scenes,” he said. “How successful it is with my movie in terms of a lot of real stuff coming out of the frame, real dirt, real complicated little particles coming towards the lens, because hopefully that process will work. I’ve seen some tests that look great on other movies. I just want to see how it looks on my footage.” Peter from SlashFilm brings up a good point – Bay uses the term “process” (multiple times), not something like “technology”, which sounds like they’re testing a post conversion process, not the idea of shooting it in 3D from the start. Unfortunately, we already know that’s a very bad idea . I hope his tests show that it’s not a good idea if that’s what they’re planning to do. I don’t understand why studios won’t just support shooting with 3D cameras? On Transformers , it may be that Bay’s shooting style is too chaotic and crazy to actually use 3D cameras, since they’re a bit bigger and require more equipment. As for what else to expect in this? “We’re adding a lot of new elements. We’re adding new characters. We’re adding a lot of twists .” Oh joy! Discover More: Hype , Movie News , Opinions

I got to give it to Paramount, they turned Paranormal Activity into a worldwide phenomenon. It’s not just a success either, because that doesn’t describe how huge this movie has become. Sure, it could be a marketing trick, but I’m impressed that so many filmmakers and industry folk have come to embrace the film, from Steven Spielberg to, as we just found out, Brian De Palma. But now they’re making a sequel. And when they tried to get Saw VI director Kevin Greutert to direct it (to compete directly with Saw VII ), Lionsgate forced him to return. So who are they looking at instead to direct Paranormal Activity 2 in six months time? The LA Times says that they currently have three top contenders: Brian De Palma , the veteran director of everything from Carrie to Scarface to The Untouchables to Mission: Impossible to The Black Dahlia ; Brad Anderson , director of The Machinist and Transsiberian ; and Greg McLean , director of horror films Wolf Creek and Rogue . The latter two seem like reasonable choices, but De Palma? You’ve got to be kidding me! De Palma is certainly a talented director, but I don’t think there’s anything he can bring to this sequel (that shouldn’t even be made to begin with). At least that’s how I feel about De Palma’s potential involvement. Even though Paramount wants Paranormal Activity 2 out in theaters on October 22nd this year – 239 days from today – apparently the screenplay is still being finished. And, well, they still don’t have a director even though the movie is due out in six months. Whoever gets hired will be under quite a bit of pressure, not only to deliver on time, but to deliver a sequel that lives up to the original and can make them as much money as the first one (which is pretty much impossible since it made a astonishing $108 million ). I’m predicting now that it’s going to fail no matter which of these three they decide to hire, but we’ll wait and see what happens. Interestingly, LA Times mentions that Paramount considered hiring Akiva Goldsman , the producer/writer best known for writing The Da Vinci Code , Angels & Demons , and I Am Legend , but hasn’t actually directed a feature film. “He won’t direct the film in the end, but the fact that Paramount and the movie’s producers were considering him suggests they want to give the film a different kind of gloss than the no-budget, unknown-driven first picture.” I think that “different kind of gloss” already sounds like the kind I don’t want to see. I just can’t get behind this sequel at all and the more we hear about it, the worse it gets. This is going to be like the Blair Witch sequel all over again. Do any of these directors sound like a good choice? Discover More: Movie News , Opinions

Yep, it’s coming. After hearing rumors about it for years, it’s actually happening. Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Paramount has hired Justin Theroux (who wrote Tropic Thunder and Iron Man 2 and has only directed Dedication ) to write and direct Zoolander 2 , the sequel to Ben Stiller’s male fashion model comedy from 2001. Apparently Theroux is even going to Fashion Week in Paris to “immerse himself on what is current in fashion.” I guess Paramount heard all the cries for this sequel because they finally admit that “it’s got momentum.” They just now realized that? I know people have been hoping to see this since 2001! Deadline doesn’t say much else about the sequels besides that Ben Stiller is back and “everyone’s hoping Owen Wilson co-stars again but no deal is set.” They also sneak in a little tidbit that says Jonah Hill is in negations to play the villain. What the hell? Apparently the studio still is unsure of the success of the first one (even though it’s a huge cult favorite), so they’re trying to keep the budget below $50 million which is causing a bit of a ruckus. But, of course, everyone does want to come back and “bring Derek and Hanzel to life again.” Last May, Stiller hinted about some plot elements, but who knows how much of that is still in. I know this may be fantastic news for some of you, but I’m not a big fan of Zoolander . However, I respect its cult status (or maybe it’s more of a guilty pleasure?) and I’m sure a lot of people will be excited by all of this. Deadline also adds that it’ll be PG-13 again but that’s everything. So who is excited for this late sequel? Discover More: Hype , Movie News , Opinions

Oh no, not another one. Bruce Willis is out talking to press this week for Kevin Smith’s Cop Out , which hits theaters on Friday, and of course he was asked about the Die Hard franchise, since that’s one franchise people still seem to love (even though the last one sucked). MTV asked him if there’s a chance we’ll see a Die Hard 5 and Willis says it might happen, but there aren’t many details to give right now. But he does have some ideas. “I would hire Len Wiseman right now,” he says, referring to the Live Free or Die Hard director. Personally, I would rather he not be hired because I believe he screwed up the last one, but that’s just me. So where could they go in this sequel if they’ve already explored most of the US (by way of the “internet”) in Die Hard , Die Harder , Die Hard: With a Vengeance , and Live Free or Die Hard ? What about not in the US! “Well, it’s got to go worldwide ,” Willis said. “That would be my contribution to [the next movie].” Okay, I’m down for that, but we need a story first, and it sounds like Fox hasn’t even thought about hiring a writer yet. “I take a certain amount of pride in being part of that [mythology], and the fact that I still get to do it,” he says. “[But] making people laugh is the real deal.” Just don’t let Die Hard 5 become an action comedy. I think Drew McWeeny of HitFix said it best: “Maybe I misread the general reaction to the last film in the Die Hard series. Maybe there are people out there saying to themselves right now, ‘I wonder what happened to John McClane after he fought that jet airplane bare-handed and saved the universe from the Internet,’ but if so, I’ve never met one of them.” This franchise started it out with one of the best action movies ever ( Die Hard ) and ended up with one of the worst action movies ever ( Live Free or Die Hard ), so I don’t have any desire to see another sequel, even though I’m sure Fox is probably trying to make it happen anyway. You can read more of (and watch) the interview with Willis over on MTV if you’re interested. I hope this doesn’t happen, but Willis seems like he wants it to happen, and if that’s the case, then I’m sure he’s on the phone with Fox right now. But maybe people want to see this butchered franchise continue on? Do you? Discover More: Movie News , Opinions , Rumors

Back in October of last year it was announced that comedic actor Marlon Wayans would be playing the legendary stand up comic Richard Pryor in a biopic about Pryor. The role was originally supposed to go to Eddie Murphy, but turns out he just wasn’t right for the job. The LA Times just published a huge profile piece on Marlon Wayans tonight that focuses on how prepared he is and perfect he is for this sort of role-of-a-lifetime. It’s a good piece and I’m glad to hear that they’re moving forward with Wayans in place. “I want to be in dramas, I want to produce, I want to write and I want to prove I can handle a role such as this one.” The first big, and somewhat controversial question, is why Marlon Wayans ( this guy ) for this role? There are other more talented dramatic actors, right? What makes him perfect for this? Let’s let Marlon make his case. “Look, I want to be able to make the stupidest movies ever, because they make people laugh and they make money,” Wayans recently said with a smirk. “But that’s not all I want to do. And I think I’ve proven to some people — the ones paying attention — that I can do more. Everybody else, well, they can wait and see and make up their mind.” Simple as that. He’ll prove it soon. The project is called Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said? and it depicts Pryor’s controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs. It’s being written and directed by Bill Condon , the man behind Dreamgirls who hasn’t much done since (except the Oscar ceremony). It’s supposed to have a $20 million budget with Chris Rock, Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor, and Mark Gordon all lined up to produce, so it sounds like it’s in good hands. “This is like an invitation to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for me, and I’ve never been more excited in my life than when I got the role,” Wayans said. But how did Eddie Murphy lose the role? If they had him locked, what changed? Producer Mark Gordon talks about what made them realize they needed to go in a different direction casting someone as Pryor. “Obviously there are a number of requirements to playing Richard Pryor — you have to be funny, of course, but this role also has so many colors to it that you need to be a strong actor who can handle the dramatic scenes ,” Gordon said. “There were discussions with Eddie Murphy… Eddie Murphy is a great star, and I have no doubt he would be a great Richard Pryor. But Eddie Murphy is Eddie Murphy in the eyes of the audience. Marlon Wayans is a great actor and will be a great Richard Pryor, but he brings less baggage .” However, they already got Eddie’s blessing to cast Wayans instead. “Eddie thinks Marlon will be wonderful in the role and he’s given his blessing for Marlon to do it,” Murphy’s publicist Arnold Robinson said. “He’s looking forward to seeing Marlon in the role.” Apparently Marlon got the gig because he impressed Sony’s Amy Pascal and Bill Condon with a “tape of him re-creating Pryor monologue material.” If he impressed them then I don’t think we have to be worried he can pull it off. I’ve actually got some faith in Wayans, I’ve seen him in Requiem for a Dream and The Killing Room at least and he was great in both of those movies. I expect Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said? to be a strong Oscar contender in late 2011 , as long as they can put it together by then. I’m excited to see this, more because I want to see Pryor’s story, and not as much because it’s Marlon Wayans in the role. We’ll just have to wait and see how he does, I guess. Sound good? Discover More: Casting News , Movie News , Opinions

The 2010 Writers Guild Awards were held tonight at the Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Up in the Air , written by Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner, and The Hurt Locker , written by Mark Boal, took the top awards tonight (in the adapted and original categories, respectively). The Cove also won the documentary award. This is pretty much exactly what we expected to happen at the WGA, no big surprises. This was also where 500 Days of Summer got a good nomination, since it didn’t get one at the Oscars , but I didn’t expect it to win anyway. Plus, this may be a sign of what will happen at the Oscars in a few weeks. While there were some other good nominees in the WGA Awards this year, like A Serious Man , Star Trek , and Precious , I’m happy with these winners. And if both films go on to win Oscars in a few weeks as well, I’ll be satisfied. I think these are two of the better scripts, although I wouldn’t mind seeing District 9 break out and get some Oscar love (since it wasn’t nominated for the WGA Award). Last year’s big winners were Milk and Slumdog Millionaire , both of which later took home an Oscar, it’s likely this will happen again. A lot of scripts were disqualified this year, including Inglourious Basterds , Pixar’s Up , and District 9 . Thoughts? Discover More: Awards News , Opinions