Sci-Fi Movies Monday: Alien, Iron Man, GI Joe, Wolfman, District 9, Avatar + more

There is all sorts of news in the world of genre films this week, starting off with Ridley Scott signing on for the Alien sequel. There are also new previews and a viral site for Iron Man2, more buzz for GI Joe, a delay for Wolfman and more. Plus we have some image and vid previews, including posters for Avatar and a new District 9 trailer.

GENRE MOVIE NEWS FOR THE WEEK

Jon Favreau Interested in 3-D for Iron Man 3 + New Viral Site           
Although he wasn’t able to use the technology for "Iron Man 2", director Jon Favreau tells MTV that he would like to do the next film in the series in 3-D ( and/or IMAX–you can watch the video clip below):

"I had talked to Marvel after I had seen [some of Avatar] about doing Iron Man in 3-D.  There are a few drawbacks to it at this point, there’s more cost involved.  And there’s also, it forces you to shoot digitally…but I think that as the digital technology gets better doing 3-D is going to be a lot easier.  Certainly for Iron Man I think it’ll work out well.  I was hoping to get a shot at doing it this time around, it didn’t work out that way.  And IMAX is also very compelling. So either actually shooting in IMAX format or blowing up to IMAX both of those are looking really good right now and we’re looking into doing an IMAX release as well."

In other news, Marvel Studios/Paramount Pictures have unveiled a new viral website at StarkIndustriesNow.com where you can apply for a job at Stark Industries.  Click the banner image below to explore the website.

Meanwhile, SCI FI Wire got a chance to ask "Mad Men" star John Slattery — who will play Tony Stark’s dad Howard Stark in "Iron Man 2" — about his role: "All I can tell you is it’s in a flashback," Slattery teased, before adding "It’s not that extensive. It’s really Tony’s story. It’s just an introduction. Hopefully it will go on from there." And rounding out the week’s "Iron Man 2" news, here are few more Comic-Con recaps: io9 and Cinematical each have their Comic-Con reports up on their round-table sessions with Scarlett Johanson (Black Widow) and Cinematical has a report on the round-table discussion with Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man/Tony Stark).  "Iron Man 2" hits theaters on May 7, 2010.

Leaked screenshots from the Comic-Con footage–includes our first look at War Machine [more at SpoilerTV]

Robert Downey Jr. (plus on-set with producer Kevin Feige) [Marvel (and here)–via /Film]

Jon Favreau on directing Iron Man 3 in 3-D

Ridley Scott Will Direct Alien Prequel
Ridley Scott is returning to direct a direct prequel to his 1979 film sci-fi hit "Alien".  20th Century Fox had originally decided to go with Carl Rinsch to direct (with Scott’s blessing), but plans changed after the studio and Scott Free (which will produce) saw the pitch from writer Jon Spaihts, whom they’ve hired to pen the script.

Bryce Dallas Howard Replaces Rachelle Lefevre on ‘Eclipse’; Lefevre Responds
Summit Entertainment has replaced actress Rachelle Lefevre with Bryce Dallas Howard ("Terminator Salvation") to play the role of Victoria in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse".  Lefevre — who portrayed the role in "Twilight" as well as ‘New Moon’ (hitting theaters on November 20, 2009) — released a statement expressing her shuck at the announcement:

“I was stunned by Summit’s decision to recast the role of Victoria for ‘Eclipse.’ I was fully committed to the ‘Twilight’ saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria. I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules.”

That led to Summit releasing their own statement on the situation, in which they stood by their decision:

We at Summit Entertainment are disappointed by Rachelle Lefevre’s recent comments which attempt to make her career choices the fault of the Studio. Her decision to discuss her version of the scheduling challenges publicly has forced the Studio to set the record straight and correct the facts.

They then go on to make their case.  Click here to read both releases in full.

First look at the five major Volturi members [ohnotheydidnt via Latino Review]

Promotional images [more at SpoilerTV]

Good Summer Fun Expected from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
I bought into the spin that "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" would be horrible, despite there being very little in the way of actual evidence supporting that.  And if early reviews are any indication, it looks like I was way wrong because it turns out that it just may be a fun ride after all.  The Stephen Sommers-directed film is currently sitting at a very healthy 88% on Rotten Tomatoes (7 Fresh/ 1 Rotten) and although that may go down some when more reviews are added in, it’s certainly a higher initial positive ranking than many had expected. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the mainstream reviews:

SCI FI Wire
Stephen Sommers’ film captures the silly energy that made the series such a childhood favorite and finds a way to fulfill the expectations of fanboys from 13 to 30 (okay, 33) in the process

JoBlo
G.I. Joe may not be a great movie, but it sure is a hoot and a half, just make sure to find that inner child in you that still likes to play pretend.

CHUD
If I was 10 years old, GI Joe would be one of the best movies I had ever seen. As a grown up it’s one of the better summer movies; a delightfully light, fun and action-packed kick in the ass.

HitFix
‘G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra’ is… a summer movie, through and through, pure pulp preposterousness, one of the most successful little-boy adventure movies in a long time.

And Collider has posted an extensive set of interviews with the cast, producer and director.  Here are the direct links:

• Sienna Miller (Baroness)
• Ray Park (Snake Eyes)
• Channing Tatum (Duke)
• Lorenzo de Bonaventura (Producer)
• Stephen Sommers (Director)

"G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" hits theaters this Friday, August 7th.

Character posters [more at io9]

Stephen Sommers in Paris talking about the Accelerator Suit chase sequence [Superhero Hype!]

The Wolfman Delayed…Again + Other Release Additions and Changes
For the second time in its production schedule "The Wolfman" has been delayed.  This time Universal Pictures has pushed back the release of the Joe Johnston-directed project, featuring Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins, three months — to February 12, 2010 from November 6, 2009.  As you may remember the studio had initially pushed the film from its April 3, 2009 release date.  That’s a total of nearly 1 year in delays (10 months to be precise).  Here are some other release changes/additions:

• "The Vampire’s Assistant" (formerly "Cirque du Freak") — to October 23, 2009 from January 15, 2010 [Universal Pictures]
• "The Box" — to November 6, 2009 from October 30, 2009 [Warner Brothers]
• "Gulliver’s Travels" — to December 24, 2010 from June 4, 2010 [20th Century Fox]
• "Marvin the Martian" — October 7, 2011 [Warner Brothers]

NEW IMAGES

Astro Boy [more at SCI FI Wire]

Avatar

Poster featuring Zoe Saldana’s character [Latino Review]

James Cameron on the set [Empire]

Gamer [more at Collider]

Jennifer’s Body

Fangoria scans [more at SpoilerTV-Movies]

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time [more at Empire]

Rapunzel

Concept art [more at Walt Disney Animation Studios–via /Film]

Sucker Punch

First art [Alex Pardee via /Film]

Surrogates

Posters [more at IGN]

Banners [more at IGN]

Thundercats

Concept art from Jerry O’Flaherty [more at Movieline–via io9]

NEW VIDEOS

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Trailer

District 9

Promotional trailer

Gamer

TV Spot: "Slayers"

The Green Hornet

Michel Gondry, with son beatboxing, talking ‘Green Hornet’ [Cinematical]

Rec ²

Third teaser trailer [Bloody-Disgusting]

CASTING BITES

• Jeremy Renner ("The Hurt Locker") has revealed that he is currently screen testing for George Miller’s new "Mad Max" film. [The Modesto Bee via AICN]
• Eli Roth is writing a sci-fi project called "Endangered Species" which he hopes to release by spring 2011 and Roth says he’s writing some of the roles with Josh Brolin and Brad Pitt in mind. [io9]
• Michelle Rodriguez, Michael Pena and Bridget Moynahan have been added to the cast of director Jonathan Liebesman’s upcoming sci-fi action film "Battle: Los Angeles". Rodriguez will play Crpl. Adriana Santos, Pena the father of a boy the Marines find along the way and Moynahan will play a veterinarian. They join Aaron Eckhart who will play a Marine staff sergeant whose platoon is forced into battle with an invading alien race on the streets of Los Angeles. [THR]
• Korean actor Kwon Sang-woo has been cast as Kato in Seth Rogen’s "Green Hornet", replacing Stephen Chow who was also originally on board to direct. [Korea Times via First Showing]
• Rumored for some time, but now confirmed: Michael Sheen will play the villain in "Tron Legacy". [Disney Pictures via JoBlo]

MOVIE BITES

• DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox have announced that Steven Spielberg will direct an adaptation of Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Harvey". The contemporary adaptation focuses on eccentric Elwood P. Dowd’s relationship with a 6-and-a-half-foot tall invisible rabbit. [SCI FI Wire]
• Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animated film "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" will open this year’s Times BFI London Film Festival, which runs from October 14th-29th.  "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" hits theaters on November 13, 2009. [THR]
• Spike Jonze ("Where the Wild Things Are") has acquired the film rights to Shane Jones’ debut novel "Light Boxes".  The novel, and soon to be film, is about a mysterious town that endures a deadly 1,000-day winter.  Ray Tintori is attached to direct. [Variety]
• Milla Jovovich, who will star in the upcoming 3-D "Resident Evil: Afterlife" says the Clones will "definitely" be in the film: "The clones are definitely in it. You’ve got multiple Alice’s kicking serious butt. And definitely the real Alice has some pretty major things happen to her that change the stakes a little bit.” [Bloody Disgusting]
• "District 9" director Neill Blomkamp says that if his film is successful he’d be interested in returning for a sequel: "…if audiences want another, whatever, District 10, I would love to do it," Blomkamp said. "It’s a very personal film, and it’s a universe and a place that I find incredibly creative. I’d love to go back to that universe." [SCI FI Wire]
• Rob Marshall is rumored to be on the top of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Walt Disney Pictures’ list to direct "Pirates of the Caribbean 4", replacing Gore Verbinski who dropped out a few months back. [Variety]
• Speaking of Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer has acquired the film rights to Ashley Wood’s graphic novel "World War Robot" from IDW Publishing. [Variety]
• "Chronicles of Riddick" writer/director David Twohy revealed that he has "sketched out two ideas for the next installment" of the ‘Riddick’ franchise but he and star Vin Diesel won’t do another PG-13 film even though that’s what the studio wants.  He’d also like to do a smaller, less expensive film more in the style of 2000’s "Pitch Dark". [Shock Till You Drop]
• Sony Pictures is developing the recent video game "inFamous" into a feature film. Sheldon Turner will write the screenplay, with Avi Arad set to produce. [First Showing]
• Warner Brothers is remaking the classic 1935 swashbuckler "Captain Blood".  John Brownlow will pen the script, with Bill Gerber set to produce.  The Oscar-nominated (Best Picture) original film starred Errol Flynn as a doctor wrongly sentenced to slavery in the Caribbean, where he and his comrades become avenging pirates. [Variety]
• Joseph Kosinski ("Tron Legacy") is developing "Oblivion", a film based on his own concept art, for Radical Pictures.  The material will also be published by Radical as an illustrated novel. [THR]
• Bryan lee O’Malley talks about the upcoming video game from Ubisoft based on his "Scot Pilgrim" series of graphic novels from Oni Press in an interview with Comic Book Resources.
• Director Paul W.S. Anderson and fellow "Resident Evil" producer Jeremy Bolt have acquired the film rights to Peter V. Brett’s fantasy novel "The Warded Man".  The novel is set in an undetermined future where mankind is beset by nightly attacks from demonkind and has been thrown back into a feudal state. [THR]
• "9" director Shane Acker has two films on tap, one live-action, one animated but "both kind of fantasy with a little science fiction in them as well." [io9]
• Universal Pictures has changed the name of its thriller "Repossession Mambo" to "Repo Men!". The film is expected to hit theaters in winter 2010. [Shock Till You Drop]
• Universal Pictures is teaming up with Illumination Entertainment to adapt the Dr. Seuss book "The Lorax" into a 3-D CG-animated film and has set a March 2, 2012 release date. [Variety]
• 20th Century Fox has announced that "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" began principal photography on location in Queensland, Australia last Monday. [SCI FI Wire]
• D.J. Caruso has been tapped to direct an adaptation of video game publisher Electronic Arts’ "Dead Space".  A writer, along with a distributor, is expected to be named in early September. [Variety]
• Twisted Pictures, the producing team behind the "Saw" movies, confirmed reports that "Saw VII" will be released in 3-D. [Shock Till You Drop]
• When asked whether he’d reprise his role as Bruce Banner/the Hulk in "The Avengers", Edward Norton responded with a "no comment".  Pressed further, Norton simply deferred to Marvel: "I probably won’t comment on that just because they keep a pretty tight rein on what they are letting out," he said, adding "I’ll let them [address it]". [SCI FI Wire]
• "Avatar" producer John Landau says that the film’s IMAX and theatrical releases will both carry the same run time.  He also seems to imply that IMAX has found a way to extend the running time of IMAX releases (currently limited to 160 minutes). [Collider]
• "The Time Traveler’s Wife" isn’t a sci-fi movie, rather it’s an "epic love story" with "no butterfly effect" and the time travel used just as "a very good metaphor", says director Robert Schwentke. [SCI FI Wire]
• Phoenix Pictures has acquired the rights to Troy Nixey’s family fantasy "Simple Machines".  Nixey will direct, with Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and Brad Fischer, while Chud.com co-creator Nick Nunziata will co-produce. [Variety]
• The lead role in "The First Avenger: Captain America" will likely be announced sometime after October of this year. [Cinematical]
• If "Kick-Ass" gets distribution and ends up becoming a hit, director Mathew Vaughn says he has plans for more: "If the film works well, there’s a sequel that I definitely want to do," he said. He expects to finish production on the project by October. [SCI FI Wire]

Follow Russ on his blog: Your Entertainment Now and on Twitter: Twitter.com/YourEntNow.