Sci-Fi Movies Thursday: Judge Dredd, Cowboys & Aliens, Riddick, Super 8, Iron Man 3, Avatar 2, Tron + more | TrekMovie.com
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Sci-Fi Movies Thursday: Judge Dredd, Cowboys & Aliens, Riddick, Super 8, Iron Man 3, Avatar 2, Tron + more May 13, 2010

by Rosario T. Calabria , Filed under: Sci-Fi , trackback

In this week’s Sci-Fi Movies column Iron Man 2 is a hit and so its already time to talk about Iron Man 3. There are also details on the next Riddick and Cowboys & Aliens. Plus Judge Dredd is ready for his reboot, and the new Conan is revealed. Plus more, including the latest box office numbers, casting bites, videos and images, including new shots from Tron Legacy.

 

GENRE MOVIE NEWS

Iron Man 2 $128.1M open impressive but not record breaking + Jon Favreau talks IM3
It may not have broken any records, but the $128.1M opening weekend of "Iron Man 2" is still impressive as it opened significantly above the first one ($98.6M or $102.1M including Thursday sneaks). It currently stands at $152.8M through six days (versus $121.3M for "Iron Man") with its worldwide cume at $363.8M ($152.8M / $211.0M). In other news, director Jon Favreau tells MTV that despite what he has said in the past about the character in the past, he feels that The Mandarin has to be in "Iron Man 3":

“You have to do The Mandarin,” he said. “The problem with The Mandarin is, the way it’s depicted in the comic books, you don’t want to see that. He also has 10 magical rings, and it just doesn’t feel right for our thing, so it’s either tech-based or the rings are not really rings.”

Favreau also said that what happens with all the other Marvel Entertainment will have a big influence on ‘IM3′:

“I would like ‘Iron Man 3′ to pay it off, but there’s so much I don’t understand yet about what the world is going to be like then,” said Favreau. “You’ve got ‘Thor,’ ‘Captain America,’ ‘Avengers’ all happening with different directors before ‘Iron Man 3′ — and that’s all going to affect ‘Iron Man 3.’”

“What’s going to have happened by then?” he asked. “With ‘Thor,’ you’re going to have all this supernatural stuff happening and magic and there’s a lot of stuff going on in the world. If it’s going to match the comic books, it’s going to be incredibly complex for film.”

And lastly, Favreau says there are some scenes that didn’t make the final cut that will be included on the home video release:

"It was like the thing where Gwyneth kisses the helmet and throws it out [of the airplane]. … There’s a [deleted] scene that leads up to that. It’s wonderful, but what it does is ruin the surprise and ruins the momentum of the movie in the beginning.

"[The scene occurs] on a real C17 that we shot it on," he explained. "But there’s a little bit of a misdirect that we wanted to sell, and the reveal of him landing on the stage being revealed for the first time was better. Also, [Paltrow's character] Pepper had two introduction scenes, and so, structurally, there were issues with it that are hard to explain unless you see the whole cut."

Another one of the deleted scenes involved Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff cozying up to Tony Stark. Favreau says he decided to take that one out because he didn’t want to have Johansson’s character appear to be too close to Tony:

"If you let him and Scarlett get too flirty and get too close, the audience turns off really quickly, because they really want to root for [Tony and Pepper] together."

Judge Dredd to be rebooted…in 3D
Reliance BIG Pictures and IM Global will finance DNA Films’ $45M 3D production of "Judge Dredd":

Filming will take place over the fourth quarter of 2010 in Johannesburg.

JUDGE DREDD is being made by the writer/producer partnership behind The Beach, 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, Sunshine, and Never Let Me Go. Alex Garland, Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich will produce a script written by Garland.

Pete Travis, director of Omagh, Vantage Point, and Endgame will direct. Wagner will be a creative consultant on the film.

Synopses for Cowboys & Aliens and Riddick
DreamWorks Pictures has released the official synopsis for Jon Favreau’s upcoming "Cowboys & Aliens", which stars Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde and Sam Rockwell:

1873. Arizona Territory. A stranger (Craig) with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don’t welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde (Ford). It’s a town that lives in fear.

But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known.

Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he’s been, he realizes he holds a secret that could give the town a fighting chance against the alien force. With the help of the elusive traveler Ella (Olivia Wilde), he pulls together a posse comprised of former opponents—townsfolk, Dolarhyde and his boys, outlaws and Apache warriors—all in danger of annihilation. United against a common enemy, they will prepare for an epic showdown for survival.

Written by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Damon Lindelof, "Cowboys & Aliens" hits theaters on July 29, 2011. An official synopsis has also been released for "Riddick" (formerly "The Chronicles of Riddick: Dead Man Stalking"), from writer-director David Twohy and starring Vin Diesel:

Betrayed by his own kind and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick (Diesel) fights for survival against alien predators and becomes more powerful and dangerous than ever before. Soon bounty hunters from throughout the galaxy descend on Riddick only to find themselves pawns in his greater scheme for revenge. With his enemies right where he wants them, Riddick unleashes a vicious attack of vengeance before returning to his home planet of Furya to save it from destruction.

Avatar sequel to be announced within a few months; DVD/Blu-ray approaching 20M units sold
Speaking at the Seoul Digital Forum, James Cameron revealed that the release date for a sequel to "Avatar" will be announced in a few months. Cameron also said that thanks to advancements in 3D, the sequel will take about 3 years to make — 18 months less than it took to make the original. In related news, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has announced that "Avatar" has reached 19.7 million Blu-ray disc and DVDs combined worldwide in three weeks. It’s Blu-ray sales alone are at 6.2 million which is more than double the previous record holder. That of course is in addition to the more than $2.7B in worldwide box office receipts ($748.1M domestic / $1.97B foreign).

First look at Jason Momoa as Conan + Peter Sarsgaard and Ryan Reynolds in Green Lantern
Filming is well underway in Bulgaria on Marcus Nispel’s "Conan", and we now have our first look at Jason Momoa ("Stargate Atlantis") in the title role [Latino Review]:

Check out more images from the set here. Meanwhile, we’ve got our first look at Peter Sarsgaard in make-up as Hammond in Martin Campbell’s "Green Lantern" [Sky Showbiz]:

As well as Ryan Reynolds on the set in his 3D motion-capture suit [MTV]:

"Conan" will reportedly hit 2011, while "Green Lantern" is set to hit conventional and 3D theaters on June 17, 2011.

Previously on TrekMovie.com: Super 8 Teaser Online + Official Site & Viral Site
After rumors and speculation it was finally confirmed last week that JJ Abrams’ next project as a director will the alien mystery "Super 8", a collaboration with Steven Spielberg. The first teaser trailer was shown with "Iron Man 2" over the weekend and is now available online. There is also an official website and a viral site. Read the rest of this article here. You can check out the trailer along with a a teaser poster below.

Teaser poster [IGN]

Teaser trailer [Trailer Addict]


PREVIEW Videos & Images

The Adjustment Bureau

New trailer [Yahoo! Movies]

 

Despicable Me

Three new posters [IMP Awards]

Inception

New trailer [Trailer Addict]

TV spot [YouTube]

Watch two more TV spots here and here

John Carter of Mars

One of the areas in Utah where the film is being shot [Lake Power Reality -- more via John Carter of Mars Movie]

Jonah Hex

Promotional still [IGN]

Kane & Lynch

Cannes Film Festival poster [ComingSoon.net]

The Last Airbender

New poster [Empire]

Let Me In

First look at Matt Reeves’ remake/adaptation of the Swedish film "Let The Right One In" [/Film]

Neuromancer

Interview with director Vincenzo Natali [MTV]

Predators

Promotional still of Laurence Fishburne’s character Noland [IGN]

Shrek Forever After

Viral: "Rumpel Deals" [Trailer Addict]

IMAX Experience trailer [Trailer Addict]

Splice

TV spot [YouTube]

Watch four more TV spots: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Toy Story 3

Promotional stills [more at IGN]

Transformers 3

Autobot Bumbleebee + Megan Fox on set [more at Megan-Fox.net via TFW2005 & TFW2005]

Set video [YouTube via TFLAMB]

Tron Legacy

New images/concept art [mrhedlund.com & helloflynn.com -- more via /Film]

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Promotional stills [MTV & Movies.SpoilerTV.com -- more at ComingSoon.net]

MOVIE BITES

CASTING BITES

MISC Videos

Star Wars

Disney Star Wars weekends ad [io9]

Fan-made LEGO Star Wars trilogy [YouTube via SCI FI Wire]

Toy Story 3: Inception

Toy Story 3 / Inception mash-up trailer [YouTube via /Film]


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

Comments»

1. Dutch - May 13, 2010

Do I dare hope that Predators will be good?

2. Naver Drol - May 13, 2010

Please no Billy Zane as Superman. He’s a good actor. I just don’t think he fits the part.

3. Trekluver - May 13, 2010

First!

Ok Trekmovie, please review this site and page. It’s for the new Myst movie coming soon based on the video game. Here’s the facebook fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Myst-The-book-of-Tiana-Motion-Picture/119172468108164

And the official site:

mystmovie.com

Thanks!

4. Trekluver - May 13, 2010

Ooops! Third! And fourth!

5. anon - May 13, 2010

“It’s no secret Shia LaBeouf wasn’t satisfied with “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, but LaBeouf says the third film “brings the heart back to the franchise”. ”

So…there was more to the heart of Transformers than just explosions and robots beating the hell out of each other? Clearly I need to re-watch this treasure and explore these deeper themes…

6. Jim Nightshade - May 13, 2010

hmmm hope all these marvel comics movies dont crash n burn from overkill–shades of trek oversaturation—and once again Jack Kirbys family deserves millions–iron man–co created-avengers co created-nick fury,co ceeated-thor co created-fantastic four co created-need i go on-he is luck to even get a mention in the end credits like in iron man 2-so unfair–cmon disney pony up-
camerons avatar continues its incredible popularity-20 mil dvds wow

7. AJ - May 13, 2010

Does anyone here think that 3D as a home-theater format is a lost cause?

I mean, you have to have the new kit: 3D player and set, PLUS glasses!

Glasses! “Sorry, honey, Uncle Bob can’t watch “Avatar” with us because we don’t have enough glasses. He’ll have to do it blurry.”

Formula for failure. Keep it in the cinemas as a reason to go, or, better yet, cancel it altogether until we don’t need the headgear.

8. Jeffrey S. Nelson - May 13, 2010

Cowboys and Aliens reminds me a lot of Oblivion, which had George Takei in a supporting role.

9. Zebonka - May 14, 2010

Anyone paying money to see a Twilight or Transformers movie at this stage is surely a flipping lobotomy case. It’s one thing to be tricked into seeing the first installment, and another thing to be conned into seeing the 2nd one because it’s better – but with 2 Z-grade movies you simply have no excuse going to see a 3rd one.

10. The TOS Purist aka The Purolator - May 14, 2010

Cool, “Cowboys and Aliens” comes out on my birthday. It also looks like it’ll be an AWESOME movie!!!

11. Javier Lorenz Jr. - May 14, 2010

@#2. Naver Drol:

I wholeheartedly agree with ya that Billy Zane would be a horrible choice for Superman, but I could easily see him playing a phenomenal Lex Luthor.

12. DJT - May 14, 2010

Can’t wait for Inception! Last Airbender looks pretty good, too.

13. PropperTrekkieUk - May 14, 2010

I really really really really really really really wish people would stop ranting and going on about 3D, its not amazing at all! Avatar, ok in 3D, sort of wish I’d watched it in 2D, but I didn’t, and whilst at first I regretted teh decision (it was messing with my head) it got better, Alice In Wonderland, clearly made for 3D, added to the mystery of Wonderland, it worked. Coraline, again perfect for 3D, the film was clearly written for it and it worked, Clash of the Titans, S**t, and a big pile of it at that. Should never have been 3D, just a gimmick.

Thus,

Avatar 3D – **** (Annoying to begin with, got better)
Alice In Wonderland – ***** (Made for eachother)
Coraline – ***** (A film that suited 3D, clearly written with it in mind)
Clash of the Titans – * (Should never have done 3D to it)

Therefore, NO 3D for Avengers, NO 3D for Thor, NO 3D for Irom Man 3, NO 3D for Captain America. 3D is a gimmick that works for some films designed for it, but otherwise ruins conventional films when you just want to watch…so glad Iron Man 2 wasn’t in 3D!

And, its a duff media for home entertainment until quite far down the line as @7 says!

Nuff said, leave the films meant to be 3D for 3D, otherwise you’ll ruin them in the desperate home for more comercial gain, which you wont get, because it will look gash!

14. Walshy - May 14, 2010

Sly Stallone to reprise his role in Judge Dredd? Christ, I hope not……

15. Christine - May 14, 2010

UUUUHHGH gawd. why?! Why are they making anothing Avatar movie?! Yes, yes, I loved the original, but I don’t see what interesting plots they could go with where they left off. All the humans (except a few) are gone. Granted, Hometree’s destroyed, but it’s pretty obvious the Na’vi are gonna find a new home. Just… Bah. With ST09, it’s different. It was the perfect set-up for a sequel.

How about James Cameron and all these other movie producers/directors/writers stop with the sequels and make something original!?

16. The Gorn Identity - May 14, 2010

To #10 Javier Lorenz Jr….

I agree! Billy Zane would be an AMAZING Lex Luthor!

17. Capt Mike of the Terran Empire - May 14, 2010

Realy looking forward to Cowboys and Aliens. This looks to be a fresh Movie with new ideas and it has a very Intriging plot. Capt America and the Avengers looks good as well as does Thor and Conan. Great Article Rosario.

18. Enterprisingguy - May 14, 2010

I also agree with #10. Billy Zane would be a great Luthor. However, if they do yet another Superman movie with a quirky Luthor I will skip it. But if they were to return he character his roots it could be something worth doing. I would love to see the bitter and vengeful Luthor bent on destroying Superman instead of the comical version with his “affinity for real estate” once again.

Better yet though, I think it’s time for a Braniac movie. That could be a serious sci-fi movie that really ups the ante.

19. T'Cal - May 14, 2010

As far as Lex Luthor goes, that was one of the biggest disappointments for me in Superman Returns. I blame the writing of course for that awful movie. I was excited about it if only because Kevin Spacey was to play Lex. Spacey is a fantastic actor who can play an eerie and believable psycho (see Se7en for a great example). But his character was written terribly for SR. And the rest of the film was a poor rehash of the Reeves films.

20. Kent Butabi - May 14, 2010

Billy Zane’s name has been mentioned as a possible Luthor for years — dating back to the Nic Cage attempt.

21. Dave in RI - May 14, 2010

14. Christine – May 14, 2010
UUUUHHGH gawd. why?! Why are they making anothing Avatar movie?! ….

The only reason that matters…it made TONS of $$$

22. Do You Wanna Dance - May 14, 2010

FYI, happy birthday, George Lucas.

23. Mikey1091 - May 14, 2010

One issue with this article, it says Tommy Lee Jones is in negotiations to reprise his role of “Agent J”. It’s K, not J.

24. Dr. Image - May 14, 2010

#18- Agreed.
I still say: Do Superman as a period piece set in the 30’s. That would be cool as hell.
One of the reasons SR failed (besides the shitty writing) was that after X-Men, etc., the Superman concept became so “dated” to contemporary audiences when set in the present day. So why not roll with it and SET it in a time where the character would be special again?

25. Eli - May 14, 2010

Nice star wars flick!

26. Captain Dunsel - May 14, 2010

As much as I despise 3D, I really don’t care about which movies are made in or converted to a 3D format, as long as they continue to release it in 2D as well.

…UNLESS they do stupid things like throw stuff at the screen (watch the opening of the Vincent Price classic, “House of Wax” for an example) just to make the 3D “obvious”.

On the other hand, the decision to convert “The Green Hornet” to 3D confirms in my mind my worst fears that they took a film that should have had a StinGer, and made it a StinKer.

27. Driver - May 14, 2010

George A. Romero was born to make zombie films. And other horror films, too.

28. Danpaine - May 14, 2010

I’m with you, #7. I’m not going to buy a unit for my house where people have to wear glasses to watch it. Bulls&%t.

And I also agree with the poster who said 3D is largely underwhelming in theaters, with the exception of a few films.

…I’m not buyin’ it.

29. CmdrR - May 14, 2010

Good Lord, I’ll never be able to fantasize about Carrie Fisher in a metal bikini again without laughing. That Lego slavegirl chick is too funny.

30. Rebecca - May 14, 2010

Billy Zane should play Lex Luthor in the next Superman movie. He ‘ll make a decent villain. He’s Way Too OLD to play the Man of Steel in my opinion. Joe Jonas should and WILL play the Man Of Steel in 2013.

31. M_E - May 14, 2010

“Tommy Lee Jones, meanwhile, is said to be in advanced negotiations to reprise his role as Agent Kay while Josh Brolin is also in talks to star as a young Agent Kay.”

Two Kays? Are they jumping into the time travel band-wagon? :)

32. RedShark - May 14, 2010

Ronon the Barbarian looks…well, like Ronon Dex. Cowboys and Aliens sounds cool, I hope it lives up to my expectations…not that any movie ever does.

33. miraclefan - May 14, 2010

#14. Walshy – May 14, 2010
Sly Stallone to reprise his role in Judge Dredd? Christ, I hope not……

No, this is a complete Re-boot!
Rumor is it will be a origin story in the vein of BATMAN BEGINS & will be closer to the original source material.

34. Ran - May 14, 2010

“Cowboys and Aliens” will suck.

35. Locutus of Fort Saint John - May 14, 2010

Reasons to read things twice…

The movie entitled “Riddick and Cowboys & Aliens” sounds very scary.

36. Frederick, the Trek Scrapbook Guy - May 14, 2010

I was pulling for Billy Zane for Superman from the start of the casting for the last film. But really, as good as he would look, he’s getting a bit too old now. He looked awesome as The Phantom!

37. ryanhuyton - May 14, 2010

That “Lego Star Wars” movie was great.

“Cowboys And Aliens” looks interesting. Good cast.

I hope they take more time on “Iron Man 3″ than they did with number two. The first was great, the second was good but was also a step back. The story was a rehash of the first.

“Avatar” continues to do incredibly well on dvd and Blu Ray. If anyone still hasn’t seen it on Blu Ray, if you have a Blu Ray player, I suggest that you give it a watch. Absolutely awesome. Best looking Blu Ray movie yet.

38. Andy Patterson - May 15, 2010

Aghhh….I really hope Conan is good. Really scared about this one. And someone tell me again why they’re doing a remake of Milius’ movie? (which is a classic…stands alone and should be untouched) Why not go right to the source material…do this one fresh and right? I don’t get it.

And here’s obscure comic book reference number 22 for the select few out there: Is it me or does Peter Sarsgaard in make-up as Hammond look exactly like Mindworm from way back in Spider-Man 139? One of the first books I bought. Bet not too many here get that one.

39. denny cranium - May 15, 2010

Hey #24
Great idea to put Superman in a period piece.
Maybe mix it up a bit and have cell phones tv etc.
Kind of like the Fringe singing episode.

40. www.chrisfawkes.com - May 15, 2010

You know what i would like for Iron Man 3?

A new story.

Having seen the same story told twice in the first two films not sure i would be interested a third time.

41. Polly - May 15, 2010

so looking forward to Super 8 now!

42. CarlG - May 15, 2010

Coboys and Aliens sounds like an uber guilty pleasure. I’m so there.

@11, 16: How about Jon Hamm for Lex? :D

http://showhype.com/video/lex_luthor_bailout_with_jon_hamm/

(Seriously, I know it’s just a comedy skit, but he’s actually kind of good…)

43. Walshy - May 17, 2010

33. miraclefan – May 14, 2010
#14. Walshy – May 14, 2010
Sly Stallone to reprise his role in Judge Dredd? Christ, I hope not……

No, this is a complete Re-boot!
Rumor is it will be a origin story in the vein of BATMAN BEGINS & will be closer to the original source material.

Reply……….Hi Miraclefan…………..now THAT sounds promising; I still have the first 300-odd issues of the comic 2000AD in my parent’s loft dating back to 1977……JD is THE man, I really hope we don’t see his face, an appearance of Walter The Wobot could also be cool……:-))


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