John Lasseter Talks Toy Story 4

Today kicks off the bi-annual convention held by Disney called the D23 Expo. This is where the powerhouse studio shows off all of their properties and future projects to the world. With the acquisitions of both Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm in the past few years the excitement for this event has grown exponentially with die-hard fans now looking here for more big ticket information. However, the first piece of big news coming out of the convention has nothing to do with either the MCU or Star Wars but with a well known Pixar property. While conducting and interview with CNBC today Pixar's John Lasseter dropped some key info on the in-development Toy Story 4.

When news broke a few months ago that Pixar would in fact be doing a fourth installment in the tent-pole franchise fan reaction was luke-warm. It's not that anyone felt the series had nothing more to tell but that the original trilogy we currently have works perfectly as a whole and nothing else is needed. Well, they said it would be a big change from those three movies and many took that as meaning we may see the torch passed on to a new group of lively children's toys. Rumors can be put to rest as Lasseter has confirmed that not only will our classic characters be returning, but two of them would be the main focus of an animated love story. That's right, as per John Lasseter Toy Story 4 will be a romantic comedy of sorts revolving around Woody and Little Bo-peep.

Look, I am never one to question Pixar or to accuse them of going for an easy cash grab (though you can make a damn good case for Cars 2) but this seems a little, I don't know, odd? The Woody/Bo-peep love story has been present through all three films, but as a small side story good for a few throw away jokes. Its seems like a weird choice to focus in on this rather than maybe introducing a new cast of toys and passing the torch onto a new generation. That's not to say they can't or won't still do this but it felt like thw right choice to leave Buzz and Woody with their trilogy.

This does have potential to be great, don't get me wrong. If done right this could be an incredibly intelligent movie that could break a lot of Hollywood stereotypes surrounding traditional couples. They could use this movie to teach a whole new generation the right away to approach love and life. They could also turn it into a by-the-books generic love story that teaches nothing new and instead further pushes the crap we see constantly around Hollywood romances. This is Pixar though and I highly doubt the latter would happen I just feel this is and interesting direction to go and I'd love to hear what you guys think. Do you like the idea of a Woody/Bo-peep love story? Would you rather see a new crew of toys be introduced? Let me know in the comments below or hit me up on twitter @ZachWWMovies. Smell ya later!

The First Full Trailer for The Hateful Eight

Hey Everyone! Today just got a whole lot more exciting, the first full trailer for Quentin Tarantino's eighth feature film The Hateful Eight just dropped online and it's everything you want and more. Over the past few months we have been drip fed a few posters and an ominous teaser to help get us excited for this film and their Comic-Con panel only added more wood to the fire. Well today we finally got to see our first full trailer for the film and finally get a glimpse into what exactly this movie is going to be. As usual, Tarantino's trailer manages to be more entertaining than half the movies I've seen this year and all without spoiling anything to come this winter. 

Anyone who has been following the project knows the basic storyline of the movie. Eight strangers come together at an old countryside Inn seeking shelter from a storm in post- Civil War America. What we didn't know until seeing this trailer is who exactly some of these characters are and what exactly will be happening during this storm. The trailer opens on Kurt Russell's character coming upon Samuel L. Jackson's and right away we get a clear indication of just who these guys will be playing. From there the trailer goes every which we want it to and we are quickly introduced to the rest of the cast, all while barely scratching the surface of what we all are going to see come December.

Even in his trailers you can see how masterful of a filmmaker Tarantino is and why he is considered the best of the best. He can give us more in two minutes than most can in two hours and the fact they he makes his trailers so incredible is just a small testament to his skill. The guy could literally put a black screen displaying his name and the title of his new film and the masses would be sold on it. So the fact that he consistently delivers trailers that somehow make you even more excited for his films is simply incredible. From this two minutes we can deduce that this film will be a high paced, character driven western with plenty of violence and deception. Basically everything we want from a Tarantino flick.

After seeing the success he had with Django I think we were all over the moon when we heard he was going to do another western and from the looks of it, this is going to be one hell of a ride. The Hateful Eight releases into limited theaters this Christmas and then worldwide on January 8. I for one will be first in line for my tickets, a new Tarantino movie is an event that cannot be missed.

                                        

What did you guys think of the trailer? Does this get you even more excited for the film or is this exactly what you expected? Let me know either in the comments below or hit me up on twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. Smell ya later!

Phil Lord & Chris Miller to Direct Han Solo "Origins" Movie

Big news coming out from Lucasfilm today. The long rumored and expected Han Solo "origins" movie was finally confirmed today and the big surprise is the directing choice. According to Lucasfilm the standalone movie will be directed by duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller, fresh off their success from both The LEGO Movie and 22 Jump Street last year. Both movies were critic and box office hits that have earned them high praise. Franchise favorite Lawrence Kasdan is set to pen the script as well that is supposed to center on a young Han Solo. We will get the story of how he became the lying, thieving, scoundrel we all know and love from the original films.

Wow. I don't think anyone saw this coming and I doubt we will see many complaining. From what these guys said in the press release I couldn't feel more confident about this movie being put in their hands. They bleed Star Wars and they aren't afraid to take risks and push the limits. Also, they are two of the most talented comedic directors around. This film has so much potential to be something we have never seen before and I can't wait to see what they do with it. Here's what the two had to say:

"This is the first film we’ve worked on that seems like a good idea to begin with. We promise to take risks, to give the audience a fresh experience, and we pledge ourselves to be faithful stewards of these characters who mean so much to us. This is a dream come true for us. And not the kind of dream where you’re late for work and all your clothes are made of pudding, but the kind of dream where you get to make a film with some of the greatest characters ever, in a film franchise you’ve loved since before you can remember having dreams at all."

Doesn't that all just sound wonderful? And with a script from Kasdan, the guy who gave us The Empire Strikes Back, I couldn't be more excited about this news. These guys have already kick started two big franchises that most people thought were destined to fail from the start. They repeatedly prove to us that they have the talent required to do anything Hollywood throws at them. Its paid off as the two are now set to make an animated Spidey film for Sony well as this new gig. I am in love with the idea of these guys influencing our favorite nerd universes.

Disney and Lucasfilm have not been messing around with these movies. They have brought in all kinds of incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera to ensure we don't have another batch of prequels on our hands. Lord and Miller are just the latest in a long train of great and out of the box casting and are now my most anticipated. They prove with the Jump Street franchises that they can blend action and humor, lets see what they can do when we take them to a galaxy far, far, away...

The film is due in theaters May 25, 2018. What do you guys think? Are you excited about a standalone Han Solo Movie? Do the addition of Lord and Miller get you excited for this movie?  Let me know what you think in the comments below or find me on twitter @ZachWWMovies.  Thanks for reading guys! Smell ya later!

What's going on with Green Lantern?!

Alright, I caved. I wasn't going to chime in on the subject but more news is surfacing and now I just have to talk about the future of my favorite super hero. Yesterday rumors were surfacing that the inevitable Green Lantern reboot may star all three major incarnations of the Earth bound Green Lanterns. That is Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, and John Stewart. The idea of three lanterns in one film seem like a bit much, but now today we are getting new rumors, and I like what they are hinting at.

Collider is reporting that the guy we all assumed would be playing Wonder Woman's love interest will actually be our new Hal Jordan. That's right, Chris Pine is rumored to be the new Hal Jordan and kudos to DC and WB for the huge misdirection. Chris Pine is a great cast, he looks the part and we know from watching him as Kirk in the new Star Trek movies that he has the charisma and personality. My only reserve with bringing him in was that I wanted to see John Stewart come to life and I figured if Jordan were around he wouldn't be.

Well, according to reports I (we) need not worry about that. Despite original reports that all three Lanterns would be in the film it looks like it will actually only be two (though the possibility of Gardner is still there) . Hal Jordan, played by Pine, and John Stewart who they haven't announced any casting for yet. While I was iffy on adding all three to one movie, I think this is a wonderful idea. I'm not sure how they will do the story but I like the idea of two human Lanterns co-existing and working together to fight crime.

It could essentially be a buddy cop super hero movie and I couldn't think of a better pairing for it than Jordan and Stewart. Hal Jordan is traditionally the cocky, in your face type guy while John Stewart tends to be more disciplined and serious. These are the makings of the perfect buddy cop movie, now give them alien rings that basically make them gods? That sounds like a good time.

Collider is also reporting that DC and WB want to focus on all different Green Lanterns throughout their movies.  Essentially saying that when they reboot GL they will be focusing on the Corps, not just one specific ring wearer. This is the right idea, take us into the amazing universe of the Lantern's. I want so much more Oa and Kilowog and all the other different corps. Its such an expansive world and to limit yourself just to Earth is boring. If this is in fact the route DC goes than they are doing it right.

With guys like Phil Lord and Chris Miller attached to future projects I am hoping DC will lose this dark tone sooner rather than later. A Green Lantern film is the perfect opportunity to lighten the spirits of the franchise a bit and show everyone just how fun their characters can be. The first Green Lantern standalone film is currently slated for 2020.

What do you guys think of this? Do you like Pine as Hal Jordan? What do you think of a two Green Lantern movie? Who do you want to see cast as John Stewart? Let me know in the comments below or find me on twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. Smell ya later!

Ben Affleck Set to Direct Solo Batman Film?

Hey everyone! Zach Who Watches movies here to talk about a huge rumor circulating this morning. According to the Latino Review, Warner Bros. and DC are planning a solo Batman movie in 2018. That's not even the biggest news however, as they are reporting that Batman himself, Ben Affleck is set to direct the standalone film. They slate the film for a November 2018 release to compete with Marvel studios Captain Marvel movie.

Wow! Even though this seems like an obvious choice, I'm still in love with it. Anyone paying attention to movies at all over the past half decade knows that Affleck is best when he's directing himself. The Town and Argo are arguably his best performances to date and if there is potential for him to do the same for Batman why not take the risk?

We've long been waiting for the true Batman to make it to the screen, you know, the greatest detective in the world? Well the guy who directed and starred in The Town is perfect for the job. We already know he is capable of making intense, thrilling movies which is exactly what Batman should be. Besides, with a batsuit that looks as good as this one, how could it not kick ass?

They are saying the film will be called simply "The Batman". Perfect, keep it simple, don't try and do too much and service the fans with some title implying their favorite story arc. This also keeps the trend of hiring the hottest film makers for their movies. While they tend to be a bit flashier than Marvel (I'm not complaining) they have brought in some crazy talent for the future films. Aside from Snyder they have tapped David Ayer for Suicide Squad, James Wan for Aquaman, Phil Lord & Chris Miller are penning a script for The Flash and now this. We definitely cant say they aren't at least trying to do this thing right.

What do you guys think of this news? Are you exciting about another standalone Batman film? Is Affleck not the guy you want to direct? Let me know in the comments below or you can find me anytime in Twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. Smell ya later!

We have our Spidey! and an Interesting Director Too.

 

Hey eveyone! Zach Who Watches Movies here with some exciting news. Marvel has finally cast their Spider-Man! not only that, but they have also picked a director I think none of us saw coming. Collider is reporting that Tom Holland has been cast as the iconic web slinger with Jon Watts set to direct the stand-alone film. Woah. This is not what I, or I'm sure most anyone else expected. We knew Holland was on the shortlist but Jon Watts wasn't even on my radar for director. As of two weeks ago we all thought Asa Butterfield was playing Parker and the list of potential directors looked like five more Marc Webb's.

This is great casting in my opinion. Even though I am not even that familiar with either of their work I just love the direction they are taking this. They are going with a young peter Parker this time and Tom Holland is perfect for it. He looks like a sixteen year old and although the only work I know him from is Locke and he is only a voice in that I always trust Marvel's decision making. The comes in Jon watts as director, I haven't seen his film Clown yet but I have heard it is fantastic horror. This is what I love about Marvel, they bring in the most unique talents for their films, and now they are tapping into horror directors. After James Gunn made Guardians a hit they gave Dr. Strange to horror vet Scott Derrickson, and now this.



The new collaboration between Sony and Marvel is off to a crazy start. Spider-Man will make his first appearance in the MCU next year in Captain American: Civil War and then in his own standalone film in the summer of 2017. What do you guys think of the castings? is Tom Holland too unknown to form an opinion? Do you like that Marvel is tapping more horror directors for their movies? Let me know what you think either in the comments below or on twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who watches Movies. Smell ya later!

Ewan McGregor Interested in Reprising Role as Obi-Wan Kenobi

Hey everyone! Zach Who Watches Movies here on this fine Monday, and I've got a cool bit of news to talk about. While speaking to reporters at the Edinburgh Film Festival, Ewan McGregor once again expressed his desire to return to the ways of the force and reprise his role from the prequels. This isn't the first time he has brought this up and he even has an idea where he wants the film(s) to go. He wants the story to pick up right after Episode III and explore the time between the two trilogies where he wanders the deserts of Tatooine. There have also been rumors circulating that Disney and Lucasfilm are in talks with him about a potential trilogy. While I'm not sure I'd like to see three movies this is definitely exciting news

It's no secret that the prequels weren’t the best received films in the franchise but it seems everyone can agree that McGregor as Obi Wan was a perfect casting. He grew up a fan of the films and with Star Wars in his blood, his own uncle played Wedge Antilles in the entire original trilogy. He was the bright light of the prequels and I am personally a big fan of the idea of bringing him back for more. These story lines also give them the ability to bring back and introduce more characters, like Darth Maul. Probably the most wasted character in the entire Star wars universe; he was one of the coolest villains of all-time. He was brought back in the Clone wars animated series with cybernetic legs, and since that show is now officially canon they would be able to bring him back and allow him and Obi Wan to finish their fight.

On top of all of that, a standalone film(s) give you the opportunity to explore one of your most iconic characters. Through the four movies he appears in we never really break surface level of who Obi Wan really is and how he came to be one of the greatest Jedi masters of all-time. These are films that tons of Star Wars fans would love to see but I don't think I, or most anyone else would want to see them without McGregor back in the robes. He owns the role and is the sole reason watching the boring politics and debates in the prequels is even manageable.

What do you think? Do you like the idea of bringing McGregor back and exploring more of the Obi Wan mythos? Let me know in the comments below or hit me up on twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who watches Movies, smell ya later

Ghostbusters Officially Starts Filming Today

Hey everyone! Zach Who watches Movies here and I want to talk about the new Ghostbusters movie with you. When the long talked about third installment in the series died we all thought the franchise died with it. So when it was announced not long after that Paul Feig would be rebooting the beloved Ghostbusters and with an all-female cast you can imagine the internet response. I'll admit that I was left uneasy by the news, at first. It had nothing to do with Feig or the all-female cast; I just thought the franchise was better off left in the past. Since then however, I have changed my tune almost completely and am now rather excited for the new movie.

Filming begins today on the project so it’s now officially happening, there can be no more whining or calling for its demise. The film is shooting with an all-female cast and with Feig behind the camera whether you like it or not. What is there to complain about, anyways? Paul Fieg is a wonderful comedy director, we just saw what he can do in Spy just a few weeks ago. I know people were worried about him and McCarthy doing their usual shtick but after seeing that movie it’s clear that they can do so much more together.

This brings me to my next point, the cast. How can you be mad with a talented cast of hilarious ladies like this? Of course McCarthy is in it, but that's hardly a bad thing. Team her up with Kriten Wiig, Kate McKinnon AND Leslie Jones and we are basically guaranteed comedic genius. These are four truly funny ladies and I cannot wait to see what they can do in this wacky universe. We also just found out via Feig's twitter that superstar Chris Hemsworth will be playing their secretary. I don't know about you but I cannot wait to watch an hour and a half of these women interacting with Hemsworth behind a desk.

We don't know much about plot yet so all we can really get excited about are the people involved and the idea of them in this universe. With the talented group of film makers and actors they have surrounded this project with you can tell they truly care. This movie is going to be made with complete respect for the classic original. What do you guys think? Filming starts today so I want to know if you are excited or not. Leave comment below or hit me up on twitter @ZachWWMovies. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. Smell ya later!

Matthew Vaughn Has Plans to Revitalize the Kick-Ass Franchise!

Hey everyone! Zach Who Watches Movies here to talk about some Kick-Ass news we got today! While talking to Yahoo Movies about the home release of Kingsman, Matthew Vaughn was asked about a potential return to the Kick-Ass franchise. Well fans got more than they could have asked for when Vaughn revealed plans for not just one, but two more movies that they plan to use to revitalize the universe.

When asked about coming back to the property that he kick started he revealed that he and Mark Millar (creator of the popular comic series) are currently working on a prequel type movie to try and bring fans back to what they loved about the first movie. Starting off by bringing back the fan favorite duo of Big Daddy and Hit Girl. Losing Big Daddy for the sequel really hurt that film so to go back to them is a perfect way to pump new life into these veins. This will be their origins story of how everything came together to make them into the killing machines they are. This is probabky the first origins story I've gotten excited for in a decade.

If their movie does well and is received well then they hope it will lead to a third installment in the Kick-Ass story. This is all fantastic news for all fans of the franchise and Matthew Vaughn. This is the perfect platform for his style and to know he is coming back to it excites the hell out of me. Say what you will about the sequel (I actually really enjoy it) but not having Vaughn in the writer or directors chair really hurt that film as a whole. Knowing he is writing the first movie right now with Millar and we can only hope he directs, I'm totally comfortable with a return to this world.

What do you guys think of this news? Are you excited for a return of the franchise and these characters? Or did the sequel just leave you feeling that it shoukd just stay dead? Leave comments below or talk to me on twitter @ZachWWMovies. Thanks for reading and as always, I am Zach Who Watches Movies. Smell ya later!