P.T. Anderson Reunites With Daniel Day-Lewis
The team behind There Will Be Blood are back. Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson has reunited with Daniel Day-Lewis in a new film from Focus Features. Little is known about the specifics of the new film, which will reportedly explore the 1950’s fashion scene. This is the first role for Day-Lewis since 2012’s Lincoln from Steven Spielberg and the first from Anderson since 2014’s Inherent Vice. The film is set to begin filming early next year with the goal to hit theaters by the end of 2017. It’s exciting news for film fans, many of whom regard There Will Be Blood as one of the best movies of the last decade.
(Deadline)
‘Midnight Special’ Director Tapped to Helm ‘Alien Nation’ Remake
FOX has signed on director Jeff Nichols (Mud, Midnight Special) to write and direct a remake of the 1988 film Alien Nation. The original film starred James Caan as a hardnosed LAPD detective who was partnered with an alien refugee, played by Mandy Patinkin, after members of his race crashed on earth. It’s become something of a cult classic in certain circles these days, though it’s not well remembered by the culture at large. Given Nichols’ growing success and reputation for crafting heartfelt narratives, he’s sure to bring something special to the remake.
(Deadline)
Ben Affleck Takes on Prohibition Underground in First ‘Live By Night’ Trailer
WB released the first trailer for Live By Night, the new film written and directed by Ben Affleck, who also stars. Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, the story follows a former soldier (Affleck) who returns home only to get drawn into the prohibition era criminal underworld. The film also stars Scott Eastwood, Elle Fanning, and Zoe Saldana. From all appearances it looks to be another win for Affleck, whose last directorial effort, Argo, won Best Picture in 2013. Live By Night is scheduled to hit theaters on January 13, 2017.
(YouTube)
Chris Benoit Biopic Lands ‘Punisher: Warzone’ Director
A new biopic exploring the tragic life of former WWE champion Chris Benoit has tapped director Lexi Alexander (Punisher: Warzone, Arrow, Supergirl) to helm the project. Crossface, named after the wrestler’s signature move, will explore the rise and fall of the wrestler, who in 2007 murdered his wife and son before killing himself. After his death, the wrestler was diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, the same disease explored in last year’s Concussion, which is caused by repeat injury to the brain and is known to cause violent changes in behavior in the afflicted. Based on the book Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit & the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry by Matthew Randazzo, the film is to be written by Jake Goldberger and Sarah Coulter.
(Variety)
Joe Manganiello Confirmed as Deathstroke in Affleck’s Solo Batman
Last week, Ben Affleck nearly broke Twitter with test footage of Deathstroke, which confirmed the villain as the primary antagonist in his upcoming Batman solo film. Now, it’s been confirmed that actor Joe Manganiello (True Blood) has been cast as the deadly mercenary. Affleck is directing the film, The Batman, and co-writing it along with DC’s creative director Geoff Johns. This news comes hot on the heels of the news that DC is in the process of retooling their plans for the future of their shared universe in the wake of poor reception to Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad. There’s no word on when the movie might be released, though given DC’s current schedule, it seems likely that it can be expected sometime between 2018 and 2020.
(EW)
