Film Bits: Han Solo Goes into Production; Sad News for ‘Hellboy’ Fans

Han Solo Anthology Film Begins Production, Release Date Confirmed

Though we’re all still waiting patiently for the first trailer for The Last Jedi, the folks over at LucasFilm have already begun the hype train for the next entry into the Star Wars series, the still untitled Han Solo film. Earlier today, the first set photo was released showing directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie) with cast members Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!), Donald Glover (Community), Woody Harrelson (The Edge of Seventeen), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Broadchurch), and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Unseen in the photo, but now confirmed, is Thandie Newton (West World). Also confirmed is the May 25, 2018 release date for the film, which comes just a few short months after the next chapter in the Star Wars saga itself. The success of Rogue One should quell any misgivings you might have regarding this Han Solo solo outing, but it’s still a risky move, narratively. It seems weird that out of an entire galaxy with an entire history to tell, they’re still focusing the narrative around the same 70 year period and the same core group of characters, but I guess if it ain’t broke…

(Star Wars)

Hear Emma Watson Sing in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Clip

The more we see from Disney’s live action Beauty and the Beast, the more we’re convinced that their live action experiment is working out nicely. Not that they need our approval. So far, Disney has made approximately all the dollars in the world with their live action remakes, and this one, with the star power of Emma Watson (Harry Potter) and Luke Evans (The Hunger Games), stands to do the same. Disney released a clip of the opening song from the film, which fans of the original animated film will be well familiar with. It recalls the magical look and feel of its forebear with its visually striking look, and it’s hard to deny that Watson looks born to play this role. Beauty and the Beast opens March 16.

(Disney)

First Cast Pic for ‘The Predator’ Released

Director Shane Black shared the first official cast photo from his Predator reboot, The Predator, giving us our first glimpse of the production, though keeping things otherwise firmly under wrap. Based on the paramilitary vibe of the photo, we probably won’t be straying too far from the formula, and the film is said to be a sequel to the original Arnold Schwarzenegger film. We’ve got about a year between now and the February 9, 2018 release date, so we’ll definitely be hearing more about The Predator as things move along.

Partial cast… beautiful human beings, good people. Also, killers. Cameras roll today. Follow me on Twitter for updates. Wish us luck. pic.twitter.com/vYGgGesW0Y

— Shane Black (@BonafideBlack) February 20, 2017

(Twitter)

‘Hellboy 3’ Officially No Go

Director Guillermo del Toro sent shockwaves of hype across Twitter last month when he teaser the possibility of Hellboy 3 to his followers. After posting a poll to gauge interest, del Toro confirmed that he would speak to both star Ron Perlman and creator Mike Mignola about returning to the world of Hellboy but, alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The director confirmed on his Twitter account today that there is a 100% chance that Hellboy 3 would never happen, leaving us all left to speculate about what soured the deal. Perlman seemed interested, but I guess we’ll never know.

Hellboy 3 Sorry to report: Spoke w all parties. Must report that 100% the sequel will not happen. And that is to be the final thing about it

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) February 21, 2017

(Twitter)

‘King Arthur’ Rocks in New Trailer

Guy Ritchie’s stylized take on the King Arthur legend keeps looking better and better, and the latest trailer gives off a distinct vibe of awesome set to a rollicking Led Zeppelin soundtrack. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword stars Charlie Hunnam as the mythical king as he begins the process of taking his rightful place as ruler of England, much to the chagrin of Jude Law’s Vortigern. Consider us cautiously optimistic. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword opens May 12.

(Warner Brothers)