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Latest Video: FilmCrunch 067: Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, Premonition reviewed

Veronica Santiago and Neil Estep review Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, and Premonition in this episode of FilmCrunch.
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Columbia Moving Forward with Venom

Venom

Spider-Man 4 screenwriter Gary Ross is to direct a spin-off film based on super-villain . Ross - who directed Pleasantville and Seabiscuit and whose screenwriting credits include Big and Dave - is to rewrite the script and helm the hotly-anticipated project.

It is not yet known whether , the actor who played the alien parasite in 2007’s Spider-Man 3, will return. Topher, 31, has only just signed on to star in Robert Rodriguez’s Predators - based on the character from the cult 1987 sci-fi film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger - so it is unlikely he will have time for the role.

Click to continue reading Columbia Moving Forward with Venom

Read More | Variety

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Stars Align For Spider-Man 4

Spider-Man 3 was released in 2007After waiting for the will-they-won’t-they with Sam Raimi, Kirsten Dunst, and Tobey Maguire, Columbia Pictures has finally stamped a release date of May 5, 2011 for Spider-Man 4.

Considering that Thor is due out June 17, and The First Avenger: Captain America hits theaters July 22 that same summer, we’ll be in for quite a Marvel-ous theater-going experience three months in a row!

For all of the Sam Raimi fans, it has been revealed that Bruce Campbell has signed on for a major part this time around (in the first three Spidey films, the Evil Dead actor appeared in mere cameos)—quite possibly a villainous role, too.

Filming is expected to begin early next year, but if you can’t wait that long, there are always those Spider-Man comics to pass the time—you know, those things that these blockbusters originated from…

Read More | E! Online

Spider-Man Writer Announced

James Vanderbilt to pen Spider-Man 5 and 6Just as Sony is in the midst of prepping Spider-Man 4 for filming, the studio made little hesitation with Spider-Man 5 and Spider-Man 6 by hiring Zodiac writer James Vanderbilt to pen the scripts.

Vanderbilt isn’t new to the Spider-Man films—he wrote the initial script for Spider-Man 4, which was later revised by Inkheart screenwriter David Lindsay-Abaire (Seabiscuit writer/director Gary Ross is currently revising that script).

Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios clearly have faith in Vanderbilt, whose ideas director Sam Raimi didn’t necessarily embrace (leading him to rewrite). Nonetheless, he has now been given a second chance with the scripts for the fifth and sixth installations, which are expected to have an interconnected storyline. With that said, executives are planning to use Vanderbilt’s two scripts as a franchise reboot in case Raimi and stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst do not return.

While I find it amusing that they’re considering a reboot for the series, I admire that they’re wasting no time in seeing these films made. Let’s just hope that the producers can assure the involvement of the Spidey trio in all of them!

Read More | Variety

Spider-Man 4 Script Still Being Rewritten

SpidermanThe script for the fourth film in the franchise is being rewritten…again. Originally penned by James Vanderbilt and then rewritten by David Lindsay-Abaire, the pages are now in the hands of Gary Ross.

In his career, Ross has directed Seabiscuit and Pleasantville. Both films, interestingly, starred , who plays the title role in the Spidey movies.

The fourth film is scheduled to go into production early next year…provided, of course, there’s a finished script by that time.

Read More | Variety

Sequel News: Spider-Man 4, Center of the Earth and More

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Journey to the Center of the Earth: Last year’s 3-D hit has spawned a second installment from New Line. The original film, which was based on a Jules Verne novel, earned over $100 million domestically ($140 internationally) after its release last July. Both Brendan Fraser (Prof. Trevor Anderson) and Josh Hutcherson (Sean Anderson) are expected to reprise their roles in the sequel.

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Read More | E! Online

Is Maguire Gearing Up for Two Spidey Sequels?

Tobey MaguireHad you asked me last year whether I saw another Spider-Man in ‘s future, I would have easily said “No.” Thank goodness, I didn’t put any money down on that.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the chances of Maguire of participating in two more sequels are actually quite strong. Maguire and director are reportedly very close to sealing new deals with Columbia Pictures.

This news comes months after a premiere date was announced by the studio. Back in June, producer Laura Ziskin said she would like to see a fourth installment in theaters on Memorial Day 2011.

Assuming casting is determined soon, Columbia may opt to schedule back-to-back productions as early as fall 2009.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Spider-Man’s Venom Set for Spinoff

VenomHero, schmero. Thanks to the popularity of ‘s Joker, Hollywood may soon be looking to exploit the audience’s love for much darker characters.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sony is tossing around the idea of giving Venom his own film. Most probably remember the character as the villain played by in last year’s Spider-Man 3.

As for when we could see the spinoff in theaters is unknown. Right now, the studio is still trying to produce a suitable script. The execs also have to agree on a lead actor. Although was given a chance to play the webbed one, those behind the scenes are apparently nervous about Grace’s box office appeal. Fortunately, since Venom is technically a gooey substance and not necessarily a person, they could actually attach any person they want to the project. (Pun intended.)

Whether or not Venom gets off the ground, Sony still intends on producing Spider-Man 4. That installment is expected to debut in 2011.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Projected Spider-Man 4 Release Date

Spider-Man and Sandman

Even though the main characters appeared disinterested during their interviews last year, the buzz about another sequel has already begun.

According to E!, the franchise’s producer has already informed theater owners that a fourth installment could happen…though it would be 2011 before anyone would see it. (Apparently you need a script, a willing actor and an interested director before you can get the ball rolling on these big-budget flicks.)

Click to continue reading Projected Spider-Man 4 Release Date

Read More | TV Guide

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