Ava DuVernay Set To Direct DC Film’s “The New Gods”

By Creative Media Times

Cover of The New Gods vol. 1, Art by Jack Kirby, pencils, and Mike Royer

Fresh off the release of this past weekend’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” the film’s director Ava DuVernay is already lining up another big-budget film. Variety is reporting today that DuVernay is set to direct the screen adaptation of “The New Gods” for Warner Bros.

New Gods was created and designed by Jack Kirby in 1971 and published by DC comics and will be part of DC Extended Universe, presumably joining the ranks of Aquaman, set for release later this year, and the sequel of Patty Jenkin’s Wonder Woman.

In the comics, New Gods are a fictional race from the twin planets of New Genesis and Apokolips. New Genesis is an utopian planet filled with unspoiled forests, mountains, and rivers and is ruled by the Highfather. On the other side is Apokolips, a ruined dystopia ruled by the tyrant and DC Comics supervillain Darkseid.

How the characters of New Gods will fit in to DCEU’s storylines remain to be seen, though one of Darkseid’s most powerful band of warriors Steppenwolf appeared in last November’s Justice League.

DuVernay made history after being the first black woman to direct a $100 million budgeted film, that is of course “A Wrinkle In Time.” Released this weekend, the science fantasy adventure film features an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Chris Pine. The film grossed $42.2 million this past weekend. DuVernay previously directed Selma, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 2015.

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First Trailer For “Fantastic Beasts 2” Unveiled

By Creative Media Times

Warner Bros. Pictures

The second installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” arrives later this year. Today, fans get to catch a glimpse of what’s in store for them as Warner Bros. releases its first trailer.

Also released today is the poster for the highly anticipate film, showcasing its leads Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander and new addition to the series Jude Law as young Albus Dumbledore.

The action filled trailer reveals that Dumbledore is certainly a major player in the film, which looks to broaden the story line of the original Beasts film as well as an overall darker tone. The story supposedly takes place in UK and Paris, a departure from the original’s 1920s American setting.

Gillert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) also appears briefly in the trailer. There’s not a lot of details about Grindelwald here, but we all remember that the powerful dark wizard was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) at the end of first film, and there is no question he is making good on his evil threats.

David Yates is back for directing duties, with a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film is produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram. James Newton Howard is also returning to compose the film’s music.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is set to be released Nov. 16, 2018.

Here is part of the film’s premise:

At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

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Kristen Wiig Officially Playing Villain In “Wonder Woman” Sequel

By Creative Media Times

Production of “Wonder Woman” sequel is almost underway and the film has finally found its villain.

Director Patty Jenkins confirmed on her twitter account today the speculations running around fandom throughout the week: Kristen Wiig will be playing Wonder Woman’s iconic DC Comics villain Cheetah.

So excited to confirm the most thrilling news. Yes! It’s true! So incredibly lucky to welcome the sensationally talented Kristen Wiig to our Wonder Woman family. Can’t wait to finally work with one of my favorites. And SO excited by what we have planned. #Cheetah!!! @GalGadot

Meanwhile, the Amazonian princess herself Gal Gadot also expressed excitement about the casting: “This is going to be WONDERful!”

Created by William Moulton Marston, the character has four different incarnations: Priscilla Rich which first appeared in 1943, Deborah Domaine in 1980, Barbara Ann Minerva which debuted in 1987, and most recently Sebastian Ballestreros in 2001. It has not been announced which version Wiig will be playing in the film.

Wonder Woman was a critical and commercial success this past summer, grossing $412 million in the US and $813 million worldwide.

Though not a lot of details about the film has been revealed so far, it is known among fandom that the film will be set in the 1980s during the Cold War and could potentially see the return of Chris Pine. The sequel was officially announced by Warner Bros. at last summer’s San Diego Comicon.

Wonder Woman 2 is scheduled for release in November 2019.

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First Look At Benedict Cumberbatch “Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch”

By Creative Media Times

Universal Pictures

The grouchy creature wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and is ready to ruin everyone’s Christmas in Illumination Entertainment’s latest animated film “The Grinch.” The studio released the film’s first trailer Thursday.

Benedict Cumberbatch is voicing the green furry Grinch, who is hatching a sinister scheme in Whoville as residents plan their annual holiday celebration.

In the trailer we see the Grinch (Cumberbatch) bothered by his alarm clock incessantly playing the song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, because well, its from Illumination’s own blockbuster hit “Despicable Me 2” and it works perfectly here.

“Today we will do mean things and we will do them in style,” the misanthrope tells his unloved but loyal companion dog, Max. And from there he was up to no good, breaking stuff and vomiting on a pickle jar in a grocery store among others.

Directed by Yarrow Cheney (The Secret Life of Pets) and Scott Mosier and written by Michael LeSieur, the film is an animated revival based on the 1957 classic children’s story by Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”.

The story was previously adapted twice, on an animated TV film in 1966 with Boris Karloff voicing the Grinch, and again in a full-length feature hit film in 2000 by Ron Howard starring Jim Carrey.

“The Grinch” is set to open on Nov. 9, 2018.

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“Tully” Official Trailer Shows Theron As Exhausted Mom

By Creative Media Times

From the people who brought you Juno and Young Adult comes Motherhood 2018 in the latest trailer for Tully.

Focus Features

The latest trailer shows Charlize Theron’s Marlo, overwhelmed by daily motherhood routines, three kids and a newborn with her husband (Ron Livingston), was suggested a night nanny by brother Craig (Mark Duplass).

Enter Tully, played by Mackenzie Davis (Blade Runner 2049), knocking on the door to save the day.

“I don’t want a stranger in my house. That’s like a Lifetime movie where the nanny tries to kill the family and the mom survives and she has to walk with a cane at the end,” ,” Marlo protested in the new trailer.

Though bittersweet, the trailer features modern-day challenges of motherhood (or parenthood in general) that many can relate. “Your twenties are great. But then your thirties come around the corner like a garbage truck at 5 am,” Marlo say.

The comedy drama reunites “Juno” and “Young Adult” team of director Jason Reitman (Up in the Air) and writer Diablo Cody. Focus Features is set to release Tully on April 20, 2018.

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Winnie the Pooh Is Back In “Christopher Robin” Trailer Debut

By Creative Media Times

Walt Disney Pictures

Walt Disney Pictures debuts the teaser trailer for its upcoming film “Christopher Robin,” which features Ewan McGregor as a grown up Robin reuniting with his bear with Winnie the Pooh.

The film which takes place in the 1940, is inspired by A. A. Milne’s book Winnie-the-Pooh which focuses on the adventures of the adorable teddy bear.

Directed by Marc Forster and written by Tom McCarthy, Alex Ross Perry, and Allison Schroeder, “Christopher” Robin is set to be released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on August 3, 2018.

Here’s a partial synopsis of the film:

Now grown up, Christopher Robin is stuck in a job where he is overworked, underpaid and facing an uncertain future. He has a family of his own, but his work has become his life, leaving little time for his wife and daughter. Christopher has all but forgotten his idyllic childhood spent with a simple-minded, honey-loving stuffed bear and his friends. But when he is reunited with Winnie the Pooh, now tattered and soiled from years of hugs and play, their friendship is rekindled, reminding Christopher of the endless days of childlike wonder and make believe that defined his youth, when doing nothing was considered the very best something. Following an unfortunate mishap with Christopher Robin’s briefcase, Pooh and the rest of the gang including Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger, step out of the forest and venture into London to return the crucial possessions…because best friends will always be there for you.

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Disney Debut “Mary Poppins Returns” First Trailer

By Creative Media Times

Walt Disney Pictures

If you tuned in last night during the Academy Awards show, you might have seen a teaser for “Mary Poppins Returns,” Walt Disney Pictures’ musical fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall.

The trailer introduces Emily Blunt taking over the titular role of the magical and loving nanny and “Hamilton” creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Jack, Poppin’s lamplighter friend.

“Mary Poppins, it is wonderful to see you,” Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) says in the trailer. “Yes it is, isn’t it?,” Poppins replies.

Set in 1930s Depression-era London, “Mary Poppins Returns” serves as a sequel to the 1964 classic which featured Julie Andrews in the role of Mary Poppins. Here we will see Poppins, the former nanny of now grown-up Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael Banks, re-visiting the family after Michael suffers a personal tragedy and needing the help of their former nanny.

Meryl Streep is also in the film as Mary’s cousin Topsy Turvy-Poppins. The film also stars Dick Van Dyke, Colin Firth, and Angela Lansbury.

“Mary Poppins Returns” is currently set for Dec. 25 release.

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“The Shape Of Water” Win Top Prize At The Oscars

By Creative Media Times

The Shape of Water. (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Fantasy drama film “The Shape Of Water” was the big winner at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, taking home Best Picture and Best Director for Guillermo del Toro. The film came in with 13 nominations and won four awards overall, including Best Production Design and Best Score.

In his acceptance speech, the director dedicated the award to young filmmakers, saying
“this is a door. Kick it open and come in.” Earlier during his directing win del Toro also said: “I think the greatest thing our industry does is erase the lines in the sand, we should keep doing that as the world tries to make them deeper.”

“The Shape of Water,” about a mute custodian at a high-security government lab who falls in love with a captured humanoid-amphibian creature, has had a great run during the award season. Guillermo del Toro himself has swept best director trophies at the BAFTAs, Golden Globe and Directors Guild Awards.

Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the 90th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Here is the list of winners:

Best Motion Picture of the Year
The Shape of Water

Achievement in Directing
The Shape of Water – Guillermo del Toro

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Frances McDormand – Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Allison Janney – I, Tonya

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Sam Rockwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
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“Get Out” Win Top Awards At 2018 Independent Spirit Awards

By Creative Media Times

Universal Pictures

Jordan Peele’s horror film “Get Out” was the big winner at Saturday’s Film Independent Spirit Awards, winning the same award that Moonlight won the same award last year, ahead of Sunday’s Oscar ceremonies. Peele also received the Best Director award earlier in the ceremony for his directorial debut.

“I think it’s clear to everybody in this room and across the country and across the world that we are in the beginning of a renaissance right now where stories from the outsider, stories from the people in this room — the same stories that independent filmmakers have been telling for years, are being honored and recognized and celebrated. I’m so proud to be here with this group of people receiving this.” Peele said during his acceptance speech.

The Independent Spirit Award best film is a strong harbinger for the academy awards, winning best picture for the past four years running.

See the full list of Film Independent Spirit Awards winners below:

Best Feature – Get Out
Best Director – Jordan Peele, Get Out
Best Screenplay – Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird
Best First Screenplay – Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick
Best Supporting Female – Allison Janney, I, Tonya
Best Supporting Male – Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards
Best Female Lead – Frances McDormand, Three Billboards
Best Male Lead – Timothee Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name
Robert Altman Award – Mudbound

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“The Crow” Reboot Set For October 2019 Release

By Creative Media Times

Miramax Films – Dimension Films

Sony Pictures’ remake of “The Crow” starring Jason Momoa (Aquaman) is now set to hit theaters on October 11, 2019. At the moment, this is the same date occupied by Conrad Vernon’s animated film The Addams Family, and two weeks before Wonder Woman sequel storms theaters.

Momoa is set to play Eric Draven, the iconic character played by Brandon Lee in his final film appearance in the 1994 film of “The Crow”.

That film helmed by Alex Proyas is a cult classic, not only due to the tragic on-set incident during production, but for its intense action scenes and visual style that earned comparisons to another cult classic Blade Runner. The Crow was a box office sleeper hit, eventually earning $50 million but the end of it’s theatrical run in the United States, on a modest budget of $23 million.

The announced release date is a step in the positive direction for fans, as remake has been hit with numerous development setbacks and legal battles over the years since the remake was announced in 2008.

Since then, various actors have been attached to play the eponymous protagonist including Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum and James McAvoy among others.

The film intends to be faithful adaptation of the 1989 comic book series The Crow by James O’Barr, which tells the story of Eric Draven, a rock musician resurrected from the dead by a crow to avenge the death of his girlfriend as well as his own.

The film will be directed by Corin Hardy (The Hallow) and written by Nick Cave.

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