Early numbers are telling me $8M in Thursday previews for “Venom: The Last Dance,” which should result in a $50M+ opening weekend. Yes, it’s a poor performance for the $120M costing sequel, but its numbers in China are astounding and it could very well result in a $165M worldwide gross over the weekend. In fact, by Sunday evening, the film’s China gross could potentially match the stateside numbers.
‘28 Years Later’ Plot Details ...
Christopher Nolan's Film Tackles “Aerial Helicopter Cops"?
At this point, all of the rumors about what Christopher Nolan’s next film might be about are contradicting each other, and even the trades have been firmly planted in the middle of all this speculation. It’s fun to watch.
Read moreWarner Bros' Deal For Emerald Fennell's ‘Wuthering Heights' Was $70M Less Than Netflix Offer
The deal was probably a bummer for MRC execs, who were “salivating at the risk-free Netflix cash.” This means that Fennell/Robbie left more than $70M on the table, all for the sake of theatrical.
Read more‘Master and Commander' Prequel Looking For A Director
Based on author Patrick O’Brian’s series of novels, 2003’s ‘Master and Commander’ was critically acclaimed, earning multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Given the huge $150M budget, the film was unable to make its money back.
Read more‘Alien Vs. Predator’ Movie is “Probably” Happening
Steven Knight Exits as Writer of ‘Star Wars: New Jedi Order'
Steven Knight is officially out as the writer of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars/Rey movie, which is supposed to star Daisey Ridley, and has been plagued with numerous exits and delays. It’s turning into the ‘Blade’ of the Star Wars verse.
Read moreSpike Jonze's Netflix Sci-Fi Series Not Moving Forward
BOMB: ‘Red One' Tracking at $36M Opening; Budget is $253M
Puck’s Matt Belloni is reporting that “Red One,” which stars Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, and has a $253M budget, is currently tracking to open in the $36M range. Honestly speaking, that feels high. I’m thinking it will open in the low 20s.
Read moreAndy Serkis' ‘Animal Farm' Releases Next Year
Andy Serkis has not only wrapped filming on his long-gestating “Animal Farm,” based on George Orwell’s celebrated novella, but it’s now seemingly set up for 2025 release, Serkis’ animated film, penned by Nicholas Stoller, had started production in early 2022. Serkis has been working on the project since 2011. Still no announcement of the voice cast.
‘Apes' Sequel Set For 2027 Release
Warner Bros. Will Not Expand ‘Juror #2' Beyond 50 Theater Rollout —Won't Report Box Office Receipts
‘Alien: Romulus’ Sequel in the Works
‘Naked Gun' Reboot Screens: “Perfectly In Tone With the Original"
This ‘Naked Gun’ reboot is being directed by Akiva Schaffer (Lonely Island) and written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Schaffer directed “Hot Rod” and “Popstar: Never Stop Stopping.” Schaffer, Gregor and Mand all worked together on 2022’s “Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers.”
Read moreKelly Marcel Doesn't Deny She's in Contention to Direct Next Bond
This coming Friday’s “Venom: The Last Dance” is Kelly Marcel’s feature directing debut. She’s also written all three ‘Venom’ movies. Her other screenplay credits include “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Cruella” and “Saving Mr. Banks.”
Read moreEmerald Fennell's ‘Wuthering Heights' Snubs Netflix — Warner Bros. Acquires Rights
Warner Bros has finally acquired the rights to release Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights,” starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie. Netflix’s $150M bid for the film has been confirmed, but the producers went with a lower offer from Warners to ensure a global theatrical release.
Read moreEmmanuel Lubezki Set For Iñárritu’s Next Film
A listing on Production Weekly is saying that cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki will be lensing Iñárritu’s film. A major get. Lubezki was noticeably absent from Inarritu’s last film, “Bardo” — that one was shot by the great Darius Khondji.
Read moreArmando Ianucci's ‘Growth,' Starring Riz Ahmed, to Shoot Early 2025 — Bradley Cooper & Viola Davis to Join Cast?
Iannucci is the creator behind HBO’s “Veep.” He’s also dabbled in political film satire with acclaimed films such as 2009’s “In the Loop” and 2017’s “The Death of Stalin.” All of these works are well worth checking out, Iannucci is one of the best political satirists out there.
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