This week brought a flurry of movie news, casting updates and studio developments across Hollywood. Conflicting reports circulated about a possible sequel to the billion-dollar hit Joker. The Hollywood Reporter reported that DC/Warner Bros. were negotiating with writer-director Todd Phillips and star Joaquin Phoenix about a follow-up, while Deadline published an account saying insiders denied any deal or talks about handing Phillips rights to other DC characters to launch a new universe. The divergent stories left fans and industry observers debating the studio’s plans.
THR | Deadline – 20th Nov 2019
Speaking to Men’s Health, Henry Cavill reiterated that he remains committed to the role of Superman—even if the suit currently hangs in the closet. Cavill’s comments feed ongoing speculation about the character’s future within the larger DC/Warner Bros. slate.
Men’s Health – 19th Nov 2019
The Mission: Impossible franchise added another name to its cast for the upcoming seventh and eighth installments: Pom Klementieff (known for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2). Director Christopher McQuarrie announced the casting on social media as production continues to gear up for the two-part continuation of the action series.
Related – 19th Nov 2019
Veteran performers Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle and Sebastian Stan are in talks for Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming period project Kill Switch. Reportedly set in 1950s Detroit, the story—by screenwriter Ed Solomon—follows criminals hired to carry out a home invasion, and would mark another high-profile collaboration for Soderbergh if the deals go through.
Collider – 19th Nov 2019
Noah Hawley, the creator of Fargo and Legion, will write and direct the next Star Trek feature for Paramount. The project is expected to bring back the central cast and will keep JJ Abrams aboard as an executive producer through his Bad Robot label.
Deadline – 19th Nov 2019
The ensemble for The Batman expanded this week when director Matt Reeves confirmed that John Turturro will play Gotham crime boss Carmine Falcone. Turturro’s casting adds to a growing roster for Reeves’ darker, character-driven take on the Dark Knight.
Source: Matt Reeves announcement – 22nd Nov 2019
Netflix is developing a Western from director Jeymes Samuel (also known as The Bullitts) starring Idris Elba, who will play a man released from prison after a decades-old murder. Jonathan Majors is attached to portray the adult child of the murder victims, and music mogul Jay‑Z is on board as a producer.
Deadline – 18th Nov 2019
Zoe Saldana has signed on to lead a fact-based thriller directed by Reed Morano, focusing on the American effort to gather intelligence on ISIS. The film is said to be grounded in real events and will be driven by Saldana’s central performance.
Deadline – 19th Nov 2019
Jesse Plemons is joining Benedict Cumberbatch in director Jane Campion’s adaptation of Thomas Savage’s novel The Power of the Dog. The film will be released theatrically and via streaming by Netflix; Plemons replaces Paul Dano, who exited due to scheduling conflicts with The Batman.
THR – 21st Nov 2019
Producer Graham King, known for Bohemian Rhapsody, has reportedly secured rights from Michael Jackson’s estate to develop a biopic, with access to the late singer’s music as part of the agreement. The move paves the way for a major studio-backed feature about Jackson’s life and career.
Deadline – 22nd Nov 2019
Ben Affleck is attached to direct King Leopold’s Ghost, a fact-based drama about King Leopold II’s exploitation of the Congo in the late nineteenth century. Affleck will collaborate on the screenplay with Farhad Safinia, expanding his portfolio behind the camera in historically minded drama.
Deadline – 21st Nov 2019
Lucasfilm plans to name the director for a new Star Wars film—slated for a 2022 release—this January, following the theatrical run of The Rise of Skywalker. The announcement arrives amid ongoing conversation about the studio’s leadership and the direction of the franchise.
THR – 20th Nov 2019
Abe Forsythe, director of Little Monsters, will helm RoboCop Returns, replacing Neill Blomkamp, who reportedly left the project for scheduling reasons. Forsythe takes on the task of continuing the iconic sci-fi action franchise for its next installment.
THR – 20th Nov 2019
Dexter Fletcher, director of Rocketman, is attached to a modern-day take on Dracula’s henchman Renfield. The project originated from an idea by comic creator Robert Kirkman and will be penned by writer Ryan Ridley.
Variety – 20th Nov 2019
Marvel Studios announced release dates for five untitled MCU films: 7 October 2022; 17 February 2023; 5 May 2023; 28 July 2023; and 3 November 2023. With multiple 2023 slots now reserved, speculation mounts that a new Avengers or other major ensemble film could be planned for that year.
Empire – 18th Nov 2019
Directors UK published the country’s first formal guidelines for filming nudity and simulated sex—guidance that arrives amid renewed public discussion after Emilia Clarke described her discomfort shooting early Game of Thrones scenes. The new standards aim to protect performers and clarify responsibilities for productions.
THR – 21st Nov 2019
Richard Jewell, Clint Eastwood’s latest film, drew criticism from the editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a scene suggesting reporter Kathy Scruggs offered sex in exchange for information about the 1996 Olympic bombing investigation. The depiction prompted debate over journalistic ethics versus dramatic license.
Yahoo! – 22nd Nov 2019
Content warning — sexual assault/molestation:
Apple has delayed both theatrical and streaming releases of the drama The Banker—starring Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie and Nicholas Hoult—following allegations of sexual molestation against one of the film’s co-producers. The studio paused distribution plans while the situation is reviewed.
THR – 22nd Nov 2019
Separately, director Roman Polanski’s new film An Officer and a Spy topped the French box office despite calls for a boycott after new rape accusations were made against the filmmaker by actress Valentine Monnier. The situation has reignited debates about separating art from artists.
THR – 21st Nov 2019
In memoriam: Character actor Michael J. Pollard, known for roles in films like Bonnie & Clyde, Dick Tracy, and Scrooged, has died at age 80. Pollard earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting work and influenced the stage name of Michael J. Fox.
THR – 22nd Nov 2019
Uncut Gems and The Farewell led the nominations announced for the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards, reflecting strong performances and critical recognition for both films across the independent awards season.