AVATAR 2 Pushed to December 2021

Disappointed to hear this one guys. But surprised? No. AVATAR 2, once slated for December next year has been pushed back another year to December 17th, 2021.

Disney has also announced that AVATAR 3 is now pegged at December 22nd, 2023 and AVATAR 4 is December 29th, 2025. If there is an AVATAR 5 it won't see projector light until 2027.

I haven't heard the reasoning behind the decision to delay but I would add it up to be post-production needs and internal influences within Disney.

More when I get it.

Four AVATAR Sequels Confirmed By James Cameron - Releases Start in 2018

Ok I feel much more confident about these estimates. I was never good with the seemingly rushed schedules that were announced with finished scripts in hand, but now things are progressing as I had originally envisaged.

James Cameron has announced at Cinemacon that the AVATAR universe will have four sequels, not 3 and that the releases are slated for 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023. 

Says Cameron: "We have decided to embark on a truly massive cinematic project, making four epic films, each of which stands alone but together forms a complete saga."

Further Cameron states: "I’ve been working with the top four screenwriters and designers in the world to design the world of Avatar going forward. The environments, new cultures - whatever it takes to bring it to life. From what I’m seeing of the art on the wall, in pure imagination, is just beyond the first film. I’m speechless."

Man I miss Cinemacon! I've got to get back next year. To personally miss announcements like this hurt me on a physical level!

Happy to hear there are 4 sequels now. It explains a lot about why things got delayed and the mindset of the creatives and the studio. Can't wait to start hearing more about the projects. Remember, Cameron already had a massive budget in place for 3 sequels already - add on a fourth and wow! That's a sizable commitment from 20th Century Fox.And commitment from Cameron - he will be one busy man for the next 7-8 years.

When Push Comes To Shove: Warners Moves WONDER WOMAN And JUNGLE BOOK Launches

Some pulling up going on too. WONDER WOMAN is being pulled up to a slated release date 3 weeks earlier to June 2, 2017. Showing us some confidence? I hope so. I really enjoyed Gal Gadot's performance in the role in BATMAN v SUPERMAN - one of the few aspects of that movie that I didn't have any issues.

Meanwhile, Andy Serkis' JUNGLE BOOK: ORIGINS has been pushed out a full year from October 6, 2017 to October 19, 2018. I also view this as a positive with not only giving Serkis more time to deliver on his performance capture promises but also allowing audiences some breathing room from Jon Favreau's THE JUNGLE BOOK offering (which looks amazing) opening next week on April 15. It will feature the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett among others.

Said Serkis: "I’ve got to say that personally I’m absolutely thrilled that Warner Brothers have changed the delivery date of our movie. The ambition for this project is huge. What we are attempting is an unprecedented level of psychological and emotional nuance in morphing the phenomenal performances of our cast into the facial expressions of our animals."

Further to Warner Bros announcement of these changes, they added dates for a couple of untitled DC Comics launches: October 5, 2018 and November 1, 2019.
 

Marvel's Phase 3 Titles Update: ANT-MAN AND THE WASP And More...

Some interesting developments out of Marvel today beginning with the dropping of the title for the Ant-man sequel - namely: ANT-MAN AND THE WASP.

I'm liking it. Simple and to the point. Keep in mind that The Wasp is a female role and a first for Marvel on the big screen (as is Captain Marvel, but that movie is planned for the following year). Glad this is finally happening. The movie is slated for a July 6, 2018 release which in turn caused some more changes for Marvel's Phase 3 productions as that date was tied up with BLACK PANTHER's release. The line up is now as follows:

BLACK PANTHER - February 16, 2018 (was July 6, 2018)
ANT-MAN AND THE WASP - July 6, 2018 (new)
CAPTAIN MARVEL - March 8, 2019 (was November 2, 2018)
UNTITLED - May 1, 2020
UNTITLED - July 10, 2020
UNTITLED - November 6, 2020

As always, Marvel is staying busy. I'll update you with more on these and other Marvel productions as it comes available.

Release Date!! Very Proud To Announce 40 BELOW AND FALLING Is Set To Premiere This Month!

I am so very proud to announce that the movie I'm producing, 40 BELOW AND FALLING, is premiering on Super Channel on August 27 at 8pm ET on SC4! I love working with this talented group of people - simply a huge amount of excitement about this release and I have to say Jewel Staite and Shawn Roberts really nailed their roles. Our director, Dylan Pearce put his heart and soul into this and it SHOWS! It's a ton of fun - I can't wait for you all to see it.

The Super Channel premiere will be in 2D and I'll have more details about further distribution in the coming weeks.

Also - look for more media from the production coming very soon!

Here's the official press release:
12pt Media’s Romantic Adventure/Comedy 40 Below and Falling PREMIERES on Super Channel on August 27th at 8 pm ET on SC4.

Directed by Dylan Pearce (Baby Blues, I Think I Do), the film stars actors Jewel Staite (Firefly, The Killing) and Shawn Roberts (Resident Evil, X-Men) along with a superb Canadian support cast that includes Cindy Busby (Heartland, Cedar Cove), Shaun Johnston (Heartland), Mark Meer (Mass Effect 3) and Hollywood trained grizzly bear Whopper from Innisfail, Alberta.

40 Below and Falling tells the story of Kate Carter (Jewel Staite), a small town school teacher who is moving back to the big city for her wedding. When a blizzard strikes, her flight gets cancelled and the roads are shut down, leaving Kate no choice but to hop on the back of a surly stranger named Redford’s (Shawn Roberts) snowmobile. As they battle the winter elements together and their adventures unfold, Kate slowly starts to question the choice she has made about the man she is set to marry.

The film was made in Edmonton and across Alberta by Producer Andrew Scholotiuk (Baby Blues, I Think I Do), Executive Producers Darren Arsenault (Baby Blues, I Think I Do), Brad Ferguson, Pierre-Andre Rochat, Roma Roth, Associate Producer Jim Dorey and a diverse Canadian cast and crew. Produced in association with EFF Media Investments and with the assistance of the Government of Alberta Media Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Tax Credit Program, and DARO Films. 40 Below and Falling is one of the first romantic adventure/comedies to be shot in both 3D and 2D.

About 12pt Media:
12pt Media develops and produces innovative productions for cinema, television, web and VR with an emphasis on new 3D technologies.

Facebook: 40 Below and Falling 3D | Twitter/Instagram: 40Below3D | www.40belowandfalling.com

Both EVEREST and THE WALK Will Open Early In IMAX 3D

**UPDATE: 28 June - Just heard from 3ality that they in fact did NOT do native 3D on this production - so it's a conversion too. A battle between conversion houses it is then. Too bad.


Yes! Love when IMAX does this: They've announced that both EVEREST and THE WALK will open on September 18th and the 30th respectfully - ahead of their wide release dates.

EVEREST is a true story about a team's ascent to the highest peak in the world while THE WALK is the true story of Philippe Petit's attempt to cross the distance between the top of the World Trade Centers in NYC.

Correction: Both of these two IMAX 3D releases are 3D conversions. I can't wait to compare them because of their close release dates and both showing in the large format. I will also include comment on how the RealD projection is for comparison - I do have a RealD PLF (premium large format) screen here in town. I will definitely give these two a competitive review, head to head.

Here's the storyline for EVEREST:
This is the story of the 1996 Everest Film Expedition, a MacGillivray Freeman production in association with Arcturus Motion Pictures. Filmed in IMAX photography, EVEREST is the dramatic true story of a team of climbers who found hope, strength and triumph in the wake of tragedy. Their successful ascent of Mount Everest, just days after fellow mountaineers and friends died there, is a compelling story about the human spirit and a mountain they love, respect and sometimes fear.

Here's the storyline for THE WALK:
Twelve people have walked on the moon, but only one man Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has ever, or will ever, walk in the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. Guided by his real-life mentor, Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley), and aided by an unlikely band of international recruits, Petit and his gang overcome long odds, betrayals, dissension and countless close calls to conceive and execute their mad plan. Robert Zemeckis, the director of such marvels as Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Back to the Future, Polar Express and Flight, again uses cutting edge technology in the service of an emotional, character-driven story. With innovative photorealistic techniques and IMAX 3D wizardry, The Walk is true big-screen cinema, a chance for moviegoers to viscerally experience the feeling of reaching the clouds. The film, a PG-rated, all-audience entertainment for moviegoers 8 to 80, unlike anything audiences have seen before, is a love letter to Paris and New York City in the 1970s, but most of all, to the Towers of the World Trade Center.

EVEREST opens on September 18 and THE WALK opens on September 30 - BOTH in IMAX 3D!

TERMINATOR: GENISYS Gets IMAX 3D Release

Click to giganticize

We already knew about TERMINATOR: GENISYS being released in 3D, but now word has dropped that the movie will also see a release in IMAX 3D.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John’s fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.

You can rewatch the TERMINATOR: GENISYS trailer here.

TERMINATOR: GENISYS opens on July 1 in 3D, IMAX 3D and flat.

YES! GHOST IN THE SHELL Goes 3D As Well As THE FINEST HOURS and PETE'S DRAGON Remake

The magical crew over at Disney have announced what I had hoped would happen since we started following the project way back when Spielberg had a serious interest - GHOST IN THE SHELL will be released in 3D!

I'm thrilled because not only are we finally seeing movement on the project that has been in limbo for awhile, but it will in fact be 3D. With the recent signing of Scarlett Johansson as the lead and assuming director Rupert Sanders (SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN) stays in place we could see production start in months. The release date is slated for April 14, 2017.

The movie's pedigree is outstanding of course from it's Japanese roots, from writer Laeta Kalogridis being originally involved, and William Wheeler subsequently adapting for the screen.

Here's a brief description of the original story's background:
Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic police thriller dealing with the exploits of Motoko Kusanagi, a member of the covert operations section of the Japanese National Public Safety Commission, Section 9, which specializes in fighting technology-related crime. She may be named after one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan and Shirow makes reference to them at the end of the second manga. Although supposedly equal to all other members, Kusanagi fills the leadership role in the team, and is usually referred to as "the Major" due to her past rank in the armed forces. She is capable of superhuman feats, and bionically specialized for her job — her body is almost completely mechanized; only her brain and a segment of her spinal cord are organic.

I would have loved to have seen James Cameron's BATTLE ANGEL go up against GITS, but hey - no one can argue with his attention to AVATAR 2, 3 and 4!

Further, Casey Affleck's THE FINEST HOURS moves to replace THE JUNGLE BOOK (also in 3D) which needs more time on it's visual effects. TJB moves to April 15, 2016. THE FINEST HOURS is a drama centered on the Coast Guard and sails in on October 9.

And finally, Disney's Pete's Dragon remake is slated for release on August 12, 2016 in 3D.

More updates, like native 3D / 3D conversion confirmation when I get it!

Confirmed Marvel Release Dates And Titles Through 2019 - Title Posters!

Marvel held a fan and press day today in Hollywood and revealed their movie lineup through to 2019. On hand at the event was the ever present producer Kevin Feige, Chadwick Boseman (BLACK PANTHER), Chris Evans (CAPTAIN AMERICA) and Robert Downey Jr. (IRON MAN).

That's huge news on the casting of BLACK PANTHER! Chadwick Boseman is probably best known for playing Jackie Robinson in 42.

It's significant to note that Benedict Cumberbatch was not on hand and Marvel has not yet signed him on as DOCTOR STRANGE. "If it was confirmed, we would have announced it today."

Further - pay heed that THE AVENGERS 3 will be broken down into two parts - INFINITY WAR: PART 1 and PART 2 which we kinda knew already.


Here are today's announced Marvel release dates and titles:

Captain America 3: Civil War – May 6, 2016
Doctor Strange – Nov. 6, 2016
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 – May 5, 2017
Thor: Ragnarok – July 28, 2018
Black Panther – Nov. 3, 2017
The Avengers 3 – Infinity War: Part 1 – May 4, 2018
Captain Marvel – July 6, 2018
Inhumans – Nov. 2, 2018
The Avengers 3 – Infinity War: Part 2 – 2019

Official Marvel Concept Art

Dwayne Johnson's SAN ANDREAS Release Moves Up One Week

New Line's disaster movie SAN ANDREAS has a new release date one week earlier. The Dwayne Johnson project is now slated for a late May 2015 opening.

The movie was originally slated for June 5th.

In SAN ANDREAS' new berth it will attempt the subduction of some serious competition, namely a Cameron Crowe comedy, “INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3”, MONSTER TRUCKS and the second frame of TOMORROWLAND which will still be red hot.

Joining Johnson in the cast will be Alexandra Daddario (TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D), Carla Gugino (ALMOST HEROES 3D), Ioan Gruffudd, Will Yun Lee and Kylie Minogue.

Here's the movie's storyline:
In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot (Johnson) makes a dangerous journey across the state in order to rescue his estranged daughter.


I'll have more details on the exact date soon.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Spoilers And Opening Date For The UK Is One Week Early

Let's get the non-spoiler item out of the way first. J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will be opening a week earlier in the UK than in North America with the UK enjoying a May 9 launch (all formats according to Simon Pegg) and across the pond in the US and Canada, a May 17 date (May 15 in IMAX).

Now let's get something straight about these spoilers. I'm against them. I'm literally against reading them and - get this - I haven't. I am blind copying and pasting this info for those of you who do want to be spoiled for this much anticipated movie. I can't bring myself to read it because I am a die hard Trekkie and I refuse to not see this thing in a pristine form.

SO. If you don't mind being spoiled - these are MASSIVE spoilers by the way - then read on. I know they're massive by the reception it's getting. Whoever wrote this in Brazil broke many a cardinal rule in doing so and he should be banned from the web. Can't stop it now - it's on the Internet and with a life of its own.

**SPOILERS AHEAD** Read at your own risk. This is YOUR decision NOT mine to read this. Know that now. I HAVE NOT and will not read it. 

Hit the jump for more...


Highlight the white portion below with your cursor to read.

Brazilian site Judao.com.br has a report from a press screening for Star Trek Into Darkness from Sau Paulo which was presented by producer Bryan Burk. 38 minutes of the movie was shown, mostly from the beginning of the film. TrekMovie has confirmed that the event did happen and that the report is accurate.

Below are some highlights from the report

From the extended beginning of the film…

Opening sequence (previewed at IMAX theaters in December) has been reordered to have Nibiru Volcano sequence now opens the film followed by title card and then the scenes in London and at the hospital

Nibiru mission ends with Kirk rescuing Spock by violating the prime directive by revealing the Enterprise to Nibiru natives so he can beam Spock out of the Volcano

Kirk has a scene in bed (back in San Francisco) in bed with two "cat women"

Kirk makes mention of hoping to get assigned to a "five year mission" (implying that the famed five year mission hasn’t started yet for the time he has been captain)

Kirk is demoted for violating prime directive on Nibiru, loses command of Enterprise with Pike to take over command Kirk as first officer

Pike wanted to send Kirk back to Academy but was convinced (possibly ordered?) to make Kirk first officer of Enterprise by Admiral Marcus (played by Peter Weller)

Spock assigned to another ship

The "father" character uses his Starfleet ring as a bomb (dropping it into water for a reaction) and destroys a facility (in London)

London attack leads to big meeting of Starfleet captains which itself is attacked by John Harrison, resulting in Pike being injured…Harrison transport away

Later scenes in the film….

Enterprise severely damaged falling to Earth with Spock in command ordering evacuation

Kirk and Scott seen in Engineering trying to stabilize ship

Later Spock scene beaming down to San Francisco and starting long chase with Harrions

Eventually Spock meets up with Harrison and engages in a fight

**END SPOILERS**

Whew. You don't know how hard it is to post something and not read it. I trust the authenticity of it enough to do so. Personally I hope you didn't read it because this movie deserves a fully timed out reveal to you in its own pace and surprises. This is Star Trek after all.

Here's the movie's storyline:
In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens in North America on May 15 (IMAX) and May 17 (wide). The UK will get it in all formats on May 9.

Spoilers from Judao via TrekMovie

GRAVITY Pulls In A Heavy Release Date: October 4

At last we have a release date for Alfonso Cuaron's GRAVITY and Warner Bros are letting the apples fall where they may (as you know, I love puns); the movie is going head to head with STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH 3D, PARANOIA, SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR and THE DELIVERY MAN on October 4th.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Sandra Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone–tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

Can't wait for the rumored 17 minute, single take, opening shot! I think Bullock will hit this one out of the park and Clooney in a supporting role will be very interesting as well. As you know suspended objects in Space (as in water) play VERY well in 3D - should be a spectacle!

via Collider

Quick Post: ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 3D On It's Way

Jim here. It seems TINTIN will have some competition for the 2011 holiday season! Fox has announced a release date of December 16, 2011 for ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 3D. TINTIN actually launches a week later. Both are potential box office juggernauts.

The 3D movie theater will be hopping next Christmas that is for certain!

Check out the full story at Variety.

Spidey Gets A Date With S3D!

Jim here. Sony has finally and officially confirmed (via THR) that the next Spider-man movie (reboot or otherwise) will definitely be in stereoscopic 3D!

AND we have a release date too: July 3, 2012. As you know, Marc Webb will be directing.

No real surprise here, but good to get this in ink! :-) Most of you know that Spider-man is a character close to my heart since I was a kid so I will be following this one intently.

Sources, start your email clients!! :-)