I like the work that Verbinski has turned in, with the previously mentioned Pirates films and Mouse Hunt, plus he was behind the successful remake of Ringu. With his positive remake experience perhaps his producer role will help him shepherd this new take on The Host to another success.
Fredrik Bond, a current commercial director who has worked with New Balance, Levi's, Absolut, and others, is on board to direct. Smart People writer Mark Poirier is lined up to handle the screenwriting duties.
Fox Moving Forward with X-Men: First Class
I guess it was only a matter of time. Variety is reporting that Fox is actively pursuing a new set of X-Men films. To that end they have hired Josh Schwartz to write X-Men: First Class.
The franchise has been quite profitable to the studio, with the first three films topping the one billion dollar mark worldwide. They have a few films already on the slate, with X-Men Origins: Wolverine coming next year, a Magneto film in the works, and a possible Deadpool film under consideration, based on the character appearing in Wolverine and played by Ryan Reynolds.
Now, First Class would offer up new franchise possibilities as it is to focus on the younger mutants, including some that have appeared in the films already like Rogue, Iceman, Jubilee, Angel, Shadowcat, and Colossus. A younger cast means more potential for sequels.
Josh Schwartz is the creative mind behind television shows like Gossip Girl, The OC, and Chuck. Frankly, when I see those first two titles, I am worried of what could become our beloved mutants, but being a fan of Chuck, I see the potential. I guess time will tell which way this will go.
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
One of the things that made The Host so great was the humour, so let's hope Hollywood doesn't leave that element out of the remake. I think it could be okay, generally, although I'm far from enthralled with Gore Verbinski.