Marvel Movie News - Johansson Is The Black Widow - Movies Pushed Back To 2011

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: WENN

It appears that Marvel Entertainment is making some big moves to ensure that they own the box office for the next two years. First they cast one of Hollywood's sexiest stars as a popular villain, then they move several films back a year to monopolize the summer of 2011.

First things first. It seems that Scarlett Johansson has been popping up in the news a lot as of late. Just last week ago it was revealed that the buxom beauty would be taking on a "Xena-like" role in the upcoming action film, "Amazon", now news has surfaced that she will play the Black Widow in the next "Iron Man" film.

Recently a scheduling conflict forced actress Emily Blunt to turn down the role of the Black Widow, opening the door for Johansson to be cast as the popular villain.

As it stands now, "Iron Man 2" will boast a truly 'all-star' cast, which already includes such names as Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow , Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke (who just joined the cast to play the villain Whiplash) and now Johansson.

As it stands, "Iron Man 2" is scheduled to be released in 2010......well maybe?

This leads right into the part about the re-scheduling of some of the upcoming films based on Marvel Comics heroes.

Reports coming out of Marvel Entertainment these days, point to studio possibly moving "Iron Man 2" back, yet another year, to be released in the summer of 2011 alongside "The First Avenger: Captain America", "Thor" and "Spider-Man 4".

Likewise, Marvel has reportedly moved the release of "The Avengers", featuring Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man, The Hulk and Captain America to the summer of 2012.

If indeed Marvel moves "Iron Man 2" to the summer of 2011 to go along with the other three films scheduled for that time period, they may very well own the box office. Then again, maybe too many superhero films at one time may lead to low numbers for each film. Too much of good thing can be a bad thing sometimes and Marvel may be wise to rethink putting all their eggs in one basket.

We will have to see if the gamble pays off.

See Also: Scarlett Johansson Takes On Xena Type Role / Actress Profile: Scarlett Johansson / Emily Blunt May Have To Stand Up Iron Man For Gulliver / Wizard Magazine Announces Their Best Of 2008 Winners / Downey To Reprise Iron Man Role In Avengers Movie / Marvel President Gung Ho For Hulk Vs Avengers / Bond Star Craig Turns Down Thor

Emily Blunt May Have To Stand Up Iron Man For Gulliver

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: WENN

Actress Emily Blunt is currently in negotiations to join Jack Black and Jason Segel in a modern movie adaptation of the classic adventure story, "Gulliver's Travels". Only problem is, she has already signed on to play the Black Widow opposite Robert Downey, Jr in the upcoming "Iron Man" sequel. At this time both films are scheduled to begin shooting at the same time.

If indeed blunt signs on for "Guliver" then she may have to back out of "Iron Man 2".

In this latest film version of Jonathan Swift's 18th century novel, Gulliver, played by Jack Black, gets lost in the Bermuda Triangle and finds himself marooned on an island populated by miniature humans.

Both Black and "Shark Tale" director, Rob Letterman, signed on to the project last November.

See Also: Wizard Magazine Announces Their Best Of 2008 Winners / Downey To Reprise Iron Man Role In Avengers Movie / Marvel President Gung Ho For Hulk Vs Avengers / Bond Star Craig Turns Down Thor

Sherlock Holmes Begins Filming In London

Source: Warner Bros

Principal photography is set to begin on location in London for the action adventure mystery "Sherlock Holmes," being helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie, for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.

Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life as he has never been portrayed before. Jude Law stars as Holmes' trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Mark Strong stars as their mysterious new adversary, Blackwood. Kelly Reilly will play Watson's love interest, Mary.

Based on an original story/comic book by Lionel Wigram, inspired by the classic tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the film will be produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin. Steve Clark-Hall and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.

In a dynamic new portrayal of Conan Doyle's famous characters, "Sherlock Holmes" sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

Guy Ritchie most recently wrote, directed and produced the action comedy "RocknRolla," a box office success which opened at number one in the U.K. The film is set for release in select U.S. cities on October 8 and expands nationwide on October 31. Ritchie's previous writing and directing credits include "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," "Snatch" and "Revolver."

Robert Downey Jr. starred this past summer in the blockbuster "Iron Man" and the comedy smash "Tropic Thunder." His recent film credits also include "Zodiac" and "Good Night, and Good Luck." He previously earned an Academy Award(R) nomination and a BAFTA Award for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin." "Sherlock Holmes" is his third project with producer Joel Silver, following "Gothika" and the award-winning "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang." Downey Jr. will next be seen in the biographical drama "The Soloist."

Jude Law earned an Academy Award(R) nomination and won a BAFTA Award for his work in Anthony Minghella's "The Talented Mr. Ripley." He received his second Oscar(R) and BAFTA nominations for his role in Minghella's "Cold Mountain." Law starred last year in Kenneth Branagh's "Sleuth," and includes among his upcoming films "Repossession Mambo" and Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus."

Rachel McAdams most recently starred in the indie feature "The Lucky Ones." Her additional film credits include "The Family Stone," "Wedding Crashers," "Red Eye," "The Notebook" and "Mean Girls." She also stars in the upcoming films "The Time Traveler's Wife" and "State of Play."

Mark Strong, currently starring in Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla," previously teamed with the director on the indie "Revolver." Strong will next be seen in Ridley Scott's highly anticipated action drama "Body of Lies." He previously earned a BAFTA Television Award for the BBC crime series "The Long Firm."

Kelly Reilly recently earned critical acclaim for her work in the films "Pride & Prejudice" and "Mrs. Henderson Presents," for which she won a London Film Critics Circle Award and earned a British Independent Film Award nomination.

"Sherlock Holmes" will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.