Mission Impossible 5 Gets Director

Director Christopher McQuarrie will officially re-unite with his Jack Reacher star Tom Cruise for Mission impossible 5. Confirming the news via Twitter the pair tweeted “Mission Accepted”.

Speaking of the news Ethan Hunt actor Cruise explained:

“I am thrilled to reunite with Chris for the latest installment in the Mission series. I began producing the films with the goal that a different director with his own vision would make each one. Chris is an extraordinary filmmaker who will deliver the heart-pounding action and thrills that audiences around the world have come to expect from the Mission: Impossible franchise.”

Fans of the franchise may be hoping for a slightly more spectacular effort than the pair’s low key collaboration on Jack Reacher, while the studio will certainly be expecting better box office numbers.  Although Jack Reacher eventually hauled in over $200 million worldwide, it struggled to break the $80 million mark in the US, seeming to rule out any plans for a sequel. It will be interesting to see whether a successful 5th Mission Impossible could help further convince studio bosses to gamble on another Jack Reacher adventure as well.

For now it also remains unclear precisely who/what Tom Cruise will be impossibly saving the world from this time. But Mission Impossible 5 is expected in cinemas for 2015. 

Benedict Cumberbatch In Penguins Of Madagascar Voice Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch and John Malkovich have officially joined the voice cast of Dreamworks feature length animated spin-off The Penguins Of Madagascar.

According to initial reports, Malkovich will be playing the film’s charming villain, whilst Sherlock star Cumberbatch will be voicing an animal CIA agent hot on his trail.

Benedict recently voiced Smaug the dragon in the Hobbit Trilogy, but he’s probably likely to play something fluffier than a dragon this time around. Perhaps an otter if Dreamworks execs have seen the popular viral internet meme comparing the floppy haired British star and the semi-aquatic mammals. It’s quite uncanny…  Benedict Cumberbatch vs Otters

The new DreamWorks film obviously hopes to further exploit the scene stealing popularity of the Penguins in the Madagascar franchise and follows on from their Christmas themed short and their own TV series. The Penguins of Madagascar is due to arrive in UK cinemas 27th March 2015. 

Rupert Wyatt Might Direct Star Trek 3

J.J. Abrams hasn’t officially confirmed his departure from the next Start Trek sequel, but it’s widely and sensibly assumed that he’ll be unable to return to direct Star Trek 3 due to his demanding directing duties on Star Wars Episode VII.  Rumours of who might take over the helm of the Enterprise to steer the resurgent franchise for a third film are already circulating.

Despite early reports linking Jon M.Chu, it now appears that multiple sources are naming Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt, as the most likely candidate.

Whoever ends up taking over in the Director’s chair, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci will again be providing the script for Star Trek 3 with a tentative release date targeted for 2016 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original series.

Sam Rockwell May Join Poltergeist Remake

Sam Rockwell is reportedly in talks to join 20th century Fox’s remake of horror classic Poltergeist, potentially joining confirmed lead actress Rosemarie Dewitt on the project.

Directed by Gil Kenan and produced by horror maestro Sam Rami the film will be a self-proclaimed ‘revisionist take’ on the familiar tale of a suburban family being terrorized by evil spirits. Oz The Great and Powerful screenwriter David Lindsay-Abaire is taking responsibility for the new script.

The new film will apparently make its tale more economically topical by having the family move into the ominous and outdated suburban home as a result of financial struggles. Setting up heavy handed parallels between the economic and supernatural troubles plaguing the family, in every review written on the film’s eventual release…

Miles Teller For Fantastic Four Reboot

Miles Teller is rumoured to be first choice to play Mr Fantastic in the Fantastic Four reboot. The young star of Spectacular Now has apparently already met with director Josh Trank to discuss the possible superhero role.

Although Teller has earned positive reviews, at just 26 his age and babyfaced looks might be the one stumbling block in the way of landing the coveted role of elasticated team leader. Traditionally Mr Fantastic has always been a more mature father like figure in the group, particularly given his signature wild streaks of grey hair.

Teller might fit nicely though if director the studio aims for a younger cast to lure even more teenage fans back to the faltering franchise.