Film Bits: ‘X-Men’ May Have Found New Director; ‘Inhumans’ Casts ‘Game of Thrones’ Alum

Simon Kinberg Directing Next ‘X-Men’?

X Men Apocalypse

The next entry into the wildly uneven X-Men franchise may have found its director in long time series producer/writer Simon Kinberg. This would be the directorial debut for Kinberg, who as of yet has not been confirmed. While no details have yet been released, the film is expected to follow the events of last year’s Apocalypse and focus on the Phoenix saga, which was already the focus of another X-Men film with X-Men The Last Stand, which was effectively erased from continuity by the time travel mechanics of Days of Future Past. Convoluted timelines aside, X-Men has fallen wildly off course after the promising reboot potential and they desperately need a hit for their main series. Though the solo spinoff movies of Deadpool and Logan have received massive critical acclaim, with the former even making an black horse push for a Best Picture nod, the uneven success of the core series has been problematic for many fans, and many point to Kinberg as the culprit. That’s a reductive claim, to be sure, but he’d still have his work cut out for him should he accept the job. At any rate, it’s probably time for another reboot for the series, which might find its best opportunity for doing so in Logan, which will be released next weekend.

(THR)

‘Inhumans’ Makes Bold First Cast

Ramsay

ABC’s next Marvel comics series, Inhumans, has made its first official casting choice, and it’s a doozy. Iwan Rheon, best known as the villainous Ramsey Bolton on Game of Thrones, has been tapped to portray Maximus, brother to the Inhuman king, in the new series, which premieres this fall on ABC. Originally slated for a cinematic release, the concept of Inhumans has been explored on ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. over the last few seasons, though so far no mention has been made of the royal family. Like AgentsInhumans will share the same universe as the Avengers, and will play a part in the larger story. Rheon is an inspired choice to play Maximus, though only time will tell if he’s able to step from out of the shadow of Ramsey Bolton, a character so reviled that he made Joffrey seem decent. Still, his casting suggests big things for the new series and makes it easily one of the most expected new shows for next season.

(Deadline)

‘Native Son’ Adaptation Lands Director

Richard Wright’s classic novel, Native Son, has been slated for adaptation. Artist and photographer Rashid Johnson has been tapped to direct the project as his feature debut, with Pulitzer prize winning writer Suzan-Lori Parks penning the script. Published in 1940, Wright’s novel of the African-American experience remains relevant to this day, even almost 80 years after its publication. It follows the life of Bigger Thomas who grows up in poverty in Chicago’s south side. Somewhat autobiographical, Wright’s novel influenced generations of writers with its uncompromising voice and powerful message. Johnson, well known in the world of art, brings a unique vision to the tale. No word yet on casting or release.

(THR)

Martin Scorsese Inks Deal with Netflix

In a stunning coup against the traditional studio system—the latest in a series of stunning coups—Netflix has acquired the rights for Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, The film reunites Scorsese with Robert De Niro in what will be their ninth collaboration. The Irishman follows the life of mob hitman Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran and is based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. Steven Zallian (Schindler’s List) is writing the script. Production is set to begin later this year.

(Variety)

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