There's been a lot of news on James Cameron's Avatar sequels recently. Cameron recently revealed that he planned on developing a fourth film that would be a prequel. Then his producer Jon Landau said parts 2 and 3 would shoot back-to-back but the fourth film would have to wait until after those two films have been completed. Now in a recent interview Comingsoon, Cameron talked a little bit more about the next two sequels, and how it relates to oceanographic exploration and environmentalism. 

We're doing 'Avatar' films now, so we're making up an ocean ecosystem for Pandora, That's gonna have less to do with the deep exploration that I've done than it has to do with my concerns about conservation of Earth's oceans. The fact that we're basically overfishing, climate change... a few degrees of temperature rise are gonna basically take out the coral reefs. All those beautiful images of the coral environments we all grew up with won't exist in 50 years at the rate we're going in terms of pumping greenhouse gases into the environment. These are the things that concern me.

There isn't a direct map between the deep ocean exploration that I've done and the ocean stuff that we're doing in the 'Avatar' films. However, I'm going to continue in the future making documentaries and continuing explorations stuff as well because I'm always fascinated by that. We don't have to explore the coral reefs at this point because we understand them very well. We also understand that they're dying and they're ultimately doomed if we don't change our profligate ways.

I hope that explains it, 'cause people have connected the dots directly together. 'Oh, going to the challenger deep has a direct connection to what we're going to see in Avatar 2,' and that's not the case at all. It's all the scuba diving I did before I even started the deep ocean stuff that has more of a direct connection to Avatar 2 & 3, which by the way won't take place completely in or under the water. That's just part of the environment of Pandora that we're going to see.

I'm really curious to see how these sequels turn out, and if they end up being as successful or even more successful than the first film. One thing we know for sure is that they'll be entertaining. The level of entertainment has yet to be seen. 

Twentieth Century Fox wants to release the Avatar 2 in December 2014 and Avatar 3 on December 2015. Not sure if it's sounding like that's going to actually happen though. It's seems like like there's still a lot of work to be done. 

Joss Whdeon is gearing up to kick some more Marvel ass... in a good way. He's currently in the process of developing The Avengers 2, a S.H.E.I.L.D. TV series, and will also serve as a creative advisor on all of Marvel's other movies in the Phase 2 plan. In a recent interview with 24 Hours, Whedon talks about his role in the second phase of Marvel master movie plan and the themes of The Avengers 2. 

Very talented people are writing and directing these movies, and what I don't want to be is the guy they dread, who's going to come in and say" - here, Whedon affects a pompous British accent - "'Oh, well I have the power to say change this.' I'm not that.

He then goes on to reveal where he will be taking The Avengers next,

The creation of the team is not the happy ending. It is the beginning of something that is complex and difficult, and now I get to dig a little deeper. And maybe, while I'm digging, just twist that knife. And that's exciting for me.

I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when Whedon officially signed on for The Avengers 2. The other projects he's working on with the studio is just an awesome bonus! I have no doubt that Whedon will once again deliver a great film that fans are going to enjoy! What do you think about what Whedon had to say here?

Marvel's The Avengers 2 is set to be released May 1, 2015. Iron Man 3 will be released on May 3, 2013, Thor: The Dark World on November 8, 2013, Captain America: The Winter Soldier on April 4, 2014 and Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1, 2014. Ant-Man might be worked in there somewhere. 

Here's an interesting video that gives us a little taste of what could have been for James Cameron's Titanic. This is the screen test that won Kate Winslet the role in the film. What's interesting about it, is it doesn't include Leonardo DiCaprio. Instead, she's acting alongside another familiar face... Jeremy Sisto from Law and Order, Six Feet Under, and most recently, Suburgatory. There's such a different chemistry here than what we saw between her and DiCaprio. I can see why he wasn't cast in the role, Dicaprio was definitely a better choice, but it's always fun to get a little taste of a completely different take on the character from another actor. 

Check it out and let us know what you think of the performances! Do you think the role should have gone to Sisto, or are you happy with the casting of DiCaprio?

This video is part of the four-disc 2D Blu-ray/DVD combo pack being released on September 14th. Both versions include over two and a half hours of never-before-seen bonus footage, including exploration of the movie with the mastermind James Cameron.

Also, footage by National Geographic is included with James Cameron and the leading RMS Titanic experts, and together they explore the questions of why the “unsinkable” ship had an unexpected and sudden death. The special features include 30 deleted scenes, 60+ behind-the-scenes featurettes, an in-depth look at visual effects, more than 2,000 photos, three commentaries and a lot more! Also, Titanic for the first time ever will be available for digital download.

Vin Diesel released a couple of new images from Fast 6 on his Facebook page, featuring himself Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson. Apparently these are shots from the film that we'll end up seeing in the trailer. 

The movie is currently shooting under the director of Justin Lin (Annapolis, Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious, Fast Five). This time around Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are headed to London with the usual suspects to pull off some kind of heist, and they're also on the run from Johnson and his team who are trying to trake them down after letting them go in Fast 5. 

The movie is set to be released on May 24th, 2013, and also stars Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans, Joe Taslim, and Gina Carano. Are you looking forward to the next installment of this franchise? I am!

In Kevin Shinick's upcoming Avenging Spider-Man comic series, Spider-Man and Deadpool team up and go back to high school where they will obviously wreak havoc. Here's a great piece of art from the series, showing the two characters waiting to see the principal after getting into a fight. 

Shinick has worked on animated series such as Robot Chicken and MAD, and here's what he had to say about his latest project:

Spider-Man to me is the coolest and he’s strong and he’s got chutzpah. But I wanted to put him in a world where the stakes were high because none of that was coming through. He’s not sure where he is, he’s a little uncertain, and he’s paired up with this guy who is a schizophrenic crazy person.

You know Deadpool to me is such an unstable guy and if you’re paired up with him, I would not feel easy about it. If you had to pair up with someone, you know when you go out swimming and they say find a buddy? And someone says to you ‘Alright, Deadpool’s your buddy.’ I’d be like ‘Oh crap. I don’t really trust this guy.

I created and write MAD the animated show and I also come from Robot Chicken. And that was the perfect blend of bringing Spider-Man and Deadpool together because they both represent both of those shows. Deadpool is raunchy and ridiculous, like Robot Chicken. And Spider-Man is friendly, fun and funny like Mad.

What do you think of the art, and Shinick taking on this Avenging Spider-Man project?

Another batch of photos has been released online for Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The images come from the movie's official app, and they feature a mix of dwarf character portraits, movie screenshots and a couple of Bag End interior shots.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters December 14th. Check out the photos!

Here's the Synopsis:

The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. 

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum. 

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

If survival is the name of the game during a zombie apocalypse, being well-prepared can be the difference between life and death. You can have the right tools, the right weapons, trustworthy transportation, and the fortitude to use them, but without proper nourishment, you're essentially delaying the inevitable. Many films and TV shows involving zombies have sequences of hunting wild animals in pretty gruesome fashion. However, you can be better off without resorting to that by taking stock of your inventory now (and not having to pay $24,000 for a zombie survival kit).

The best foodstuffs to have on hand during a zombie apocalypse are non-perishable goods. Milk can sour, bread can mold, cheese can harden. Food that can be preserved are recommended highly (canned specifically). Old sodas have been proven to have a surprising amount of carbonation after 25 years if perfectly preserved. 

One interesting canned product available is the Candwich. Literally, a canned sandwich. Unfortunately, it's one of those ideas that sounds cooler than it really is. It's not pre-made inside the can, you have to make it yourself. And I hear the "candy surprise inside" tastes terrible. Still, aside from "some assembly required," the Candwich should provide just what you need to get through the day running from zombies. 

One of the most frequently referenced foods when it comes to any kind of apocalypse is the Twinkie. Legend has it that should utter disaster befall the world, Twinkies can serve as a viable food source. I can personally disavow this notion by referencing one of my favorite films: Zombieland. In Zombieland, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) is on an endless search for a Twinkie. He tells Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), "Believe it or not, Twinkies have an expiration date." That couldn't be more true. I won a Twitter contest from the official Zombieland Twitter handle. In the mail, I received a Zombieland Blu-Ray, a Zombieland hand sanitizer ("You guys want some Purell?"), and a Zombieland-sponsored box of Twinkies. However, as Tallahassee predicted, these Twinkies were as solid as a rock.

So even though most would have you believe Twinkies are immortal, make sure they are fresh. So when you're on the run for zombies, remember to stock the food above. Because if you eat right, you don't get eaten!

Nicolas Cage has been cast in yet another movie! This latest movie is an action-thriller called I Am Wrath. Director William Friedkin (To Live And Die In LA, The French Connection) is looking to direct the film after he finishes making Killer Joe.

Here's a description of the story:

Following the murder of his wife, Stanley (Cage) finds that the police are unable to catch the perpetrators. He uncovers a thick plot of police corruption and realizes that he will have to find justice on his own. As he awakens to the level of degradation of the people sworn to serve and protect, we get a little Rage in the Cage as he becomes a vigilante out to destroy those who abuse their power.

This seems like the kind of film Cage would take on, but not one I think I would enjoy seeing him in. It's kind of amazing to see how many movie projects Cage attaches himself to! Just a couple of days ago it was announced that he would join David Gordon-Green's Joe, which sounds like a much better project than this. At least the movie has a solid director. 

The script for I Am Wrath was written by Paul Sloan, which was based on an idea by Yvan Gauthier. Does this sound like a movie you'd be interested in seeing with Cage in the lead role?

Source: Deadline (http://www.deadline.com/2012/09/toronto-nicolas-cage-back-with-emmettfurla-with-i-am-wrath/)

Here's a fun Monsters Inc. and Star Wars crossover fan art that features Mike and Sully as Han Solo and Chewbacca. The piece is called Hike and Chulley, it was created by artist Billy Allison, and if you're interested in purchasing a print or a t-shirt, click here. What do you think of the design? 

Here's the trailer for a crime drama called Everyobody Has A Plan, in which Viggo Mortensen plays two different characters. This looks like it will be an awesome thriller, and Mortensen is sure to give yet another amazing performance. 

The movie tells the story of Agustín (Mortensen), a man desperate to abandon what for him has become, after years of living in Buenos Aires, a very frustrating existence. After the death of his twin brother, Pedro, Agustín decides to start a new life, adopting the identity of his brother and returning to the mysterious region of the Delta, in the Tigre, where they lived when they were boys. However, shortly after his return, Agustín will find himself unwillingly involved in the dangerous criminal world that was a part of his brother's life.

The film was written and directed by Ana Piterbarg, and also stars Soledad Villamil, Daniel Fanego, Javier Godino and Sofía Gala Castaglione. Watch the trailer and tell us what your favorite Mortensen movie role is!

Source: TCF International (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gfVyatu4xGg)

This week's SoundTRAX covers the dark melodic sounds of Cliff Martinez's Arbitrage soundtrack. This film is already generating Oscar buzz for Richard Gere's standout performance, so check out the music before you see it in theaters, and let us know what you think!

Email Me: MickJoest@Geektyrant.com Twitter: @MickJoest

Bugs Bunny is one of the most famous cartoon characters on the planet. Everything about him is lovable: his Brooklyn/Bronx accent, his carefree attitude, and his ability to outwit any foe he comes across. Though he had many creators at Warner Bros., the most important contributor to his success was his voice actor, Mel Blanc, "The Man of 1000 Voices."

However, that voice was almost silenced too soon in 1961. A car accident left Blanc in the hospital in a three week-long coma. Millions of letters came through wishing Blanc well, with some addressed to "Bugs Bunny, Hollywood, USA." After normal attempts at reviving Blanc failed, a creative doctor found a way to reach Blanc's subconcious. Instead of talking to Blanc, the doctor said, "How are you today, Bugs Bunny?" Blanc responded in Bugs' voice. After he recovered, Blanc was told by the doctors and his family that this had occurred. From then on, Blanc was grateful to the character he voiced for saving his life.

Blanc passed away in 1989. On his tombstone, the Porky Pig's famous catchphrase is written, "That's All Folks." He helped inspire new generations of voice actors. Which of Mel Blanc's 1000 famous voices is your favorite?

The BBC has released a ton of new images for Doctor Who's upcoming western episode, "A Town Called Mercy." In the episode The Doctor (Matt Smith) finds himself as the reluctant sheriff of a western town in the wild, wild west that is under siege by a relentless cyborg. The images give us a look at some of the other cast members as well, including Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, and guest star Ben Browder.

As a fan of westerns this is one of my most anticipated episodes of the new season, and I see a lot of talk about it online, so it seems like a lot of Doctor Who fans are excited about this one. It looks like it's going to be a great episode!

It's the third episode of season seven and was written by Being Human creator and frequent Who collaborator Toby Whithouse. Check out the stills from the show below and let us know which episode you're most looking forward to seeing this season! 

Source: Doctor Who TV (http://doctorwhotv.co.uk/a-town-called-mercy-pics-38895.htm)

A bunch of new photos from the set of Thor: The Dark World has hit the internet, and they give us our first look at Chris Hemsworth as Thor and in battle with Jaimie Alexander as Lady Sif. You can easily the different feel and gritty tone that director Alan Taylor and the cast talked about early on. 

We know that the movie will explore Thor's relationship with his father Odin, as well as Jane Foster. It will take the God of Thunder to The Nine Realms beyond Asgard and Earth, and continue the story of his evil step-brother, Loki, as he returns to Asgard to face justice for what he did to Earth in The Avengers. A new threat arises, called The Dark Elves that Thor must battle with the help of his fellow Asgardians, Lady Sif, gatekeeper Heimdall and the Warriors Three.

The sequel also stars Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Jaimie Alexander, Idris Elba, Zachary Levi, Stellan Skarsgard, Christopher Eccleston, Kat Dennings and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.

The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on November 8th, 2013. It's going to be so cool to see this story continue on the big screen! The first photo below is a little awkward...

Source: Super Hero Hype (http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/172629-new-photos-from-the-thor-the-dark-world-set)

The awesome horror anthology V/H/S is currently available to watch on VOD for those of you who want to see it. I really enjoyed this movie, and it was one of my favorite films that I saw at Sundance. For those of you who want to wait to watch it on the big screen, it is scheduled to hit theaters on October 5th, just in time to start the Halloween movie season. 

Here's a great new poster that was illustrated by Marvel Comics artist Esad Ribić. The poster represents one of the 5 films in the anthology. It's called "Second Honeymoon" and is directed by Ti West (The Innkeepers, House of the Devil).

The story for this segment follows a young couple traveling across the country with a camera. While stopped at a hotel, a young lady comes to the door to ask for a ride. They turn her down, but as the trip progresses, things start to get a little intense. To read my review of the film click here.

If you've already seen the film, what did you think of it!? 

Here's the synopsis:

When a group of petty criminals is hired by a mysterious party to retrieve a rare piece of found footage from a rundown house in the middle of nowhere, they soon realize that the job isn’t going to be as easy as they thought. In the living room, a lifeless body holds court before a hub of old television sets, surrounded by stacks upon stacks of VHS tapes. As they search for the right one, they are treated to a seemingly endless number of horrifying videos, each stranger than the last. 

Here's a previously released Red-band trailer of the film:

Source: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=360834377325244&set=a.284369864971696.66814.243238332418183&type=1&theater)

Check out this cool series of movie poster art inspired by several of our favorite Stephen King movies. The series was created by Nicholas Tassone. I'm a huge fan of King's work, and it's hard to choose a favorite film, but if you had to choose one, what would it be? 

The first trailer has been released for the indie film Smashed, which was one of the better films I saw at Sundance this year. It stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim) and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), and the story deals with the issue of alcoholism. It's a very intense movie that ends up taking the audience on a journey of witnessing Wnstead's crawl out of the dark abyss of the demon in the bottle after hitting rock bottom. Winstead gave an incredible performance, and I'll be shocked if she's doesn't end up getting nominated for an Oscar. Here's what I had this to say about the movie in my review:

This was a wonderfully inspiring film that touches on some of life's major issues that some of us may have faced in one way or another throughout our lives, so it's something I think the audience can relate to. This is a heavy film to watch, but even though the subject matter seems gloomy, there's a light at the end of the tunnel scattered with some spots of good humor, and one very creepy moment. I loved that this movie left us with an uplifting sense of hope. 

Here's the Synopsis:

Kate and Charlie like to have a good time. Their marriage thrives on a shared fondness for music, laughter . . . and getting smashed. When Kate’s partying spirals into hard-core asocial behavior, compromising her job as an elementary schoolteacher, something’s got to give. But change isn’t exactly a cakewalk. Sobriety means she will have to confront the lies she’s been spinning at work, her troubling relationship with her mother, and the nature of her bond with Charlie.

Many films indulge the dramatic highs and lows of addiction. Refreshingly, Smashed is interested in the unglamorous middle path—what stumbling through recovery looks like. As Kate tests new boundaries and shoulders the consequences of her choices, this subtle story of imperfect transformation taps into truths about the challenges and losses intrinsic to living life honestly. Genuine performances and a grounded sense of place create an authentic, textured world where three-dimensional characters—neither all bad nor all good—occupy the uncomfortable grey zone of being human. 

The movie is set for a limited release on October 5th, and I think it's worth checking out. Watch the trailer, and let us know if you think you'll be seeing it.

Source: Yahoo! (http://movies.yahoo.com/toronto/#smashed)

DreamWorks Pictures is currently developing a remake of Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin's hilarious 1980s comedy All of Me. I loved watching this movie growing up. It's been a very long time since I've seen it, but I remember watching it over and over because I thought it was so damn funny. 

The story follows a dying millionaire woman who, in trying to achieve immortality, transfers her spirit into the body of a nebbish attorney played by Martin, and the two have to find a way to work together in the same body. Martin brilliant played this part! It's a great concept, and I can see why the studio would want to remake this one, but it doesn't mean the remake will be any good. This time around the plan is to have a man’s soul enter the body of a woman.

The script is currently being written by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, who worked on the recent Rachel McAdams movie The Vow. They also wrote the romantic comedy Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore.

If you haven't seen the original movie, you should check it out! Hell, I think I'll watch it again in the near future. What do you think about DreamWorks remaking this film, and who would you like to see star in it? I'd actually like to see Kristen Wigg take on the lead role, I know she could pull it off. 

Source: THR (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/all-me-remake-dreamworks-369488)

Ninjas. We reported earlier this year that they are soon to be extinct, and while the true form of Ninjitsu seems to have come to an end, the showmanship and art form is still widely celebrated in the geek community. Take, for example, this video of a slow motion ninja demonstration. No you are not about to watch ninja moves slowed down on some camera that catches 176.3 frames a second, but rather a real time slow down that takes a great sense of balance and some decent choreography to look good. It's actually slightly cooler than what I initially thought I was going to watch! 

Email Me: MickJoest@Geektyrant.com Twitter: @MickJoest

Source: Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKnjbdtLwWk)

Can you believe it's already been two years since the 33 Chilean miners were rescued from being trapped in a mine buried under a solid rock half a mile below ground for 69 days? It doesn't seem like that much time has passed since those dramatic events unfolded. I'm surprised a movie already hasn't already been made and released.

Director Patricia Riggen has been hired to direct the feature film adaptation of the true story captivated the world, called The 33. Thankfully we all know the story has a happy ending. 

The film will "recount the events surrounding the mine’s collapse and the subsequent rescue efforts, both from the miners’ perspective and those of the families and rescuers above, culminating in the emotional retrieval of all 33 miners." According to the press release the script written in collaboration with the miners themselves. The movie will also cover "the never-before told story of their first 17 days underground, before contact was made, details of which the miners have kept confidential until this time as part of their ‘pact of silence.’"

I've never heard of Riggen, but she's best known for an independent film she made Under the Same Moon which I haven't seen. But apparently it premiered at Sundance and receieved a standing ovation. According to producer Mike Medavoy, “I saw in her film not only her talent but the real humanity and humor that this film needs. Patricia has the heart and sensibility to bring this story to life in a way that accurately reflects what the miners and their families endured.” 

Riggen, who is currently in Chile with the producers talking with the miners has this to say, “I was riveted - along with the rest of the world - as the drama of 33 Chilean miners unfolded. It’s been an extraordinary experience to meet the miners in person and hear from them the detailed account of their time underground. Since their rescue a little less than two years ago, the real story of their incredible survival has gone untold. In their darkest hour, they struggled to maintain their unity. The collapse brought out the best and the worst in them. Ultimately, the human spirit triumphed and all of them came out alive. I feel honored to have the opportunity to bring their extraordinary story to the world.”

The movie will be entirely shot in Chile and produced in English, and filming is scheduled to begin in January of 2013 for a late fall release. Discussions are under way with cast and distributors.

I have no doubt this is going to be an interesting movie that most everyone will want to see. 

Source: Coming Soon (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=94625)