THE DEVIL’S REJECTS Follow-Up to Shoot in March?

Well, this is news that’s certainly something many a horror hound has been waiting for. Yes, as the title suggests, Rob Zombie’s Devil’s Rejects follow-up may be getting set to start filming in just a matter of months.

As per Bloody-Disgusting, Zombie is looking at getting the shoot rolling as early as March. At this stage, the rumoured title for the film is The Devil’s Rejects 2: Three From Hell, although nothing official has been confirmed on that front.

Without doubt, The Devil’s Rejects is Zombie’s best picture to date, and many fans have been clamouring to see more of the infamous Firefly family since their last outing in that 2005 movie. Before that effort, of course, the Firefly clan were introduced in 2003’s House of 1000 Corpses.

Given how The Devil’s Rejects concluded with Sheri Moon Zombie’s Baby, Bill Moseley’s Otis and Sid Haig’s Captain Spaulding driving to their apparent deaths as the waiting police filled them full of bullets, it remains to be seen just how this follow-up picks things up.

In further details, Zombie is also said to be in talks with Saban Film and Lionsgate to give the film a theatrical release in addition to Blu-ray, DVD, and VOD. Both companies actually handled the release of Zombie’s last outing, 2016’s 31.

With nothing official having been confirmed on any of this, we’d say to take some of this with just a pinch of salt until something more solid comes out. But still, Bloody-Disgusting is usually a hugely reliable source, and we’re all allowed to get just a little excited about the possibility of that long-awaiting Devil’s Rejects follow-up, right?

As ever, expect more on all of this as we get it.

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS Series Get Pilot Order

What We Do in the Shadows

Remember the rumblings of a What We Do in the Shadows TV series? Well that show has taken a huge step forward after FX put in a pilot commitment for just such a series.

While Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi – who wrote, directed and starred in the 2014 movie – won’t be returning on screen, Clement will be on writing duties while Waititi will be directing. Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Harvey Guillen and Natasia Demetriou are on board to star.

Exact plot details or specifics aren’t known at this stage, although Waititi has previously mentioned how the show would actually be set in the US rather than in New Zealand.

Of course, this isn’t to be confused with the other What We Do in the Shadows-driven efforts also in development. In addition to the We’re Wolves movie, there’s the Wellington Paranormal show that will focus on cops Karen and Mike.

As ever, expect more on all of these projects as they continue to develop.

John Cena in Talks to Headline DUKE NUKEM

Duke Nukem John Cena

Having been in the running for the titular role in Warner Brothers’ Shazam! before that role went to Zachary Levi, John Cena is now in talks to play another hero of sorts. Well, antihero is likely a batter term.

As per Variety, the 16-time World Champion is in negotiations to take the lead role in Paramount’s adaptation of the famed Duke Nukem video game. Cena, of course, made his name as an in-ring competitor for the WWE, going on to become one of the wrestling world’s most decorated stars and being the poster boy of Vince McMahon’s wrestling juggernaut for well over the last decade.

Away from the squared circle, Cena has starred in the likes of The Marine and 12 Rounds in addition to roles in Sisters, Daddy’s Home and Trainwreck. More recently, he provided the vocals for the titular character in last year’s animated Ferdinand, not to mention being signed on for the upcoming Transformers spin-off, Bumblebee. Then there’s the news earlier this month that Cena will be voicing a brand-new villain in Nickelodeon’s upcoming Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series.

While he’s often seen as the all-smiling, baby-kissing good guy of the wrestling world, Cena is actually a ridiculously funny guy with a unique charisma when afforded the opportunity to let loose a little – as highlighted in some of his more R-rated interviews over the years, such as his appearances opposite Howard Stern. As such, he could well be an inspired choice to play Duke in any big-screen adaptation.

For those not familiar with Duke Nukem, that was originally a video game from 1991. A no-nonsense, cigar-chomping, sunglasses-wearing, strip club-visiting, gun-toting badass, Duke was tasked with saving the human race from the threat of aliens. Since that first outing, Nukem has appeared in 18 further games.

As ever, expect more on all things Duke Nukem as we get it.

Cast and Characters Revealed for INCREDIBLES 2

Incredibles 2

With anticipation high for The Incredibles 2, Disney Pixar has now moved to announce the film’s cast and which characters they’ll all be playing – including the sequel’s new additions!

In an official press release complete with some swanky images, the cast is as follows:

Incredibles 2

HELEN PARR (voice of Holly Hunter), known in the Superworld as Elastigirl, hung up her Supersuit to raise the family with husband Bob, leaving their crime-fighting days behind them. But when she’s tapped to lead a campaign to bring the Supers back into the spotlight, she finds she can still bend, stretch and twist herself into any shape needed to solve the trickiest of mysteries. In short, she’s still got it. That’s good news, too, because a new villain is emerging—unlike any they’ve ever seen before.

Incredibles 2

BOB PARR (voice of Craig T. Nelson) cherishes his days as Mr. Incredible—a popular Super with mega-strength and the power to singlehandedly take out the bad guys. Ever since Supers were outlawed, Bob’s been mostly lying low, raising the family alongside his wife Helen. But when she’s called on to stretch her Super skills and hopefully change the public perception of Supers for the better, Bob must manage the household on his own, which calls for a completely different set of super powers.

Incredibles 2

VIOLET PARR (voice of Sarah Vowell), the firstborn of the Parr clan, is an introverted and intelligent 14-year-old teen that doesn’t quite fit in with the normal crowd. Socially awkward, outspoken and sarcastic, Violet plays her teenager role to perfection—all while secretly mastering her superpowers of invisibility and creating force fields. A Super at heart, Violet can’t help her urge to fight crime alongside her family.

Incredibles 2

DASHIELL PARR (voice of Huckleberry “Huck” Milner) is a 10-year-old boy—restless, relentless, curious—though his remarkable power of Super speed certainly sets him apart. Dash sports a hearty sense of adventure and a boundless supply of energy. He’d love nothing more than to show off his special skills and fight a few bad guys along the way—and doesn’t understand why he has to keep his powers a secret.

Incredibles 2

JACK-JACK PARR, the baby of the family, likes to sit back with a bottle and a good story. Well-versed in gibberish with a penchant for throwing food, Jack-Jack may seem like a typical toddler, but he just might turn out to be the most powerful Parr in the household—if only his family had a clue of what this kid can really do.

Incredibles 2

LUCIUS BEST (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) is not only Bob’s best friend, he’s a fellow-former Super who’s so chill, he can make ice with the point of a finger. But even when he’s not fighting crime as Frozone, Lucius is all about style. He has a quick wit and a cool, can-do attitude—and he wouldn’t think twice about breaking out his Supersuit if it could help bring Supers out of hiding.

Incredibles 2

EDNA “E” MODE (voice of Brad Bird) possesses impeccable design sense, a keen understanding of cutting-edge technology and an unmatched skillset. A creative visionary, she longs for the return of Supers so she can once again create functional yet edgy Supersuits. The petite and powerful fashionista treats her clients like family, dahling, but sticks firmly to her long-held assertion: No capes!

Incredibles 2

WINSTON DEAVOR (voice of Bob Odenkirk) leads a world-class telecommunications company alongside his genius sister, Evelyn. Ultra-wealthy, savvy and suave, Winston goes big in everything he does—including his infatuation with Supers. He has been a supporter of Supers returning—all he needs is a hero (or three) to help him change public perception and bring them back into the sunlight.

Incredibles 2

EVELYN DEAVOR (voice of Catherine Keener), the brilliant brainchild behind her brother Winston’s telecommunications company, knows her way around tech. She loves tinkering with tech, and has never met a problem she can’t solve.

Incredibles 2

RICK DICKER (voice of Jonathan Banks) heads up the official Super Relocation Program, helping the Parr family keep their Super identities secret—that’s no easy feat with this family. But Rick takes his job very seriously—at least until his division is shuttered, leaving the Parrs all on their own.

Incredibles 2

VOYD (voice of Sophia Bush) is a young, overeager “wannabe” Super and a mega-fan of Elastigirl. Her superpower is the ability to divert and manipulate objects around her by creating voids that allow the objects to appear and disappear, and shift in space.

Incredibles 2

The Supers find an advocate in a dignified foreign AMBASSADOR (voice of Isabella Rossellini) who is committed to the support and legalization of Superheroes.

The official synopsis on Incredibles 2 reads:

Everyone’s favourite family of superheroes is back in Incredibles 2 – but this time Helen is in the spotlight, leaving Bob at home with violent and Dash to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transition for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again – which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.

With director Brad Bird overseeing proceedings, Incredibles 2 is set for a June 15th, 2018 release.

THE MIGHTY DUCKS TV Series in Early Development

The Mighty Ducks

In some news that many may see as pretty quacktastic (Billy Madison represent, yo!), a Mighty Ducks TV series is in development!

As per The Hollywood Reporter, original trilogy screenwriter Steven Brill and original producer Jordan Kerner are developing the project. The concept has yet to officially find a network home just yet, although it looks as if ABC Signature Studios is keen on the series. The reported plan would be for ABC Signature Studios to put the show together before then shopping it around to streaming services.

For those of you who weren’t around for the original trilogy, The Mighty Ducks was released in 1992. Starring Emilio Estevez as an asshole lawyer who ends up tasked with coaching a young ice hockey team as part of his community service order, that first film would prove to be a big favourite of many moviegoers. So much so, a sequel – D2: The Mighty Ducks – would follow in 1992, and then a threequel – D3: The Mighty Ducks – would be released in 1996.

Right now, it’s not known whether this Mighty Ducks TV series would be a completely fresh reboot for the franchise or whether it would somehow tie in with the established movie trilogy. As for any Emilio Estevez involvement, details again are hazy on that front.

As ever, expect more on all of this as we get it.

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo to Helm THE SWORD IN THE STONE

The Sword in the Stone

With Disney currently in the midst of giving live-action new takes to several of their old favourites, now comes word on who’ll be directing the House of Mouse’s new incarnation of The Sword in the Stone.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo has been handed the director’s chair for the film. Fresnadillo is likely best known to genre fans for helming 28 Weeks Later. He’ll direct from a script by Game of Thrones’ Bryan Cogman.

In recent years, we’ve had live-action (often with a splash of CGI) features such as Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast brought to the big screen, and there’s plans afoot for Tim Burton to direct Dumbo, Guy Ritchie to helm Aladdin, Jon Favreau to oversee The Lion King, Rob Marshall to take charge of The Little Mermaid, and then new takes on Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Peter Pan in development.

For The Sword in the Stone, the original animated effort was released back in 1963 and actually holds the distinction of being the latest Disney feature to be released before the death of Walt Disney. Pulling inspiration from T.H. White’s novel, the tale centres on a young Arthur who is being mentored by Merlin so that he will be able to take his rightful position as king when the time comes.

At present, The Sword in the Stone has yet to be given a set release date.

Wally West to Join DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW

Wally West Kid Flash

After Brandon Routh seemingly let the cat out of the bag, it’s now been confirmed that DC’s Legends of Tomorrow will be getting a speedster adding to its rank of heroes. Yes, as the headlines says, Keiynan Lonsdale’s Wally West is going to be joining the Legends during the second half of their current third season.

On this news, executive producer Phil Klemmer told EW, “We loved working with Keiynan in our series premiere – the episode in which we learned that in between Season 2 and Season 2 he had been fighting crime in Central City with Nick Zano’s Nate Heywood. So when his character stepped away from Flash to go on walkabout after being dumped and feeling somewhat estranged from his family and team, we knew that Wally West would fit in perfectly on Legends. After all, our show is about a collection of unlikely heroes who all began their journeys questioning who they are and where they belong – only to find those answers while travelling through time and having wacky adventures. So now, Wally West is not only back in the company of old friends from the Arrowverse, he’s fighting alongside a former enemy and career arsonist Mick Rory. By the end of this season, Wally will learn that the Legends have a different definition of what it means to be a hero.”

As alluded to, Wally decided to take a break from Central City earlier in The Flash’s current season after Jesse Quick ended their relationship.

Expect to see Kid Flash speeding to Legends action later in the year.

MR. MERCEDES Brings in Tessa Ferrer

Tessa Ferrer

Earlier this month saw the second season of Mr. Mercedes bring in Jack Huston and Maximiliano Hernandez, and now the series has added Tessa Ferrer to its ranks.

As per Deadline, the Insidious: The Last Key and Grey’s Anatomy actress has signed on to be a series regular in the adaptation of Stephen King’s famed work.  Ferrer will be playing Cora Babineau, officially described as the “wife of Dr. Felix Babineau (Huston) and head of marketing at a major pharmaceutical corporation, who’s even more ambitious than she is beautiful. If her husband has a genius for manipulating people from the inside out as he reaches into their brains and rewires them, Cora has a genius for influencing people from the outside in. Her beauty, brains, and force of will, judiciously softened with poise and extreme charm, make her a formidable saleswoman of whatever she’s peddling.”

Ferrer, Huston and Hernandez will be joined in Season 2 by the returning Harry Treadaway, Brendan Gleeson, Jharrel Jerome, Scott Lawrence, Breeda Wool, Justine Lupe and Holland Taylor. Said second season of Mr. Mercedes starts production next month ahead of premiering towards the middle of 2018.

Tina Romero Developing QUEENS OF THE DEAD

Tina Romero

It’s been previously revealed that Tina Romero – daughter of the legendary George A. Romero – was to team with the iconic Tom Savini for a horror webseries, and now comes word that she’s soon to make her feature film directing debut with her very own zombie effort.

Speaking to The Saunder Blog, as picked up by Bloody-Disgusting, Tina confirmed plans for a movie titled Queens of the Dead. As she explained, “Queens of the Dead is a fusion of two huge parts of my world: zombies and gay nightlife. It’s a tribute to my father as well as my entrée into the genre he grandfathered. I can’t say too much yet, but what I can tell you is that this film will have all the hallmarks of a George A. Romero classic: farce, politics, heroes, assholes, and most importantly, herds of silly and slow-moving walkers that you can’t help but love. But I’m doing it Tina-style, and bringing the glitter, choreography, queers and queens.”

To give a little more on what to expect, Tina added that the picture will centre on “the zombie apocalypse, seen through the eyes of the patrons at a drag nightclub.”

This isn’t the only Romero offspring working on a zombie film, for George’s son George Cameron Romero is also developing a movie dubbed Rise of the Living Dead.

As ever, expect more on Queens of the Dead and Rise of the Living Dead as they continue to flesh out.

Ken Watanabe Joins DETECTIVE PIKACHU

Ken Watanabe

With Detective Pikachu having recently brought in Ryan Reynolds to voice its titular character, the film has also moved to bring in Ken Watanabe.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Watanabe – best known to genre fans for the likes of Batman Begins, The Last Samurai, Inception and Godzilla – will be playing Detective Yoshida, a character created especially for the movie. Watanabe joins a cast that, as well as Reynolds, features Justice Smith and Kathryn Newton.

Goosebumps’ Rob Letterman is on board to direct, with Nicole Perlman and Alex Hirsch having penned the screenplay.

This new movie will follow Detective Pikachu, who is a relatively new character to the Pokémon world, and comes in the aftermath of the huge success of last year’s Pokémon Go.

Plot-wise, all that we know right now about Detective Pikachu at this stage is that Justice Smith will be teaming with the titular Pokémon to help find Smith’s father. The pair will be assisted in their quest by Newton’s journalist. Universal Pictures will distribute the movie outside of Japan, with Toho handling duties in Japan.

Detective Pikachu is currently set for a May 10th, 2019 release.