We’ve heard the rumours for what seems like years now, but now finally comes something far more concrete on a solo movie for none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, a Kenobi-centred picture is being planned as one of the A Star Wars Story anthology movies that began with last year’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and will continue with next year’s Alden Ehrenreich-headlined Han Solo film.

This latest report brings word that Stephen Daldry – best known for the likes of Billy Elliot and The Hours – is in early negotiations to direct the film, although no script is in place just yet. Similarly, no actors are currently attached to the picture. That said, Ewan McGregor has previously talked about how he’d love to return as Obi-Wan if the chance arose.

For many fans, they’ve been eager to see a movie looking at what happened to Kenobi between Revenge of the Sith and 1977’s original Star Wars (or A New Hope, to you young ‘uns out there). Chronologically, Obi-Wan took himself in to exile on Tatooine after having put the young Luke Skywalker in the hands of Owen Lars and his wife Beru. Most recently, this period of Kenobi’s life was covered in John Jackson Miller’s brilliant 2013 Kenobi novel, which almost played out like some sort of classic Western as we saw this Jedi Master having to stop being Obi-Wan, instead taking on the character of the slightly bonkers old Ben Kenobi.

As ever, expect more on all of this as it continues to develop.

Following its TV debut of S4C at the weekend, Welsh mystery Yr Ymadawiad (also known as The Passing) has been made available to watch on iPlayer.

The story features a middle-aged man living alone in an isolated Welsh valley, whose simple life is interrupted by a young couple who become stranded after their car crashes. The film is a sedate yet serene one, and as it progresses a mystery slowly develops as something begins to seem not quite right about this self-contained world in which the characters exist, as well as the gradual uncovering of the secrets they are each harbouring. We previously reviewed the film here, and would recommend everyone check it out as it’s an easy one to overlook and it may be a while before it becomes available again.

The visuals are beautifully cinematic, featuring sweeping vistas of the Welsh countryside, so be sure to watch it on as large a screen as you can. You can watch Yr Ymadawiad here until Saturday September 9th, with subtitles available for anyone who doesn’t speak Welsh.{jcomments on}

A trailer has been released for Mab, the new short film from rising and award-winning horror director Katie Bonham (Mindless, The Paper Round).

The synopsis reads thus:

Mab tells the story of Rosie (Maria Teresa) and her mother, Kris (Lucy Clements), who struggle to make ends meet. Their only source of income comes from the daily delivery Rosie makes to the mysterious Mab, but what are these deliveries and what impact will this have on their lives of those around them? A magical realism short that uncovers the sacrifices people make to take control of their lives and the evil that lurks in the darkness of desperation.

The fantasy angle, the countryside and forest setting, and the short’s very title could imply something to do with faeries, but the eerie yet nonspecific trailer reveals nothing definitive. Whatever the angle is revealed to be, with Bonham’s films typically being as psychological as they are sinister it will doubtless be something memorable and impacting.

Mab’s world premiere will take place during FrightFest London over the August bank holiday weekend. Updates on the film can be found on its Facebook page, and the trailer can be viewed below.{jcomments on}

In news that we’ve kind of all known since, well, since figures such as $150 million for just two movies were being thrown around, Daniel Craig now has finally confirmed that he is indeed returning as 007.

Speaking on The Late Show about whether he’s returning, Craig told host Stephen Colbert, “Yes. We’ve been discussing it, we’ve just been trying to figure things out. I always wanted to, I needed a break.”

After adding that he’s known about his return to the James Bond role for a “couple of months,” on the possibility of Bond 25 being his last outing as the iconic 007, he added, “I think this is it. I just want to go out on a high note, and I can’t wait.”

It was only yesterday that Craig was telling Boston’s Magic 106.7 station that he wasn’t sure on a return just yet, and that no decision had been made. Obviously, that was just a little bit of a fib, and now we can all finally put those rumours of Craig’s departure to bed. Well, until Bond 25 is out of the way, that is. Then we can expect to hear the names of Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hardy and Clive Owen be tossed around once more as a new James Bond is hunted for.

At present, the next James Bond effort – which will be Craig’s fifth since debuting in the role in 2006’s Casino Royale – is set for a November 2019 release. No director has been announced as of yet, but expect more on all of this as we continue to get it.{jcomments on}

With Marvel’s Runaways currently in development ahead of its premiere on Hulu later this year, this series has added Julian McMahon to its ranks.

The Australian actor is no stranger to genre fans, having made a name for himself in the likes of Charmed and Nip/Tuck before landing the role of Doctor Doom in Tim Story’s Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. More recently, he’s been seen in the brilliant Dirk Gently. In Runaways, McMahon will be playing a character known as Jonah; a mystery figure who will play a pivotal part in the Runaways’ rebellion against their nefarious parents.

On the news, executive producers and showrunners Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz said, “We’re incredibly excited to add Julian to our exceptional cast and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the world of Marvel’s Runaways.”

The early synopsis on this new series reads:

Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were? Marvel’s Runaways is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe – their parents.

Marvel’s Runaways is set to premiere on Hulu on November 21st. At this stage, a UK home has yet to be confirmed for the series.{jcomments on}

As the Hellboy reboot continues to flesh out its cast, the movie has now found a love interest for Big Red.

Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, American Honey’s Sasha Lane has landed the role of Alice Monaghan in Neil Marshall’s Hellboy: Rise of the Blood Queen. In the comic book world, the character first appeared as a baby who was kidnapped by some pesky fairies and eventually rescued by Hellboy. Further down the line, Alice would reappear as a fully-grown adult and become romantically involved with our hero.

Lane joins a cast that currently features David Harbour as Hellboy, Ian McShane as Professor Broom, and Milla Jovovich as the villainous Blood Queen.

As ever, expect more on Hellboy: Rise of the Blood Queen as it continues to develop.{jcomments on}