The biggest rumor of the day is that the follow up to the #2 grossing movie of all-time (in non-adjusted dollars), last year’s massive hit The Dark Knight, might be shot entirely in IMAX.  As Paul Wall would say, it’s “got the internet goin’ nuts.”  There is nothing official, but AICN is reporting that this is a strong and intriguing possibility.  Straight from the mouth (or typewriter) of Harry Knowles comes the following:

…it’s the sort of thing that is so potentially cool – if it happens. I have to say upfront that the nature of this story is a rumor, not because I don’t have solid sources, I do… but because it could simply NOT WORK OUT. That happens sometimes. It is something that the production team are “considering” – but it is an extremely costly process, but one that I believe we would all love to see happen.

The THIRD chapter of Christopher Nolan’s Caped Crusader’s saga could very well be FULLY shot in IMAX, not IMAX Digital – but the beautiful, stunning IMAX that we saw pieces of THE DARK KNIGHT in.

We all know the respect that Harry has in the internet/movie industry by essentially being the pioneer that gives the rest of us the thought of following and reporting on films on the ‘net.  (Maybe that’s too much credit, but you get my point).  Still, he unequivocally states up front, that this is by no means confirmed.  I would be concerned about the number of theaters that could show the film in its true, intended form then, as opposed to the standard movie house.  It would potentially cause even more IMAX controversy.  Still, it is a tantalizing possibility for fans of movies in general.  The number of theaters that would have IMAX possibility is sure to increase significantly, by the time a Batman 3 would even be ready for theaters.

The success of the medium is indisputable, as we have seen films like Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (it would be sweet if that movie starred the pop-star Prince and his other half was Crip – just sayin’) do great things in the sold out venues.  I haven’t seen a movie in IMAX in forever, but I am considering strongly, doign so when I see Where The Wild Things Are, later this year.  What do you think of the possibility for this to happen?  Would you be excited?  Pissed?  Don’t care, see it regardless?  Would it change whether or not you would see the film in the first place?  Hit us with your thoughts.  I think Nolan can pull this off.  His Inception trailer has already been one of the ost buzzed about topics in the past week, moreso than Avatar in my mind.

As always, we bring you some of the lesser news items from the past week to you on Wednesdays. If you wondering how Batman 3 could possibly be considered one of the weeks lesser news items, please read on. More sequels and remakes await you and even a casting change you’ve all been begging for, but maybe not the way you would have liked it. Here are the weekly news tidbits.

In what seems to be a weekly event, those interested in Ghostbusters 3 tidbits should check out [MTV Movies Blog] for a interview with Ivan Reitman (a former boss of mine, in a way). The majority of the conversation revolves around the release of Ghostbusters on Blu-ray today, but there’s some discussion about the impending sequel.

For more fuel to the crappy IMAX Digital fire, producer Frank Marshall (of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button fame. So, really, nobody.) attended a screening of Bruno at an IMAX Digital theater in NYC and felt just as robbed as everybody else. [Frank Marshall's Twitter Account] Speaking of Twitter, you can subscribe to ours here. Lastly, if you want, you can read Roger Ebert’s dissing of IMAX Digital here.

In some non-news for you, Christopher Nolan has yet to sign for Batman 3. Gasp. As if he’s out shooting Inception or something. [Beyond Hollywood]

James Bond fans might like to know the character of Blofeld is scheduled to make another appearance in Bond 23 and rumor has it that Michael Sheen (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) may handle the portrayal. [Screen Crave]

With Total Recall and Predator getting remakes, why not throw in a third former-Schwarzenegger film to get the nod? The cast for the remake of Red Dawn grows by two. Josh Peck (The Wackness) and Adrianne Palicki (“Friday Night Lights”) join Thor-to-be Chris Hemsworth. [Atomic Popcorn]

Leonardo DiCaprio is set to produce and star in a film about online casinos based in Costa Rica. For some reason this reminds me of Two for the Money, but I’m sure it’ll be better. [The Scorecard Review] Speaking of DiCaprio, if you haven’t seen the Shutter Island trailer, it’s a must.

Anybody who’s ever hated the idea of Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-man franchise finally got their wish, as Evan Rachel Wood (next seen in Whatever Works) will be portraying Peter Parker’s redheaded object of affection in the new Spider-man…musical on Broadway. Get some. [Latino Review]

Lastly, I just read a piece about Universal’s upcoming The Wolf Man remake with Benicio del Toro last night, so it’s only fitting that Universal is looking at remaking another monster film of theirs, Bride of Frankenstein. [Risky Biz Blog]

Denzel Washinton is in talks to star in yet ANOTHER Tony Scott film. This one is Unstoppable, in which he’d play a train engineer trying to catch-up to and stop a runaway train carrying toxic chemicals. Although Crank is essentially Speed in a human body, this sounds like Crank on a train. [Screening Log]

In some more casting news, Matthew Macfayden will play The Sheriff of Nottingham in Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood. Although I said I liked the first pic, I think I liked the original idea of the film better, when The Sheriff was the good guy. [Filmonic]

Yesterday, we mentioned Robert Rodriguez will direct a reboot of the Predator franchise in the form of Predators. He had a chat with [Aint It Cool News] and answered a bunch of questions about the project. Turns out, he wrote a treatment for the film back in the 90′s.

Also yesterday, we mentioned Joseph Gordon-Levitt was joining a great cast for Christopher Nolan’s Inception. Today, we’re mentioning Michael Caine has also joined. [Flicks News]

Okay, I swear this is the last time I’m mentioning yesterday‘s post. We told you about the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer debuting April 29th in front of some screenings of the original Transformers. Well, now you can get tickets.

Gore Verbinski opted to direct BioShock instead of Pirates of the Caribbean 4. Haw-haw. Now BioShock in on hold due to budget concerns and may go the way of the Halo movie. I said, “Haw-haw.” [Kotaku]

That damn “Empire” is at it again, this time with multiple behind-the-scenes pics from James Cameron’s upcoming Avatar. I look forward to not being suprised at all when I get to pick up the magazine for myself next week. [Market Saw]

Finally, stay after the credits when you see X-Men Origins: Wolverine next week, as it apparently has mutiple endings afterward. [Sci Fi Scoop]

Have a great weekend, everybody. I hope your NFL team drafts the guy you want.

I just saw at Target last night that old-school Ninja Turtles were being sold in what looked like their original packages due to the character’s 25th anniversary this year. Nice. However, news came out today via [Film Drunk] that a new live-action Ninja Turtles movies is due for release in 2011. Very nice. I didn’t care for the animated one that came out a couple of years ago and I think live-action is the way to go. Cowabunga!

Our preview writer, Joe, will be very conflicted with this news. Nightmare on Elm Street is getting remade. Sarcastic yea’s all around. Rooney Mara is playing the lead terrified woman and Jackie Earl Haley is playing Freddie Kruger. Jackie Earl was actually announced a bit ago, but the Mara announcement exposed us to it. I hate the idea of this being remade, but I don’t care for the original anyway. However, Haley’s involvement is awesome. [Screen Rant]

Here are some more set photos for you, shockingly not debuting from the new “Empire” issue. The subject is Nic Cage and Jay Baruchel’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. [Film Geek]

[Rama's Screen] has the news that Anna Faris will star in What’s Your Number? for director Mark Mylod. The film is based on the book “20 Times A Lady” by Karen Bosnak. It kind of sounds like a female version of Ghosts of Girlfriend’s Past. Perhaps what’s most important, though, is the script was written by Gabrielle Allan and Jennifer Crittenden. Crittenden has written for “The Simpsons,” “Seinfeld” and “Arrested Development.” Believe it or not, I knew that off the top of my head. This might actually be something.

We told you about Elizabeth Shue in Piranha 3-D the other week, now Richard Dreyfuss, who’s no stranger to fierce things lurking in the water, has joined the project. [Nuke the Fridge]

Remember the list of projects Guillermo del Toro was scheduled to be involved in that we wrote about a while ago? Well, Robert Rodriguez dropped his list today at [Dread Central]. It contains Machete, Nervewrackers, Sin City 2, The Jetsons and Predators. What’s Predators? Why that would be Rodriguez’ reboot of the Predator franchise. People seem to really like this news, but can the original really be improved upon? What do you think?

Want to see the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer? It’s debuting April 29th on 20 screens all over the country in front of a one-day screening of Transformers in IMAX. [Transformers Live] has more details.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has joined the cast of the new Christopher Nolan film, Inception. He’ll be surrounded by Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy and Marion Cotillard. Not that we needed any more reason to see it, but we got it. [Sci Fi Cool]

I promise this is the last remake news I’m posting today. James Marden is poised to play the lead in a remake of 70′s fight-for-survival flick, Straw Dogs. I can tell this is going to be a watered-down version just with this announcement. [In Case You Didn't Know]

Lastly, do you want to see the first seven minutes of The Brothers Bloom? Hulu has posted it up. We’ve seen the whole film and reviewed it back in October. Click the film’s title to see the review. Here’s the first seven minutes:

So, while the plethora of yesterday’s April Fools jokes were primarily meaningless and pointless exercises in stupidity, there were a few that were funny (still pointless, mind you) and yet I’m still not entirely sure we are out of the dark yet.  The latest movie news is below.

The full list of Transformers robots that will appear in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is officially made public. [USA Today] has the entire list.

More Megan Fox news drops  as she is “a slender beauty with wings” in Passion  Plays, opposite Mickey Rourke. [Risky Business Blog] Might this be the perfect woman opposite Mickey?  How happy is he?  I am sure he will do everything he can to get in her pants too.

[The One Ring] claims that there might be a third Hobbit film, meaning the original two planned by Del Toro need expansion.  Not sure if this is a joke or not, but other sites have also reported on it, so we’ll leave the guesswork to you.

[Spike] has thoughts on Robert Patrick’s involvement in Terminator 5, which has already been green-lit.  McG and T2‘s Patrick are tight but nothing is confirmed yet.

Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard and Cillian Murphy join Christopher Nolan’s Inception.  Leonardo DiCaprio is the lead in the sci-fi/psychological film. [Cinematical]

It’s a little older, but [IESB] breaks down a planned Vin Diesel The Chronicles of Riddick sequel.  Pitch Black was pretty well done, but Riddick bombed hard, leaving Fast & Furious to prove Diesel still has clout.

[UGO] interviews Quantum of Solace Director Marc Forster to discuss that film, World War Z, and his other films and interests well.

The “Mount Rushmore of Forgettable Actors” is conceived at [MCN] and while I disagree with some of the names on the list, it is a mildly intriguing concept at least.

Since almost everybody knows about this by now, I went straight to the source [Variety] for the news that X-Men Origins: Wolverine has been leaked online.  Check the torrent sites to see it early.  But I don’t advocate that.  I’ll tell you what’s up but leave the ethical/moral part to you.

Christopher Nolan has a lead for his next project, and it is not Christian Bale, therefore it is not another Batman film.  But, he gets an even bigger star (debatable as of today) and better actor (I don’t think this is debatable – just yet) in Leonardo DiCaprio for a science fiction film titled Inception.  Leo gets to take a break from spending time with current SI swimsuit cover girl, Bar Rafaeli, or maybe he will use his trailer as a pre-shoot warm-up, but that’s a little off-topic.  Little is known about the film’s script itself as it is more kept under wraps than my brilliant work, but Variety reports that Warner Brothers calls it:

a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind.

Way to keep us in suspense.  At least this tight lipped-ness (word?) leads to a certain level of intrigue for us.  If nothing else, I am eager to see Leo work with Nolan and honestly, for Chris to escape the Batman franchise for a spell.  Not that I don’t want him back at the helm of another edition to follow-up on The Dark Knight, but I, like him in all likelihood, am  ready to see him tackle other fare.  Nolan has proven he is one of the best directors going today and pairing him with an actor of Leo’s caliber certainly makes sense.

Conversely, Leo, who will next be seen in Shutter Island with Scorcese yet again, could stand to continue to branch out his talents with other directors, so I am glad to see that is happening.  Leo’s work in Revolutionary Road was highly underrated, I think warranting an Oscar nomination.  He was better than Brad Pitt in my mind, even though I liked that sacharrin performance he gave in “Button.”   What do you think, is this something to automatically get on board with?  Do you need anything more than Leo and Nolan in the same sentence to sell a pic?  I suspect not but do tell.

Instead, that title belongs to Inception.

Nolan wrote the script on his own and “The Hollywood Reporter” describes it as: “a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind.” Get some.

I have no idea about the scale of this film, but he mentioned several times about wanting to do smaller project after The Dark Knight. An educated guess would lead you believe it will be somewhere along the scope of The Prestige, which he wrote and directed between Batman Begins and the latest Bruce Wayne tale.

Things are revving up quickly, however, as it’s said he will start shooting Inception this summer, for a 2010 release. Three years passed between Batman films for Nolan, and although fans might not get their fix as soon as they would like, rest assured the third installment won’t be too far away.

Inception will be released by Warner Brothers and you can bet they’d let him do whatever he wanted, so long as he’ll come back to Batman when he’s done.

Like the rest of you, I’m eager for Batman 3, but will anticipate any project Nolan puts his hands on. Memento is a great film, which I need to revisit. If only the Blu-ray had all the extras the special edition DVD had on it, I’d already own it.

Hopefully more news trickles down about Inception as soon as possible, and we can all begin wringing our hands.

Here’s the trailer for the one Nolan-directed film he didn’t write, based on a 1997 Norwegian film on the same name, Insomnia:

Compare and contrast Nolan’s version with the original version on DVD.

We have breaking news for you today on a triumvirate of anticipated upcming films.  First off, Coming  Soon advises us that the third film in the new Batman series (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) is looking likely for a 2011 release.  Executive Producer on the first two films, Michael Uslan, is one of the only people associated with the series that is signed up officially for round 3.  He tells CS that:

Uslan will be onboard as executive producer for the “Dark Knight” sequel, which he estimates will be theaters by 2011. As for the identity of the next round of Batman’s supervillains and love interests, Uslan remains tight-lipped. “It’s one of those deals where if I told you, I’d have to kill you,” he says with a chuckle.

We’ll let you know as we find out more.  There is not much more to this story at this juncture, but the anticipation tis that eventually the key priniciples, i.e. star Christian Bale and Director Christopher Nolan will come on back for the thirs installment as well.  Good news, if nothing major on it, at this point.

Also, the latest news that has kind of been circulating in hush-hush quarters for a while on The Green Hornet is that the project may be dead.  It’s like coke.  It’s dead, man, just dead.  Heroin, it’s the new thing.  A dollar for the commenter who guesses that film paraphrased quote.  Or so it appears.  Movie Web tells us that Director Stephen Chow (Kato in the anticipated film) stepping down, might lead to the Seth Rogen project being as good as done.

Ever since Stephen Chow started to waffle about his participation in the film, I’ve been hearing rumors that there were major hesitations at Sony. Then at Sundance, I heard several people say that the film was off completely. I spoke this afternoon with a source close to the film, and while they didn’t call it completely dead, they did say it is “highly unlikely” that the film will shoot in 2009 at all.

Seth Rogen might not be The Green Hornet after all.

They also note that Sony still has the release date listed as 6/25/2010, but that could be merely semantics at this point.  Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a fan of the idea of Seth Rogen as a lead in a film.  I think he is best served as a supporting player.  I think he is a funny enough guy but the idea of him as a Superhero (in case you haven’t seen, he has slimmed down considerably, which might not help his charm, so to speak) doesn’t really strike me as must-see cinema.  Not sure how this one will play out, but signs don’t look particularly strong for the project at this point.  Holler at us, if you care.

Finally, Jo Blo has advised us of a release date change for Sacha Baron Cohen’s follow-up (read, next movie) to the hit Borat, Bruno has a pushed back date of July 10th, later this year.  The date was moved from it’s original spot on May 15th, just to hit a less crowded frame in the marketplace.  I wouldn’t read too much into this delay, usually it is a longer delay or year end push back that causes more speculation, such as re-shoots or edits.  This is merely a two-month swing.  Should still see SBC’s fashion reporter going all out, in terms of making everyone laugh (even if it is uncomfortably).  We are still in high anticipation of this one.