With Iron Man 2 ripping up theaters, something like this was bound to occur. This video begs the question, what if Iron Man had a child? You want the answer, look below. Here is a video from foreign artist Patrick Boivin, called Iron Baby. Get ready for isht to go viral.
I’ve seen a number of these things throughout the time with the site, but this is a pretty well done “knock-off” if you ask me (which you are, right?), great effects and nice editing. Agree? Props to Rope Of Silicon for the heads up.
“Ghostface, check the blast of a hype verse, my glock burst, leave in a hearse, I done worse, I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk.” Those are the infamous words of Ghostface Killah, the first voice heard on the classic hip-hop album “Wu-Tang Clan: Enter the 36 Chambers.” Ghost is known as an avid fan of the Marvel comic character Iron Man. He named his first solo album “Ironman” and has assumed the nickname Tony Starks as his alter-ego persona for more than a decade. After meeting Robert Downey Jr. on the set of 1999’s Black and White, director James Toback’s (Tyson) early look at race relations, RDJ had wanted Ghost to appear in the original Iron Man film. This actually became one of the more anticipated elements of the movie for me. But alas, after seeing the film, he was nowhere to be found. Ghost did in fact show up, on the cutting room floor, making the deleted scenes of the DVD. Ghost played a Dubai tycoon rolling thick with the ladies who welcomed Downey’s Starks at a party. I would love to see more of him in Iron Man 2, but it doesn’t appear likely that such a thing is going to happen. GFK tells MTV:
“I don’t know about this new Iron Man sh*t. They didn’t call me, so I’m not in it,” he said, adding that he’s not upset about what took place during the first movie. “I got paid last time, though,” he laughed. “I got 30Gs last time.“
Some have seen this some as outlandish. To me, it’s actually a pretty good deal for all parties. Ghost’s involvement was well worth every penny and I would enjoy it if he came back for the sequel, but it is highly unlikely to happen unless his role expanded by offering up some sort of services through financial backing or the like. The unfinished scene is below, Ghost makes his appearance at 1:40 mark or so. I mean, honestly, the guy was in the scene for all of 30 seconds….how does he not get an Oscar nod? I’m calling the Academy to complain about Dame Judi Dench again, this is an outrage!
Edward Norton, who I consider to be one of the best actors of his generation and star of last year’s Louis Letterier film, The Incredible Hulk, also has a reputation in the industry as being a bit of a hardass. The other spin is that he fights for what he wants, which has led to numerous confrontations with producers and directors. His take on the possible The Avengers movie sounds about the same to me. Norton had some words about Marvel who have yet to contact him about reprising his role in either a sequel to The Incredible Hulk or starring in The Avengers. Norton said, via WorstPreviews.
“The minds of Marvel are sometimes opaque,” Norton explained. “I won’t say [they're] obtuse, but I don’t have any idea what they want to do. They’ve got this notion of collecting the Marvel characters. Who knows where they’ll go?”
“The Incredible Hulk” director Louis Leterrier and “Iron Man” writers Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby have previously said that they would like to see Captain America, Thor and Iron Man team up in “The Avengers” to take on The Hulk. If that happens, it should be interesting to see if Norton will be asked to return.
The Hulk gets shredded on ginseng and dexatrim. Try it!
The prospect of an Avengers movie excites me about as much as I can be as far as comic book movies go. Any film that brings together multiple characters at once is the type of film that I would prefer to see. It’s one thing to see Hulk smashing some things, or Iron Man flying around the sky, but seeing a group all together sounds good to me. But on the flipside you have the Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer, where you can see it might be difficult to balance all the characters at once. Still, a group movie like The Avengers could be cool. I don’t suspect we will be seeing a sequel to Norton’s Hulk though. I don’t think it did enough box office wise to justify a sequel of any scope. I have yet to see The Incredible Hulk as I have been advised against it on several occasions, despite my affinity for Ang Lee’s version of Hulk and my taking to Norton as an actor. I don’t know if I will ever get around to it either. Anyway, would you like to see an Avengers movie and if so, would you like to see Norton back as David Banner/Hulk? If not, who should replace him? Holla.
Here is the first photo of Mickey Rourke in character as Whiplash in Iron Man 2. It was widely publicized that Rourke had intentions of turning down the role at first, due to a lack of money, but we can officially put all that to rest with this first pic of him in full regalia. Can’t really say much from this photo alone, but the Iron Man sequel is one of the most anticipated films of next year. Chime in with your thoughts of the pic that conjures images of Mad Max.
The Mickey Rourke, “will he or won’t he” saga with Iron Man 2 has reached a conclusion. He is in, with a pay raise. It was widely reported that he was offered $250,000 to join the cast, a paltry sum in some people’s eyes, that he apparently turned down. But with Robert Downey Jr’s heavy recruitment and further negotiations by Rourke’s agent, he got a boost in pay (an unreported sum) and is officially going to be a part of the film. Variety has the scoop on more goodies regarding the process, and the character that Mickey will be playing.
When Downey, Rourke as well as (other) actors… took part in a roundtable discussion with Newsweek’s David Ansen, Downey interrupted the proceedings, reached across the table and flat out asked Rourke to do “Iron Man 2.”
Rourke also met with Jon Favreau and scribe Justin Theroux and got to be part of the development of his character. He’ll play Whiplash, a character that includes elements from that comicbook villain and Crimson Dynamo, another Russian baddie.
This is good news for the franchise, Rourke is a great actor, he will be playing Whiplash, which means next to nothing to me, since I don’t know much about the comic books but I am sure he will be a great fit. I still loathe that Jackson is involved, but what’s a brother gonna do, continue to whine about it? It is what it is. Those who know more about Rourke’s Whiplash character, please share about what his role is with regards to Iron Man. Thanks.
So this is clearly the biggest news of the day and now I have kind of gotten into rant mode. Let the procrastinating, hand-wringing, and tears stop now. Samuel L. Jackson is officially signed up to play Nick Fury in the Iron Man sequel ,or Iron Man 2, if you prefer. He apparently has a mutli-film deal to play the character too, so that could lead to additional time in follow-up films for the Iron Man franchise as well as possible Avengers films. So for those of you that were really looking forward to seeing him reprise his Fury role when he showed up in a cameo after the end credits of Iron Man….rejoice. Variety says:
Samuel L. Jackson has buried the hatchet with Marvel Entertainment, making a deal to play the role of Nick Fury in “Iron Man 2,” and potentially many other films.
Jackson’s deal is a long-term commitment to play Fury, the leader of the espionage unit the Shield. His deal contains an option to play the character in nine future Marvel superhero films, efforts that are expected to include “Captain America,” “Thor,” “The Avengers” and “The Shield” as well as potential sequels.
That’s a whole slew of films that he might be a part of. While I have an interest in many of those projects, I am not particularly fond of Jackson, as you can see from that sound off column. First off, let me say, I used to love the guy. He has a good story and he was a fresh and daring actor when he was doing Amos & Andrew and Jackie Brown amongst many others. Pulp Fiction may be my favorite movie ever and he owned his role in it. His Jules Winfield is an iconic character. But we are looking at things that are a decade old now.
His act has grown so tired, there is no longer any character to be found behind this person. Think of some of his roles in similar themed fare (I say that loosely but still): he was another cinema icon in Shaft, a bad guy in The Spirit, another comic book villian (although I liked him here) in Unbreakable, the over the top Snakes on a Plane, and a jedi in all of the recent trilogy of Star Wars films! When you look at an actor as Sam Jackson and not the character he is supposed to be playing, it is a failed experiment. He plays too many roles that are similar to that of another comic book character role which he is now signed on for. When you look at Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, well, it was his first time ever doing something like this, but with Jackson, the man is a repeat offender. Word on the street is that Fury could be in NINE more movies! At what point are there diminishing returns?
While I might be in the minority here, I do not look forward to seeing him in this role over a this spectrum of films. I no longer see any character in Jackson. His public persona, showing up at all these sporting events, the ESPYs, the signature hat…he is constantly in the spotlight. You can’t get away from him. A fomer drug addict somehow became the depiction of modern era cool, which on the surface seems fine, other than the fact he is an actor! An actor, even a star, needs to have some ability to disappear into their role. I just don’t like this move and in truth, I know nothing of Nick Fury other than he seems to look the part. But won’t you be looking at the character thinking it is Jackson, and won’t it distract you the same way it does me? Let me know that I am wrong to feel that way, or suggest another actor who might be better cast for Fury. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
Some of the greatest casting speculation in recent months has been that of Mickey Rourke taking on a role in the sequel to last years’ summer smash, Iron Man. It was widely reported that he was offered $250,000 to play a role in the film. Then of course, there has been speculation about which character he might play. All of this talk going on for a film not yet shooting and not yet due until 2010. That’s some serious heat for a guy who 3-4 months ago was all but an also-ran as far as actors went. Then came The Wrestler, a stellar comeback performance, and now comes word that he is out of Iron Man 2…currently. He tells NY Mag:
...for his rumored role as a villain in Iron Man 2… “Right now, we’re not doing Iron Man 2,” Rourke told us grimly.
A statement of clarity, without saying much, if you know what I mean. Essentially, it sounds like, due to his role in Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables, he may be busy (and making more money) or he simply wants to get more money for what would be his work in the near automatic blockbuster in 2010. I am betting more than anything that it is the latter. His agent at ICM, David Unger is supposedly trying to hammer out a deal worth more money, but with Marvel already ousting Terrence Howard in favor of Don Cheadle in an apparent cost-cutting move, it might be difficult to see Rourke getting more money to come on board. This will be interesting to see how it all plays out, but in my estimation, this is far from done…regardless of what is currently being reported as a back out. What say you?
One of the biggest news stories of late was the heat centered around Mickey Rourke playing a role in the upcoming Iron Man 2. That has yet to be confirmed. We had heard stories that he was offered $250k to play a role in the film, but even that was all speculative. Now, words comes from Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., that Rourke WILL NOT be playing the role of Crimson Dynamo in Iron Man 2. MTV reports:
“That’s actually incorrect,” Downey told MTV News when asked if Rourke was being considered for the aforementioned Iron Man rogue.
However, there is a more vague answer given as to whether or not Mickey would be playing another character in the film, perhaps Whiplash? Check out the video below and let us know what you think.
I honestly don’t know enough about the Iron Man characters to say whether or not Rourke would be better in one of the roles versus the other. What I do know, is that an actor of Rourke’s caliber should be added in any capacity if an opportunity to cast him presents itself. His job in The Wrestler proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he still has the acting gift. The question is whether or not he can stay clean to continue to ride his current wave of success. What say you?
Casting Droppings was a fairly new idea (just yesterday), to bring you a round-up of all current casting news. Yesterday, we brought you what was new with the Nick Fury character and the Karate Kid remake. This edition, brings you two sequel updates, a remake and a new comic book adaptation.
Iron Man 2 casting is clearly underway, as we’ve mentioned Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell as possible characters in the impending sequel. A new addition to the film could be British import Emily Blunt. She’s been slowly blowing up since The Devil Wears Prada and will be seen on screens multiple times before this big release. Blunt is said to be portraying the role of Natalia Romanova a.k.a. The Black Widow. The Black Widow is a Soviet Spy antagonist to Tony Stark. That means, “a villain.”
After the Rourke and Rockwell baddies, Blunt would make three. The last trifecta of villains in a comic book movie didn’t fare so well (see: Spiderman 3). There’s no need to get inundated with enemies. You’ll have plenty of sequels to do that. It’s difficult to fit so many characters into one film and even more so in a comic book film where everybody has their favorites. Nobody wants to be short-shrifted. We’ll see what happens, but it’s going to take some work to make a coherent puzzle out of so many pieces. Do you like the move of adding another villain? How about Blunt as Black Widow?
From Latino Review comes the news that Disney is clamoring for a remake of their 1954 film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and they’ve tapped McG to direct. Geezy is sure to be coming off his biggest film to date (Terminator: Salvation) and appears to already have another one in the pipeline. He’s reaching toward even higher heights as he’s clamoring for Will Smith to take the lead role of Captain Nemo (played by James Mason in the ‘54 version).
It’s the hat that makes the man.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. So long, in fact, my memory can’t harken back that far. Big Willie’s streak of $100+ million dollar films has finally been broken with Seven Pounds, but I’m sure the combination of him and McG can start a new one. It’ll definitely be interesting to see if this pans out.
The definition of a rumor is something that has yet to be proven to be true. Thus is the case with High School Musical star, Vanessa Hudgens, NOT being attached to the Twilight sequel, New Moon, as was widely reported (in addition to here) earlier this week. Confimation of the misinformation was reported by Hollywood Insider. Twilight fans: Does this make you happy or sad? My reaction? I’ll pass along this classic exchange from “The Simpsons.”
Bart: Nothing you say can upset us. We're the MTV generation.
Lisa: We feel neither highs or lows.
Homer: Really? What's it like?
Lisa: Ehh. [shrugs]
No Moon for you.
Finally, from Aint It Cool News, we bring you word of a casting decision for the new Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) film, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The most gainfully employed Culkin, Kieran is set to play Pilgrim’s gay former roommate, Wallace.
Scott Pilgrim is an adaptation of the comic book series of the same name by Bryan Lee O’Malley, about a wannabe rockstar who falls in love with a girl, Ramona Flowers, and must defeat her seven evil exes to be able to date her. Michael Cera is already signed on to play the title character and Mary Elizabeth Winstead is slated to be the love interest. I really like Wright’s direction in his aforementioned films and I can dig this cast. You?
A few casting notes of interest have come across the wire. First up, The Hollywood Reporter notes that Jackie Chan will play Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid remake. This is the film that stars Jaden Smith, Will Smith’s kid as the Ralph Macchio character. I have no problem with Chan playing Mr. Miyagi, it makes sense enough I guess. The guy is old enough, struggles with the English language and has the requisite martial arts skills. I am good with that. The issue I take umbrance with is Jaden playing the lead role. I mean, wasn’t Macchio like 27 trying to play 16 in that movie? He might have been 32 or something, I am not certain. Jaden is far too young to be a true equal here. They might have to call it the Ka-ra-te Child.
Jackie Chan does his best Pat Morita impression.
Another film nugget dropping on us is word that Samuel L. Jackson might not be back as Nick Fury in future Marvel movies, like the would be Avengers flick. Apparently Jax ain’t too happy about it either. He said “there seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world.” Thanks to the LA Times for breaking this news. This could affect a number of projects coming up, meaning his cameo at the end of Iron Man didn’t mean what we thought it might. They’re not “who we thought they were!” to paraphrase Dennis Green. I guess they “let ‘em off the hook!”
Also noted here is that Jackson said that despite his cameo as the hard-bitten military man at the end of “Iron Man,” it now appears that “somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won’t be in it” when it comes to “Iron Man 2,” “TheFirst Avenger: Captain America” and “The Avengers,” the announced slate of Marvel Studios projects through 2011 that might have a natural spot for the character.
Sam Jax might no longer be Nick Fury.
Again, thanks to the LA Times for this info. So, does this matter to you if this goes down and Fury is out? I personally couldn’t care less about Jackson in the role since he made my list of those who might want to consider retirement so to speak. I don’t really know Nick Fury but I am sure a suitable replacement could be found since they upgraded War Machine from Terrence Howard, who is good, to Don Cheadle, who is a living legend. “Finally, somebody said it!,” says I.
