Yeah, I’m as skeptical about horror remakes as the next fright film nerd, but when Sam Raimi‘s name is attached to said remake, isn’t it worth a little look-see? That’s the question at the heart of today’s Movie Morsels, which offers our first ever glimpse at the Raimi-produced remake of Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece Poltergeist. We’ve also got word on a Robotech film (!), a John Wick sequel, and much more!
Poltergeist
It’s been a year and a half since the Poltergeist remake was first announced, but we’ve finally got our first ever look at the project. Yesterday 20th Century Fox and MGM released photos from the Sam Raimi-produced film, directed by Gil Kenan — complete with creepy clown, Mark II. For those wondering if it’s worth reenvisioning an already perfect film, Raimi remarks, “The original film commented on how we’ve let television get out of control, babysitting our kids. It’s only gotten worse with the handheld portable devices. Screens are everywhere.”
Kenan — who already proved his love of ’80s genre moviemaking with Monster House — adds, “Whenever someone approaches material that’s so beloved, there’s a reflexive reaction to be worried. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously. We’re working to make a Poltergeist film that lives up to the original’s legacy.” Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt star as the parents of eight-year-old Kennedi Clements’s Madison (the reboot’s answer to Heather O’Rourke). The first trailer is set to debut later today, while the film itself arrives July 24th.
John Wick 2
Last year’s revenge thriller John Wick was viewed by many as a long-awaited return to form for star Keanu Reeves as well as a surprise sleeper hit. So it’s no surprise that directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch are already talking about a sequel. Stahelski tells Movies.com, “We have ideas for days and without blinking twice we know we can outdo the action from the original. It’s the matter of story and how much you like the character. That’s always the most important. If there’s great action but you have a character that no one likes and doesn’t have charisma you’re not going to watch it. Look at any great action star, whether it’s Harrison Ford or Liam Neeson or Robert Downey Jr., pick a name, you love the guy first. Good action, bad action, you just love them in action. So we want to make sure we have a story and a character that everybody loves and then we’ll dress it with action that we promise will be awesome.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Reeves will return for a sequel, and the directors are already planning Cowboy Ninja Viking, starring Chris Pratt. But hey, why not combine the two franchises a la 21 Jump Street and Men in Black? I’d pay good money to see Reeves and Pratt team up!
[Nerdist]
Robotech
After cult favorites like Starblazers and Speed Racer have inspired American film adaptations, I’m shocked it’s taken this long to get Robotech off the ground. But the popular ’80s anime — a gateway drug for many a U.S. fan of the Japanese medium — is apparently at last on course for the big screen. Warner Bros.’ Gianni Nunnari and Mark Canton are producing, with Michael Gordon (300, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) scripting. According to Deadline, Mama‘s Andy Muschietti is in talks to direct.
[Nerdist]
Steve Jobs
Universal’s Steve Jobs (formerly given the working title Jobs) finally has a release date. The Aaron Sorkin-scripted, Danny Boyle-directed, Michael Fassbender-starring biopic will bow on October 9th, the same day as New Line’s National Lampoon’s Vacation reboot. So moviegoers can decide between their Jobs and their Vacation. Badum-tsss!
[Variety]
Magic Mike XXL
Yesterday we saw the poster for Magic Mike XXL, and now we’ve got the film’s first trailer, with Channing Tatum reprising his title role as the sensitive stripper (Awww…), coming out of retirement for one last blowout show. The sequel to Steven Soderbergh’s original film bares all on July 1st. Check out the preview below.
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What do you think of today’s top stories? Let us know below!
I thought Poltergeist was a commentary on building low cost town homes on an old Indian burial ground.
why do they insist on remaking movies that were good the first time???? wanna make an ORIGINAL movie??? how about Elric of Melnibone or the Amber series????