Need a quick recap of the past week in movie news? Here are the highlights:
Bad Boys will ride again: It took eight years to get one Bad Boys sequel and another 17 years to get a second. Sony’s looking to move a little faster on Bad Boys 4, though, as The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop, appropriately on the release date of Bad Boys for Life, that screenwriter Chris Bremner is already working on a script for the next installment.
Nicolas Cage digs for more National Treasure: Speaking of Chris Bremner, in that same THR article announcing Bad Boys 4, the screenwriter is mentioned as also penning a third installment in Disney’s National Treasure franchise. Presumably, Nicolas Cage would return to the lead role for the adventure sequel. The previous two movies were released in 2004 and 2007.
Taika Waititi wanted for Star Wars: Taika Waititi, who just received two Oscar nominations this week for his latest movie, Jojo Rabbit, could direct a Star Wars movie project, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The filmmaker has already been involved in the franchise, having directed an episode of and played a character on the TV series The Mandalorian. In response to the news, Waititi humorously hinted that it’s just a rumor.
Oscar Isaac to play a superhero: Star Wars star Oscar Isaac is also in the news this week for being cast in the adaptation of the comic book Ex Machina. No, it doesn’t have anything to do with the movie of the same name he’s already in. Per The Hollywood Reporter, this movie will be titled The Great Machine and will see Isaac playing a superhero who is elected mayor.
Billie Eilish to perform new Bond title song: Teenage singer/songwriter Billie Eilish has been tapped for the next iconic James Bond title theme, for the upcoming movie No Time to Die. Eilish confirmed the news with an Instagram post. She will co-write the currently untitled tune with her brother, Finneas O’Connell, and perform it for the movie’s soundtrack over the credits.
Alexandre Desplat joins the MCU: In other movie music news, two-time Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat, who just received another nomination this week for Little Women, has been hired to score his first Marvel movie: Black Widow. The revelation came in a credit featured in the latest trailer for the Marvel Cinematic Universe installment released this week.
Jon Bernthal joins Williams sisters biopic: Marvel’s The Punisher, Jon Bernthal, has been cast in the upcoming tennis biopic King Richard. Deadline reports the actor, currently on the big screen as Lee Iacocca in Ford v Ferrari, will portray Rick Macci, coach to sisters Venus and Serena Williams. The movie is mostly about their father, Richard Williams, who’ll be played by Will Smith.
Joker leads 2020 Oscar nominations: Speaking of Ford v Ferrari, that movie was just nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture. Leading the nominees this year, though, is the DC comic book movie Joker, which is competing in 11 categories, also including Best Picture. Other big players for the 92nd Academy Awards include Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Irishman and 1917.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the Critics’ Choice: Ahead of the Oscar nominations, the 25th annual Critics’ Choice Awards were held this week, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was named Best Picture while also being honored in the most categories. Other big winners included Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor for Joker and Renee Zellweger for Best Actress for Judy.
