Need a quick recap of the past week in movie news? Here are the highlights:
BIG NEWS
Len Wiseman to direct John Wick spin-off: In addition to a fourth John Wick movie in the works, a spin-off titled Ballerina is on the way. Deadline reported that Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard director Len Wiseman will be at the helm of the action movie, which is centered around a character from John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II joins The Matrix 4: Speaking of movie franchises starring Keanu Reeves, the highly anticipated next Matrix sequel has cast a new addition to the sci-fi action series. Variety reported Aquaman baddie Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will play one of the leads in the as yet untitled Matrix 4. Rumor has it the role is somehow linked to the character Morpheus.
Training Day prequel in the works: Warner Bros. will also be on the lookout for a younger version of Denzel Washington soon, as Collider reported the studio is developing a Training Day prequel. The original garnered Washington his second Oscar. This one will be set in 1992, around the time of the Los Angeles riots.
Daveed Diggs goes under the sea: Disney’s live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid has found its singing crab. According to Variety, actor Daveed Diggs (Wonder) is in talks to portray the iconic role of Sebastian in the new version, and given he broke out as part of the cast of Broadway’s Hamilton, it’s very likely he’ll be performing updates on classing songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.”
Jason Statham is reuniting with Guy Ritchie: More than 20 years since breaking out together via Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, action star Jason Statham and director Guy Ritchie (Aladdin) are joining forces again for the first time since 2005’s Revolver. The reunion will be for a remake of the French crime drama Le Convoyeur, per Deadline.
MUST-WATCH TRAILERS
Jungle Cruise promises tons of adventure: Disney released the first trailer for Jungle Cruise, based on the theme park ride of the same name, starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. And not only does it look to honor the source, but it also looks fun, funny, full of adventure and an all-around good time at the movies.
Onward conjures up some Pixar magic: Disney also released the first full trailer for the next Pixar animated feature, Onward, and it looks like another fantastic family adventure. Watch the first spot for the magical movie, which stars the voices of MCU regulars Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, below.
The Turning looks haunting: Mackenzie Davis is the new nanny of Brooklyn Prince and Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard in the first trailer for The Turning. Check out the intense and spooky spot for the modern-day take on Henry James’ classic horror novella The Turning of the Screw below.
