Rounding up this weekend’s big news stories…
WAR IS COMING
With production now in full swing, Marvel decided to kick off the promotion for its hugely-anticipated superhero epic Avengers: Infinity War, releasing a first-look behind-the-scenes featurette from the first day of filming, complete with concept artwork, and on-set comments from Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Tom Holland (Spider-Man) and Chris Pratt (Star-Lord). You can watch the featurette here, and check out Samuel Brace’s ‘Trying to Remember the Virtues of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘ and Anghus Houvouras’ ‘Why Thanos Will Make or Break Avengers: Infinity War‘.
Well, in the director’s chair, at least. Yes, just a couple of weeks after Ben Affleck decided to vacate the director’s chair on The Batman, Warner Bros. has enlisted Cloverfield, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes helmer Matt Reeves to tackle its solo Dark Knight movie. As yet, there’s no word on whether Warner is planning to press ahead with its Spring/Summer start date, or if it will push back the movie in order to accommodate the change in director. Read our article here.
Last night marked the biggest night in the British film calendar as BAFTA hosted the 2017 EE British Academy Film Awards, with La La Land taking home five gongs, including Best Director (Damien Chazelle), Best Actress (Emma Stone) and the coveted Best Film. You can find the full list of winners here, check out Sean Wilson’s coverage of the red carpet here, and read Neil Calloway’s op-ed ‘Is It Time To Say Bye to the BAFTAs?’ here.
New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi has lined up his next project post-Thor: Ragnarok, signing on to direct the stop motion film Bubbles, which revolves around Michael Jackson’s pet chimp. “It’s an idea that fascinates me and one I want to develop further,” said Waititi. “Most people know I’m a huge Michael Jackson fan, so the main thing for me is to make sure it’s respectful of him and his legacy. I’m not interested in making a biopic; I want to focus on telling a story that blends fact and fantasy, about an animal trying to make sense of the world.” Read more from Waititi here.
DANNY DYER WANTS TO PLAY A COCKNEY DOCTOR
With Peter Capaldi set to retire the Sonic Screwdriver following this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special, the search is now underway for the Thirteenth Doctor, and EastEnders star Danny Dyer has thrown his hat into the ring, stating that: ““I think I could do it easy. I’d keep my accent too.” Read our report here.
With The LEGO Batman Movie now raking in the cash around the world, Henry Bevan asks ‘Is LEGO Batman the Hero Hollywood Needs Right Now?’. Read his feature here.
Originally published February 13, 2017. Updated November 30, 2022.
