Moviefone Editorial

Tag: deadpool

  • Scott Adkins Talks ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday’

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    Opening in theaters, on digital and on demand beginning October 14th is ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ which is a sequel to 2018’s ‘Accident Man,’ and was based on the British comic strip of the same name created by Pat Mills and Tony Skinner.

    Directed by The Kirby Brothers (George and Harry Kirby), the new sequel sees the return of Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon, who must beat the top assassins in the world to protect the ungrateful son of a mafia boss (George Fouracres), save the life of his only friend (Perry Benson) and rekindle his relationship with his maniacal father figure (Ray Stevenson).

    Scott Adkins is an accomplished actor and martial artist and has appeared in such popular movies as ‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine,’ ‘The Expendables 2,’ ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ ‘Doctor Strange,’ ‘Ip Man 4: The Finale,’ and most recently, Netflix’s ‘Day Shift.’

    He will next be seen opposite Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ which is scheduled for release on May 24th, 2023.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Adkins about ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ making the sequel, its new story, new characters, returning to the role, the fight scenes, reuniting with Ray Stevenson, why the Kirby Brothers were the right filmmakers to direct this movie, and working with Keanu Reeves on the upcoming ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’

    Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    You can read our full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview with Scott Adkins about ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday.’

    Moviefone: To begin with, when making the first film, at what point did you realize that these characters and this story would make a great sequel and franchise?

    Scott Adkins: Well, when I was a kid, it was a comic book. I grew up reading it, and I always thought it would make a great film. So, I must admit that making the first one, I was hoping that it would do well, because I knew it could be a franchise if the public responded to it well. So, that was always there in the back of my head, but you don’t want to tempt fate, do you?

    It took us a few years since the first one to get the second one across the finish line, to be honest. The pandemic didn’t help and other reasons. But for sure, ‘Accident Man’ works as a franchise. There’re many more stories to be told.

    MF: As an actor, what do you like about playing Mike Fallon?

    SA: First of all, he’s an expert martial artist, and that’s kind of my bag, so I knew I could do that. What I loved about the comic was how British it was, and how violent and funny it was at the same time. Comics were like that back in the day, but you never used to make movies like that. Everyone was scared to make those sorts of movies, and it was hard for me to get producers to sign on to it for a while.

    But I think when ‘Deadpool’ came out, that really showed that it’s okay to have a lot of fun and be a little bit rude, and have violence, and swear words, and that people are going to have a good time watching it. Because growing up in England, reading things like ‘2000 AD,’ that’s the way comic books were. They were quite adult in many ways, and that was the vision for the thing. We wrote ‘Accident Man’ before ‘Deadpool’ came out, by the way.

    Beau Fowler as Paco The Killer Clown and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    (L to R) Beau Fowler as Paco The Killer Clown and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Can you talk about filming the action scenes in ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ and working out the fight choreography with the stunt coordinators and the other actors?

    SA: I was a lot more involved this time around. I’m always very involved with the fights, of course, but I was even more involved this time because my go-to guy, Tim Mann, who did the fights in the first one, we couldn’t get him. He had already choreographed some fights, and then he took another project. So, we were kind of scrambling. Andy Long choreographed the fights that I have with him, and he also choreographed and shot another fight that happens with Sarah Chang‘s character.

    But then it was a mix and match. The directors, there’s Harry and there’s George, and George is a stuntman himself. In fact, the first time I met him was on ‘Doctor Strange’ because he was stunt doubling Benedict Cumberbatch. So, they are really clued up with the action as well. It was a lot of people just mucking into choreographing it and shooting these action sequences.

    They’re all daunting because I know that they’re all going to hurt. It’s like you wake up in the morning, you have a fight scene day, and you’re like, “Oh my God, this is going to suck.” You’ve just got to grit your teeth and get through it. They’re all daunting, man. People get hurt. It is painful. If it’s not painful, you’re not doing it right. I do loads of them, of course. It’s all part of it. I’m a lifelong martial artist.

    You condition your body to get hit, and that’s part of the gig. Sometimes you get hit hard in the face by accident, or accidents happen. On this one, the action was sort of front loaded the first week. It was all the end stuff we did first. So, finishing the first week, going into the second week of a four-week shoot, I was already injured. I hurt my knee, and that really sucks when you’re injured. But, if you do enough action films, you’re going to be injured for a few of them.

    Perry Benson as Finicky Fred and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    (L to R) Perry Benson as Finicky Fred and Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Can you talk about Mike’s friendship with Finicky Fred and how that forwards the plot?

    SA: In the first one, he kills all of his friends. He thinks they’re his friends, but he ends up killing most of them. So, we wanted this film to be about finding the importance of having friends and family in your life, even though you may be a stone-cold killer. We all need friends, we all need mates, we all need people to rely on, and that’s essentially his arc through this story. Of course, Fred, Perry’s character, is integral to the telling of that arc.

    MF: Was the relationship between Mike and Siu-ling, played by Sarah Chang, inspired by Inspector Clouseau and Cato’s relationship in the original ‘Pink Panther’ movies?

    SA: Absolutely. I’m a big fan of ‘The Pink Panther’ movies. I’m a big fan of Peter Sellers. Some of those fights in those movies, they’re so funny. Ours is a bit more highlighting the action rather than the comedy, but that was essentially what I wanted to do.

    I wanted to make Sarah’s character kind of be like my Cato but in an updated sort of way, but have the fun of that, and that you never know when she’s going to strike. We’re probably around the same age. Our generation are going to know, but I think the kids coming up today, they probably haven’t seen those movies, and they absolutely should.

    Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon and Sarah Chang as Wong Siu-ling in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    (L to R) Scott Adkins as Mike Fallon and Sarah Chang as Wong Siu-ling in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Can you also talk about working with the Kirby Brothers, and when you are making a movie like this, is it helpful to work with filmmakers who have a background in stunts and fight coordinating?

    SA: Yeah, absolutely. When I first conceived the idea of making ‘Accident Man’ as a film, I wanted it to have a Matthew Vaughn or Edgar Wright feel to it. As directors, they definitely have that sensibility. They’re very visually stylistic, and they’re English. They come from the world of stunts, so they ticked all the boxes in what I wanted ‘Accident Man’ to be.

    MF: What was it like reuniting with Ray Stevenson on this movie?

    SA: Ray’s great. He’s a consummate professional, an amazing actor, and a real team player. We were just lucky to have him in the film. He brings that gravitas to that character, and he’s got a scene where he has to explain the whole plot, and you need a great actor for something like that. Ray’s the man. He’s great.

    Ray Stevenson as Big Ray in the action/thriller film, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday.'
    Ray Stevenson as Big Ray in the action/thriller film, ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,’ a Samuel Goldwyn Films release. Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    MF: Finally, what was it like for you to join the ‘John Wick’ franchise and work with Keanu Reeves on ‘John Wick: Chapter 4?’

    SA: I’m a big fan of the ‘John Wick’ films. I think they are the best action films going at the moment when it comes to what Hollywood is doing. It’s a massive thrill to be involved.

    Keanu is just, as everyone says, the nicest guy. Chad Stahelski‘s an incredible director, and it was amazing to watch him work. I can’t wait for it to come out. I’m as disappointed as everyone that it’s been delayed till March. I can’t wait to see it!

    Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 'John Wick: Chapter 4.'
    Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’
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  • Reynolds and Jackman Answer ‘Deadpool 3’ Wolverine Questions

    Ryan Reynolds knows a thing or two about setting the internet on fire. He and his marketing team have proved time and again that they’ll cannily drop videos to advertise everything from his gin company to his mobile phone company that get people talking.

    And when you combine that with the firepower of not only the next ‘Deadpool’ movie, but also an announcement that Hugh Jackman will be returning as Wolverine for the film, you’ve got a blaze worthy of a gasoline explosion in a fireworks factory.

    That’s what happened yesterday when Reynolds posted a video to his social media that initially seems to be just an update about ‘Deadpool 3’. “I’ve had to really search my soul on this one,” Reynolds says. “His first appearance in the MCU obviously needs to feel special. We need to stay true to the character, find new depth, motivation, meaning. Every ‘Deadpool’ needs to stand out and stand apart. It’s been an incredible challenge that has forced me to reach down deep inside. And I… I have nothing. Yeah, just completely empty up here. And terrifying. But we did have one idea.”

    Cue the random appearance of Jackman (who wanders into frame behind Reynolds, munching on an apple). Asked if he wants to play Wolverine again, Jackman casually answers, “yeah, sure Ryan.” Boom.

    Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman discuss Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.'
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman discuss Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool 3.’ Photo courtesy of Ryan Reynolds YouTube channel.

    With a logo and a release date announcement (September 6th, 2024) you have all the makings of a sensation.

    Response to the original was, naturally, all over the spectrum, with obvious delight, major concern and the now-typical criticism.

    James Mangold, the co-writer/director of ‘Logan’ had his own reaction, hitting twitter with a loop of Jackman’s character in repeated agony. He followed it up to assure fans that he harbored no ill will towards the idea of Wolverine in a ‘Deadpool’ film, insisting he was kidding.

    And if we’re honest, the man behind the next ‘Indiana Jones’ movie really doesn’t have anything to worry about… besides, you know, continuing one of the most famous franchises in cinematic history.

    There was, of course, some natural concern that the new movie might somehow undercut Wolverine’s heroic death in Mangold’s 2017 film.

    So Reynolds and Jackman showed up in a new video today, promising to answer questions fans might have. We got one serious answer, at least…“‘Logan’ takes place in 2029, totally separate thing,” Reynolds says. “Logan died in ‘Logan’. Not touching that.”

    As for what happens in ‘Deadpool 3’? Well, you can see for yourself, but suffice to say, when the audio drops out, replaced by Wham’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and the two actors pantomiming what looks like a big fight between the Deadpool and Wolverine (expect those with lip-reading skills to break down what they’re saying, though we predict it’s nonsense).

    Finally, they thank Marvel, and Kevin Feige and wrap up with a photo montage of the performers together through the years.

    ‘Deadpool 3’ is still largely a mystery for now – besides Jackman’s presence, we know that Shawn Levy is directing and that it’ll be out in September 2024. Perhaps Reynolds will be kind enough to share more videos in future – the question is, how many will just be a giant joke?

    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.'
    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool 3.’
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  • Hugh Jackman Playing Wolverine in ‘Deadpool 3’

    Huge news today from Ryan Reynolds. Or perhaps, that should be “Hugh news”.

    Because Ryan Reynolds, the man behind the big screen version of Wade Wilson (AKA Deadpool) has taken to social media to announce that his longtime comedy celebrity feud partner (and good friend) Hugh Jackman will return as Logan (AKA Wolverine) for ‘Deadpool 3’.

    Tackling fans’ disappointment about the lack of ‘Deadpool’ sequel news at the recent Disney D23 event head on, Reynolds “admitted” why there haven’t been any big announcements recently.

    “Hey everyone, we’re extremely sad to have missed D23, but we’ve been working very hard on the next ‘Deadpool’ film for a good long while now,” Reynolds says sitting on a couch in a house, before a montage of him thinking in different places and outfits (including on the toilet) plays.

    “I’ve had to really search my soul on this one. His first appearance in the MCU obviously needs to feel special. We need to stay true to the character, find new depth, motivation, meaning. Every ‘Deadpool’ needs to stand out and stand apart. It’s been an incredible challenge that has forced me to reach down deep inside. And I… I have nothing. Yeah, just completely empty up here. And terrifying. But we did have one idea.”

    Jackman steps into the frame in the background, brushing his teeth.

    “Hey, Hugh, you want to play Wolverine one more time?” Reynolds asks. Jackman heads up the stairs, barely seeming to acknowledge Reynolds, before offering, “Yeah, sure, Ryan.”

    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool 3.'
    Hugh Jackman will return as Wolverine in Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool 3.’

    Though the video could be taken as Reynolds joking with fans, the presence of the Marvel Studios logo, the piece ending with an apparent release date (September 6th, 2024) and a few other factors are convincing enough to make this feel real.

    For one, the likes of Jackman and ‘Deadpool 3’ director Shawn Levy shared the video, both confirming it. For two… Well, there’s really only that one. But it’s a big one.

    ‘Deadpool 3’ has been in the works for a while now, Reynolds working alongside the likes of ‘Bobs Burgers’ veterans Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin on initial script drafts before regular ‘Deadpool’ writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick were brought back into crank out further revisions.

    Little else is known about the movie at this point. While Marvel’s Kevin Feige and the Disney studio executives have been quick to stress that Deadpool will be allowed to be Deadpool without his sharper edges filed away, it remains to be seen what a Wade Wilson in the MCU looks and sounds like.

    Given Jackman’s presence, can we expect other X-Men characters, be they from his era or new MCU versions? And does this means that poor old Logan will be brought back to life or returned in some sort of multiverse manner, only to die once more.

    Either way, you know the jokes are going to come thick and fast.

    ‘Deadpool 3’, as revealed in the video, will now be with us on September 6th, 2024. Which still feels a very, very long way away.

    Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson, and Hugh Jackman as Logan in 2009's 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine.'
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson, and Hugh Jackman as Logan in 2009’s ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine.’
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  • ‘Deadpool 3’ Writers Talk About the New Movie

    Zazie Beetz, Bill Skarsgård, Ryan Reynolds, Lewis Tan, and Terry Crews in 'Deadpool 2.'
    (L to R) Zazie Beetz, Bill Skarsgård, Ryan Reynolds, Lewis Tan, and Terry Crews in ‘Deadpool 2.’

    It has been four years since the release of ‘Deadpool 2’ and fans are eager to know when we might get more from Marvel’s Merc with a Mouth as brought to sarcastic, meta-referential life by Ryan Reynolds. Yet while more is definitely on the way, the purchase of Fox by Disney and the absorption of the character into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe makes that more complicated on a number of levels.

    So, what might we expect from a third ‘Deadpool’ outing now that writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who have been working on the script alongside Reynolds, Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin.

    Describing putting Deadpool into a MCU is “a wonderful opportunity for a “fish-out-of-water,” Reese told the Post-Credit Pod. “Deadpool is a lunatic at the center of a movie, and to drop a lunatic in a very sane world, it’s straight butter. It’s going to be really fun.”

    There is an awful lot we don’t yet know about the next ‘Deadpool’ outing – including who else might be in it, and which of Marvel’s characters will be available to interact with Wade Wilson.

    So far, what is really known about the movie is that Shawn Levy, who has struck up a productive working relationship with Reynolds through ‘Free Guy’ and Netflix’s ‘The Adam Project’, is directing the new film.

    Reynolds fighting robots
    (L to R) Walker Scobell and Ryan Reynolds in Netflix’s ‘The Adam Project’

    But just what can we expect from the new movie? While they couldn’t go into details, Wernick and Reese have been at pains to explain that they want the ‘Deadpool’ winning streak to continue, especially given that the first two movies have earned a combined $1.5 billion at the global box office.

    “We want to make it great,” Reese earlier told The Playlist, explaining the delay a little. “We’re in the laboratory working on it with Ryan Reynolds all the time, and we’re very much entertaining ourselves. So, hopefully, that translates and ultimately will entertain the world. But you know, it’s a marriage between Fox and Disney and it’s two different universes and it’s not easy. But it’s also a wonderful challenge and, you know, high-class problems to be able to merge those, those worlds. So, we’re, we’re enjoying it.”

    Oh, and talking of entertaining themselves, they mention that while they’ve been too busy to pay much attention to ‘Morbius’ and the various memes around the Sony/Marvel vampire flop, they laugh that they’ll have to include a gag about it now – because poor old Michael Morbius hasn’t been through enough?

    And in case you’re worrying that being part of Disney’s Marvel arm means a sanitized, family-friendly Deadpool, we shouldn’t have to worry about that. “They’re not gonna mess with the tone,” Reese says. “I mean, I’d never say never, I guess there’s an outside chance, but we’ve always been told it can be R-rated, and we’re proceeding as if it’s R. We would like it to be R, we always have, so I don’t think that’ll change.”

    We don’t yet know when ‘Deadpool 3’ will be released, but it could potentially be ready for 2024.

    Reynolds as Deadpool
    Ryan Reynolds in 20th Century Fox’s ‘Deadpool.’
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  • Shawn Levy Directing ‘Deadpool 3’

    Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool
    Ryan Reynolds in 20th Century Fox’s ‘Deadpool.’

    In what is a development of monumental synchronicity, just as director/producer Shawn Levy and star Ryan Reynolds’ latest movie, ‘The Adam Project’ drops on Netflix, news arrives that Levy will direct  ‘Deadpool 3.’

    The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Levy is now in negotiations to handle the third movie featuring Reynolds’ quippy, violent “Merc with a Mouth”, the popular X-Men character whose previous movies earned $783.1 million and $785.8 million respectively worldwide.

    Little is known about what the story will be beyond what we can predict from those other movies: expect plenty of meta jokes (Deadpool has always broken the fourth wall in comics), insults hurled at Hugh Jackman/Wolverine and plenty of ass-kicking action.

    We’ve known for a while that ‘Bob’s Burgers’ writing duo Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin are working on the screenplay, with Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, who scripted the first two movies, now also back for this one. And we’re sure that Reynolds himself will have plenty of input.

    This will mark the third collaboration between Levy and Reynolds after the successful ‘Free Guy’ last year and the charming ‘Adam Project’. The two have clearly struck up a rapport that has powered creative, entertaining work and we are honestly excited to see where they take Deadpool. Levy as a director in particular is better known for family-orientated material, but we’re sure he can let loose with the vulgar madness and bullet-flinging that ‘Deadpool’ demands.

    Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy at a Netflix event. Photo by Noam Galai.

    The ‘Deadpool’ movies adapt the character first created in comics form by in 1991 by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza. He’s become a huge fan favorite, and there has been massive interest in seeing what he might do given free rein to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    Yet there has also been some vocal concern that, since Disney bought the rights to the Deadpool character as part of its purchase of 20th Century Fox, there might not be a place for the R-Rated character in the relatively family-friendly world of the MCU, which pushes the boundaries of PG-13 but doesn’t go beyond that.

    But former Disney CEO Bob Iger has assured fans that the more adult world of ‘Deadpool’ can co-exist, and there is more evidence given the planned addition of extra parental controls to Disney+, ahead of the arrival of the former Netflix Marvel shows such as ‘Daredevil’ and ‘Jessica Jones’.

    Not that Disney or Marvel would risk sending Reynolds’ Wade Wilson straight to the streaming service: knowing the anticipation for the latest ‘Deadpool’ outing, this is expected to be firmly headed for the big screen.

    Reynolds made a typically funny announcement about the project on twitter himself…

    No release date has been announced yet, since this is still at a relatively early stage. But even with Levy in particular’s packed schedule, we’d be shocked if cameras weren’t rolling before the year is out.

    ‘The Adam Project’, meanwhile, is on Netflix now.

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  • The 15 Best Directorial Debuts of the Past 10 Years

    The 15 Best Directorial Debuts of the Past 10 Years

    Most directors require years to truly hone their craft and start operating at the top of their game. But some, like “Moon” director Duncan Jones, manage to knock it out of the park on their very first time at bat. To celebrate “Moon’s” 10th anniversary, here are the 15 best directorial debuts from the past decade.

    Neill Blomkamp – ‘District 9’ (2009)

    TriStar Pictures

    Neill Blomkamp established a clear formula with his feature film debut, using high concept sci-fi as a way of telling a story about the racial and social inequality rampant in his come country of South Africa. Frankly, he did it best the first time around.”District 9” stars Sharlto Copley as a government bureaucrat who learns firsthand what it’s like to live as an alien refugee on a hostile world.

    Duncan Jones – ‘Moon’ (2009)

    Sony Pictures Classics

    Duncan Jones probably could have coasted through life just having the coolest dad in the world (his dad is David Bowie), but instead he went and established himself as one of the most exciting new voices in science fiction. “Moon” does a whole lot with its limited cast and budget, showing the quiet, desperate plight of a lunar miner who just wants to get back home, yet finds out the job is much more than he bargained for.

    Drew Goddard – ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2012)

    Lionsgate

    You could be forgiven for thinking that producer/co-writer Joss Whedon  also directed “The Cabin in the Woods,” as it has that same sense of wit and energy common to so many Whedon projects. But it’s actually Drew Goddard steering this ship. What begins as a delightful homage to b-movie horror flicks like “The Evil Dead” winds up going to some pretty bizarre places by the end.

    Ryan Coogler – ‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013)

    The Weinstein Company

    “Fruitvale Station” didn’t just show the world what a promising new talent it had in Ryan Coogler, it also kicked off a very fruitful partnership between Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan. This haunting drama follows the last 24 hours in the life of Oscar Grant III, leading up to the infamous police shooting that sparked unrest in San Francisco.

    Chad Stahelski – ‘John Wick’ (2014)

    Summit Entertainment

    As much as “John Wick” is hailed as the film responsible for bringing star Keanu Reeves back into the action movie spotlight, it’s also a showcase for director Chad Stahelski. This movie simply wouldn’t have worked without Stahelski’s keen eye and the inspiration he drew from Japanese anime and Hong Kong action movies for the many bone-crunching action scenes. Equal credit also goes to Stahelski’s fellow first-timer, uncredited co-director David Leitch.

    Dan Gilroy – ‘Nightcrawler’ (2014)

    Open Road Films

    It’s hard to believe “Nightcrawler” is the work of a first-time director. It’s just so confident and self-assured in its exploration of the seedy underbelly of the Los Angeles news scene. It doesn’t hurt that writer/director Dan Gilroy had an incredibly intense performance from Jake Gyllenhaal to bank on.

    Alex Garland – ‘Ex Machina’ (2015)

    A24

    Alex Garland had built up a strong reputation as a writer on films like “The Beach,” “Sunshine” and “Dredd,” but “Ex Machina” marked his first time behind the camera. Needless to say, he didn’t disappoint one bit. “Ex Machina” is a gorgeously shot and very moody look at a robot coming to terms with her very existence.

    Robert Eggers – ‘The Witch’ (2015)

    A24

    Never let it be said that director Robert Eggers didn’t put in the effort to make his debut film look and feel authentic. Watching “The Witch” is like being transported back to 17th Century New England and seeing firsthand what it’s like to eke out a living in a haunted wilderness.

    Tim Miller – ‘Deadpool’ (2016)

    20th Century Fox

    2016 would have been a lousy year for X-Men fans if Tim Miller‘s “Deadpool” hadn’t shown up to ease the blow of “X-Men: Apocalypse.” Miller gave us a superhero movie that’s unabashedly adults-only, hilariously self-aware and content to tell a much more personal, small-scale superhero origin story. It was the first of several signs that this franchise may actually work best in the R-rated realm.

    Travis Knight – ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)

    Focus Features

    Laika CEO Travis Knight shouldered a very different burden for the company by taking the reins of its fourth animated feature. The end result is both one of the most visually stunning animated movies in recent memory and the best Laika film since 2009’s “Coraline.”

    Jordan Peele – ‘Get Out’ (2017)

    Universal Pictures

    A horror movie may not have been what “Key & Peele” fans were expecting from Jordan Peele‘s first feature-length project. But Peele certainly left a strong impression with this satirical yet disturbing look at modern race relations. There’s a reason this one became a cultural phenomenon in 2017.

    Greta Gerwig – ‘Lady Bird’ (2017)

    A24

    Greta Gerwig made the jump from starring in thoughtful indie comedies to writing and directing one in 2017’s “Lady Bird.” Easily one of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2017, “Get Out” draws heavily from Gerwig’s own experiences as a restless teen in Sacramento. The result is a very funny and very authentic coming-of-age tale.

    Bo Burnham – ‘Eighth Grade’ (2018)

    A24

    It’s pretty rare to find a coming-of-age teen movie starring actual teenagers, but that’s one reason why Bo Burnham‘s “Eighth Grade” stands out so much. “Eighth Grade” is another example of a director pulling from their own life (in this case, Burnham’s struggles with anxiety and depression) to craft a refreshing and authentic look at the teen experience.

    Ari Aster – ‘Hereditary’ (2018)

    A24

    “Hereditary” is easily one of the most unnerving horror movies to come around in a long time. Like many great horror films, “Hereditary” works because the supernatural trappings are merely there to accentuate deeper themes of tragedy and loss. This film immediately established Ari Aster as one of the most promising new voices in the genre, and we’ll see if that appeal can carry over to his followup project, “Midsommar.”

    Bradley Cooper – ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018)

    Warner Bros.

    Plenty of big-name actors dabble in directing (it’s one of the perks of Hollywood super-stardom), but few have made the leap behind the camera as deftly as Bradley Cooper. “A Star Is Born” is hardly the first time we’ve seen this story told, but Cooper and co-star Lady Gaga make it their own. Is Cooper destined to become the next Clint Eastwood?

  • Fanfare for Fox’s ‘X-Men:’ The Franchise’s 13 Best Action Scenes

    Fanfare for Fox’s ‘X-Men:’ The Franchise’s 13 Best Action Scenes

    20th Century Fox

    Simon Kinberg’s “Dark Phoenix” marks the culmination of almost 20 years of groundbreaking superhero movies. Despite the series’ ups and downs, Fox’s franchise not only popularized but legitimized modern comic book adaptations on the silver screen thanks to stories that created larger than life adventures while touching upon real-world issues. Of course, they also delivered some of the coolest and most thrilling action sequences of the past two decades. So as the franchise comes to an end (before they eventually phase over to the MCU), Moviefone takes a look back at the best of the best — the brutal fights, chases and showdowns that changed the way we look at superheroes.

    20th Century Fox

    “X-Men” (2000) – Statue of Liberty Torch Battle

    Bryan Singer’s original film feels almost primitive at this point, made before the proper technical advancements could bring these sequences to life (fully), but the filmmaker still delivered an incredible final set piece as the X-Men fight to save world leaders atop the Statue of Liberty. It’s a scene that vitally emphasizes their individual strengths and even more importantly, their cooperation and teamwork.

    20th Century Fox

    “X2: X-Men United” (2003) – Nightcrawler White House Assassination Attempt

    Singer threw the audience into the action in the second film with this bravura sequence where a mind-controlled Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) teleports his way past White House security to make an attempt on the President’s life. Breathless and beautifully composed.

    20th Century Fox

    “X2: X-Men United” (2003) – Stryker’s Assault on the X-Mansion

    Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) always seems like he’s about one hangnail away from berserker mode, but in this siege on X-Mansion, we really get to see him cut loose (pun intended) on Colonel Stryker’s (Brian Cox) men as he protects Xavier’s more vulnerable students.

    20th Century Fox

    “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006) – Magneto Lifts the Golden Gate Bridge

    There are some mutants whose powers are so strong it feels like they can do anything, but the movies don’t always reflect their omnipotence. But Brett Ratner beautifully depicts the magnitude of Magneto’s (Ian McKellen) abilities in an attack on Alcatraz that starts when he literally lifts the Golden Gate Bridge as a conveyance for the evil Brotherhood.

    20th Century Fox

    “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009) – Helicopter Chase

    Director Gavin Hood’s spin-off is not an especially successful first installment of what became a terrific parallel franchise, but he combines the poignant and powerful in this scene where Agent Zero (Daniel Henney) kills the elderly couple protecting Logan after he escapes from Stryker’s (Danny Huston) lab, and the future Wolverine returns the favor by destroying the soldier’s helicopter.

    20th Century Fox

    “X-Men: First Class” (2011) – Cuban Missile Crisis

    Matthew Vaughn took a real risk by integrating real-world history into the fictional background for the X-Men, but it paid off in this climactic sequence where the world’s nations launch missiles to end a potentially explosive conflict between warring factions of mutants.

    20th Century Fox

    “The Wolverine” (2013) – Funeral/ Yakuza Train Fight

    James Mangold’s follow-up to “X-Men Origins” makes a substantial leap in quality,  thanks especially to Mangold’s skill in constructing sequences like the funeral assassination that leads into an incredible showdown between Logan and would-be Yakuza kidnappers atop a Japanese bullet train.

    20th Century Fox

    “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014) – X-Men vs. Sentinels 

    Far be it from me to cheer the deaths of our beloved X-Men, but Singer’s return to the franchise showcases the deadly power of one of the team’s most iconic foes, the Sentinels, as they defeat and literally dismember the team in a distant post-apocalyptic future.

    20th Century Fox

    “X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Quicksilver Prison Break

    As incredible as the core X-Men are, the introduction of Quicksilver (Evan Peters) gave the franchise an incredible jolt of energy, especially in this show-stopping set piece where he stops a room full of security guards in a matter of seconds, all set to the tune of Jim Croce’s “Time In A Bottle.”

    20th Century Fox

    “Deadpool” (2016) – Highway Battle 

    To be fair, the highway chase in “Deadpool” takes up a good 35 minutes or more of screen time in the character’s first outing as a solo, uh, anti-hero. But the opening sequences that unfold in slow motion, making fun of not just superhero theatrics but the very filmmakers responsible for creating such an irreverent adventure, still rank among the best moments ever in a superhero movie.

    20th Century Fox

    “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016) – Quiksilver Saves the X-Men

    Singer’s final outing as director marked a depressing nadir for the series, but in trying to duplicate the success of its predecessor, he still created one sequence that, if familiar, was at least entertaining, as Quicksilver springs into action to rescue the X-Men as the mansion explodes.

    20th Century Fox

    “Logan” (2017) – Logan and Laura Escape His Mexican Hideout

    Mangold had considerably more success than Singer revisiting the material he made his own in this, widely regarded as the best X-Movie ever made. But in this early sequence, Logan discovers that his young charge has her own powers — plus a nasty temper — as they attempt to escape in a fight that leads into a messy chase, and eventually, evasion by the skin of their teeth.

    20th Century Fox

    “Deadpool 2” (2018) – X-Force United

    Deadpool’s irreverence reached its peak in this amazing scene from the sequel where the character’s freshly-assembled team meets its demise almost immediately, but he and the lone survivor, Domino (Zazie Beetz), find themselves in the midst of a battle atop a runaway convoy that also happens to be carrying the Juggernaut.

  • 13 Things You Never Knew About ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine” on its 10th Anniversary

    13 Things You Never Knew About ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine” on its 10th Anniversary

    20th Century Fox

    It’s been ten years since Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine got his first solo movie. Few would argue that “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” was a high point for the franchise, but without it we never would have gotten future gems like “Logan.” Celebrate this mutant milestone by learning some fun facts about the making of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and the spinoffs that never were.

    1. Liev Schreiber refused to wear a padded muscle suit, instead relying on Jackman’s help to bulk up before filming. Schreiber eventually gained 40 pounds by following Jackman’s exercise regimen and protein-heavy diet.

    2. Director Gavin Hood repeatedly clashed with producers and studio executives over the tone and direction of the film, particularly his desire to portray Wolverine as a military veteran with PTSD.

    20th Century Fox

    3. Kodi Smit-McPhee was originally cast as the young James Howlett, but had to drop out due to his commitment to 2009’s “The Road.” Smit-McPhee would instead make his X-Men debut as Nightcrawler in 2015’s “X-Men: Apocalypse.”

    4. Though it was deleted from the theatrical version, one of the scenes in the Nigeria sequence features a young Storm working as a child slave laborer.

    5. While it draws heavily from Marvel’s X-Men comics, the movie does make some changes to the source material. In the comics, Wolverine isn’t old enough to have fought  in the Civil War, and he and Sabretooth aren’t actually brothers.

    20th Century Fox

    6. Brian Cox expressed interest in reprising his role as Col. Stryker. But due to the expense of the de-aging technology used on Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier, it was decided to cast Danny Huston as a young Stryker instead.

    7. Kevin Durand’s Blob suit was so bulky and hot that a system of tubes had to be installed in order to pump in ice water and keep Durand cool.

    20th Century Fox

    8. While Ryan Reynolds plays Deadpool in the first act of the film, he was replaced by stuntman Scott Adkins for most of the the Weapon XI scenes. Reynolds does appear as Weapon XI in a handful of close-up shots.

    9. An unfinished work print cut of the film leaked online a month before its release. Fox estimated the file was downloaded 4.5 million times by the time the finished version hit theaters and blamed the leak for the film’s lackluster box office numbers.

    10. Originally, Fox intended to launch an entire series of “X-Men Origins” prequel movies. These projects were canceled, and portions of the planned “X-Men Origins: Magneto” were instead used for 2011’s “X-Men: First Class.”

    Activision

    11. Activision released a video game adaptation that included significant plot elements not in the movie. For example, one section features Wolverine teaming up with Mystique to destroy the Sentinel program.

    12. Will.i.am eagerly agreed to play John Wraith because of his love for another mutant teleporter, Nightcrawler. In fact, the video game version implies that Wraith is Nightcrawler’s father, though later movies revealed that the villain Azazel is actually his father.

    Warner Bros.

    13. Before the release of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Christopher Reeve held the record for the most times the same actor has played a superhero character. Jackman and Patrick Stewart both tied that record thanks to this film, and eventually went on to reprise their roles as Wolverine and Professor X several more times.

  • ‘Deadpool’ Films Will (Probably) Stay Rated-R Says Disney Exec

    ‘Deadpool’ Films Will (Probably) Stay Rated-R Says Disney Exec

    Fox

    With Disney buying Fox, fans have been dying to know: Will Disney put out an R-rated “Deadpool” film or clean up the foul-mouthed superhero’s language?

    In a shareholders conference call today,  Disney CEO Bob Iger indicated that Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) can carry on cursing, that is, if there are any more “Deadpool” films.

    “We do believe there is room for the Fox properties to exist without significant Disney influence over the nature of the content,” he said. “Meaning that we see that there’s certainly popularity amongst Marvel fans for the R-rated ‘Deadpool films,’ for instance, we’re going to continue in that business, and there might be room for more of that.”

    Now “there might be room for more of that” is not exactly, “we’re thrilled to be in the ‘Deadpool’ business.”

    Disney will certainly have its hands full with the merger and juggling its many, many existing properties and its new streaming service. With all that going on, yes, there is undoubtedly room for more Deadpool.

    “Once Upon a Deadpool” — essentially, “Deadpool 2” with some new footage — tested the waters for a PG-13 version of the red-suited hero.

    The Disney/Fox merger is still waiting for the “last few” approvals before becoming finalized, according to The Playlist. And then brace for massive layoffs.

  • Ryan Reynolds Teases ‘Completely Different’ ‘Deadpool 3’

    Ryan Reynolds Teases ‘Completely Different’ ‘Deadpool 3’

    20th Century Fox

    Since the character’s standalone debut back in 2016, “Deadpool” has come to define the quirky superhero genre, defying expectations left and right. And according to titular star Ryan Reynolds, that’s going to continue with “Deadpool 3.”

    During a recent appearance in China to promote the country’s first ever release of a “Deadpool” film (last year’s re-edited, PG-13-rated version of “Deadpool 2,” “Once Upon a Deadpool“), Reynolds teased a few small details about the upcoming threequel. And unsurprisingly, it will be full of surprises.

    The actor confirmed that the creative team was already hard at work on “Deadpool 3,” and said that filmmakers were “looking to go in a completely different direction” for the continued adventures of the Merc With a Mouth, adding that “often, they reboot or change a character maybe like four movies too late.” Thankfully, that won’t be the case for “Deadpool 3,” and based on everything Reynolds and co. have already accomplished with the character and the franchise, fans should certainly be excited for what’s coming next.

    It’s not clear yet just when audiences should expect to see the next film in the series, but we bet Reynolds and his genius marketing team will give us plenty of fun teases in the meantime.

    [via: Variety]