McAvoy has had a fantastic career so far, but if he stopped everything in its tracks and only ever played young Patrick Stewart in everything — we’d be fine with it. He’d be a hero.
Patrick Stewart plays the senior Charles Xavier in Fox’s “X-Men” films, with James McAvoy later joining the franchise as the young Professor X.
Stewart just started filming his return to Captain Jean-Luc Picard for his new CBS All Access “Star Trek” series, sharing this photo:
The new Picard series has yet to announce a premiere date on CBS All Access. Better book McAvoy fast, though, since he has a busy year coming up promoting “Glass,” the “It” sequel, and “X-Men: Dark Phoenix.”
SPOILER ALERT. One photo below may reveal an “It” sequel plot point.
“It: Chapter Two” is now filming in Port Hope, a town in Ontario, Canada, standing in for Derry, Maine.
The first “It” movie also filmed there in the summer of 2016. This time, the film is going by the code name “Largo,” but it’s not hard to tell that Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, and company are really filming the horror sequel to “It.”
Northumberland News in Port Hope shared several set photos, plus a shot of six of the seven Losers Club members walking down the street:
The group photo in that tweet shows six of the adult Losers: Jessica Chastain as Beverly Marsh, James McAvoy as Bill Denbrough, Bill Hader as Richie Tozier, James Ransone as Eddie Kaspbrak, Jay Ryan as Ben Hanscom, and Isaiah Mustafa as Mike Hanlon.
As Comicbook.com noted, the one Loser not present is Andy Bean‘s Stanley Uris. Read into that what you will, Stephen King fans.
“It :Chapter 2” is scheduled for release in theaters on September 6, 2019.
“His Dark Materials” is now filming in Cardiff, Wales. According to Deadline, this series adaptation of Philip Pullman’s fantasy novels is “thought to be one of the most expensive British dramas to date.”
The full cast was just revealed, adding more names to the already impressive lineup led by James McAvoy, Dafne Keen, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Here’s a description of the characters and cast, via the BBC:
“Dafne Keen takes on the lead role of Lyra, the young protagonist of the story who lives in Jordan College, Oxford. Placed there at the request of her Uncle, Lord Asriel (James McAvoy) she lives a sheltered life amongst the scholars and college staff while under the watchful protection of The Master (Clarke Peters) and Librarian Scholar Charles (Ian Gelder).
When the glamorous and mesmeric Mrs Coulter (Ruth Wilson) enters Lyra’s life she embarks upon a dangerous journey of discovery from Oxford to London. Here she meets Father MacPhail (Will Keen), Lord Boreal (Ariyon Bakare) and journalist Adele Starminster (Georgina Campbell) at a glittering society party where she first hears about the sinister General Oblation Board.
Lyra is subsequently thrown into the nomadic world of the boat dwelling Gyptians – Ma Costa (Anne-Marie Duff), Farder Coram (James Cosmo), John Faa (Lucien Msamati), Raymond Van Geritt (Mat Fraser), Jack Verhoeven (Geoff Bell) and Benjamin de Ruyter (Simon Manyonda) who take her North in her quest.
Once in the North she meets charismatic aeronaut and adventurer Lee Scoresby (Lin-Manuel Miranda) who joins them on their epic journey and who becomes one of Lyra’s closest allies.”
The series was written by Jack Thorne (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”), withJoel Collins (“Black Mirror”) as prroduction designer.
Here’s a statement from Jack Thorne:
“His Dark Materials are the most beautiful set of books, taking us into a world of constant imagination. Reading them I was a massive fan, in adapting them I’ve increasingly felt in awe of them. It’s the constant invention, the way the story never sits still, and that the characters constantly surprise you. It’s been a joy being part of a creative team for this; from Tom’s incredible analytic mind and amazing eye, to Joel’s beautiful world building, to everyone else involved. And then there’s the cast, which has proved to be the cast of dreams, we are so lucky to have been able to entice them in.”
In terms of international broadcast — i.e., how we can eventually watch this in the U.S. — Deadline said Apple and Netflix are among the suitors for global rights. Stay tuned on how that’s resolved. But so far it sounds like a streamer is going to end up with it.
The first novel in “His Dark Materials” — “Northern Lights” — was not-so-successfully adapted in the 2007 film “The Golden Compass,” which diluted many key themes of the story. Fans are hoping this more expansive series will retain the author’s original vision.
“It” is almost ready to welcome you back to Derry for “Chapter 2.”
By the way, if you call the number in the keychain above, from “It” director Andy Muschietti‘s Instagram, it gives you an incorrect number message. At least it did for us. Maybe it’ll direct you straight to Pennywise, inviting you to come down and float with him.
At any rate, “It: Chapter 2” shared some footage yesterday at San Diego Comic-Con, but it wasn’t too exciting. And it wasn’t released to the public. Red balloon = popped.
It was mostly behind-the-scenes shots from early filming with the cast — including James McAvoy as adult Bill, Jessica Chastain as Beverly, Bill Hader as Richie, Isaiah Mustafa as Mike, Jay Ryan as Ben, James Ransone as Eddie, and Andy Bean as Stanley.
According to IGN, the footage did include a scene with the older Losers Club members reuniting at a restaurant. Bill Hader’s Richie asks the group what they’d like to talk about, knowing full well what they’ll be talking about.
Here’s a more detailed description from Den of Geek with references to Stephen King’s novel:
“In a sequence that is sure to raise an eyebrow of anyone who’s read Stephen King’s magnum opus in prose form (or saw the dippy 1990 miniseries), we are able to quickly glean the adult cast of It: Chapter Two has gathered in a sequence set in a Chinese restaurant. It is the moment where the Losers Club is all reunited for the first time since their summer pact in 1989, now adults who can barely recall childhood or each other.
James McAvoy stands tall as Bill Denbrough, sporting a full luscious mane of hair for those wondering if McAvoy was shaving his head again (Bill goes bald in the book). He is staring incredulously at all his childhood friends gathered in one place, including Chastain as an adult Beverly, and most deliciously Bill Hader as adult Richie.
Banging a tacky ceremonial gong behind him (it is set in suburban Maine), Hader’s Richie shouts out, “What’s up losers?! So what do y’all want to talk about?” At least the way it is edited, James Ransone’s adult Eddie Kaspbrak mutters “holy sh*t” in disbelief. The sequence is part of a sizzle reel that also includes Chastain’s adult Bev being phased by something and checking her smartphone, in a departure from the 1985-set novel.”
The “It” sequel picks up 27 years after the first movie, but also includes the younger stars.
Jessica Chastain already shared a face-morphing photo with young Beverly Marsh star Sophia Lillis, and she shared a new piece of fan art with younger Beverly passing the red balloon to her older self:
Lovely. Yes, Sophia Lillis is the spitting image of a young Amy Adams, but HBO is already going down that road right now with “Sharp Objects.” You can’t typecast Sophia Lillis as Young Amy Adams in Everything.
Here’s a look at the “It: Chapter 2” table read from earlier this month:
Tomorrow, there’s a very good chance Samuel L. Jackson‘s Elijah Price/Mr. Glass will get the final teaser before we see the full trailer. He does have top billing right there in the “Glass” movie title, so Kevin Wendell Crumb and David Dunn are basically his opening acts.
The first “Glass” photos and poster were revealed last week, showing the three main characters in therapy with a new psychiatrist played by Sarah Paulson.
Universal Pictures
It’s still not clear why David Dunn is in therapy — and chained, unlike the other two — when he’s meant to be our hero. Guess that’s why we have to watch the movie to find out.
M. Night Shyamalan’s “Glass” will open in theaters January 18, 2019. Check out the official synopsis for more plot details. The cast and director are heading to San Diego Comic-Con this week, with the big trailer debut on Friday, July 20.
M. Night Shyamalan has waited 18 years for his sequel to “Unbreakable” to hit theaters. He had to wait at least 16 of those years for “Split” to arrive, pairing perfectly — and surprisingly — for a joint sequel. Fans didn’t even know this was in the works until the end of “Split,” but now they can’t wait to see the result.
That sequel will share its first trailer this Friday, July 20 during San Diego Comic-Con.
Can’t believe I’m days away from being in hall H at #SDCC18 with #Glassmovie. I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment. #timetobegin
— M. Night Shyamalan (@MNightShyamalan) July 16, 2018
To tease the upcoming trailer, Universal shared a brief video focused on one member of the superhero/villain trinity — James McAvoy’s The Beast (aka Kevin Wendell Crumb).
There’s no new footage, it’s basically a”Split” character profile to tide fans over as they wait for the trailer … or the next character teaser, which could arrive on Wednesday.
“M. Night Shyamalan brings together the narratives of two of his standout originals—2000’s ‘Unbreakable,’ from Touchstone, and 2016’s ‘Split,’ from Universal—in one explosive, all-new comic-book thriller: ‘Glass.’
From ‘Unbreakable,’ Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price, known also by his pseudonym Mr. Glass. Joining from ‘Split’ are James McAvoy, reprising his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities who reside within, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke, the only captive to survive an encounter with The Beast.
Following the conclusion of ‘Split,’ Glass finds Dunn pursuing Crumb’s superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.
Joining the all-star cast are ‘Unbreakable’s’ Spencer Treat Clark and Charlayne Woodard, who reprise their roles as Dunn’s son and Price’s mother, as well as Golden Globe Award winner Sarah Paulson (‘American Horror Story’ series).
This riveting culmination of his worldwide blockbusters is produced by Shyamalan and Blumhouse Production’s Jason Blum, who also produced the writer/director’s previous two films for Universal. They produce again with Ashwin Rajan and Marc Bienstock, and Steven Schneider and Kevin Frakes, who executive produce. Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum also serve as executive producers.”
Don’t forget you have a date with the first “Glass” trailer next Friday, July 20.
M. Night Shyamalan and the cast will be at Comic-Con to talk about the hype-worthy sequel to both “Unbreakable” (2000) with Samuel L. Jackson (Elijah Price/Mr. Glass) and Bruce Willis (David Dunn), and “Split” (2016) with James McAvoy (Kevin Wendell Crumb).
The photos show the trio of superheroes/supervillains in therapy with a psychiatrist played by Sarah Paulson.
We also see “Split” returnee Anya Taylor-Joy with Kevin. James McAvoy teased to EW that “We get to spend some time with some new people that live inside Kevin” in “Glass.”
And we also see Mr. Glass wearing a truly amazing suit. (He even has his own “MG” pin. That is next level.)
Question: Why is David Dunn in therapy, and — especially — when is he chained? The others aren’t chained. Suspicious.
Night told EW that Elijah’s mom (Charlayne Woodard) and David’s son (Spencer Treat Clark) will return and “play a big role” in the movie.
Here’s the synopsis:
“From ‘Unbreakable,’ Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price, known also by his pseudonym Mr. Glass. Joining from ‘Split’ are James McAvoy, reprising his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities who reside within, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke, the only captive to survive an encounter with The Beast.
Following the conclusion of ‘Split,’ Glass finds Dunn pursuing Crumb’s superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.
This riveting culmination of his worldwide blockbusters will be produced by Shyamalan and Jason Blum, who also produced the writer/director’s previous two films for Universal. They produce again with Ashwin Rajan and Marc Bienstock, and Steven Schneider, who will executive produce.”
“Glass” is scheduled for release in theaters on January 18th, 2019.
The Losers Club is now officially back in session, in a new photo featuring the main adult cast of “It: Chapter 2.”
The official “It” Twitter account debuted the behind the scenes snap on Monday, featuring the ensemble sitting around a table, Last Supper-style, reading through the sequel’s script.
— IT: Welcome to Derry 🎈🎈 (@ITMovieOfficial) July 2, 2018
Pictured in the photo are Jessica Chastain (playing Beverly Marsh), James McAvoy (Bill Denbrough), Isaiah Mustafa (Mike Hanlon),Jay Ryan (Ben Hanscom), James Ransone (Eddie Kaspbrak),Bill Hader (Richie Tozier), and Andy Bean (Stanley Uris). Aside from those Losers, other recent additions to the cast include Teach Grant (playing Henry Bowers), Xavier Dolan (Adrian Mellon), Will Beinbrink (Tom Rogan), and Jess Weixler (Bill’s wife, Audra).
Set 30 years after the first film, “Chapter 2” brings our heroes back to Derry, Maine to once again fight off the evil Pennywise (Bill Skarsgaard), who’s resurfaced after a long absence. “It” director (and new Academy member) Andres Muschietti is returning, as are the original kid cast in flashbacks.
Based on what we’ve seen so far, it seems safe to say that we’ll be getting plenty of updates from the cast and crew throughout the film’s production. Stay tuned for more behind the scenes scoop as it becomes available.
“It: Chapter 2” is due in theaters on September 6, 2019.
Didn’t just mark my calendar and set an alarm and write a reminder to myself to watch the #GlassMovie trailer on July 20th. That’s overkill for sure… ???? https://t.co/L2riMeogcJ
“X-Men” star James McAvoy just signed onto the upcoming BBC “His Dark Materials” miniseries as Lord Asriel, the adventurer who was played by Daniel Craig in the 2007 film The Golden Compass.”
Which means he’ll be playing dad to “Logan” star Dafne Keen, who was Wolverine (Hugh Jackman’s) daughter/clone in the 2017 film. (The “X-Men” crossover fic writes itself!)
Also joining the project: Clarke Peters of “The Wire,” “Treme” and “Person of Interest.” He’ll play the man who raises Lyra (Keen), since her dad is stuck in a parallel universe.
Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”) is directing the eight-part series, which does not yet have a U.S. distributor. (Apple and Netflix are currently in negotiations, according to Deadline.)
The miniseries (like “The Golden Compass”) is based on Philip Pullman’s fantasy epic “His Dark Materials.”
I see awesome people. They’re everywhere.
“X-Men” star