Moviefone Editorial

Tag: skydance

  • Paramount Plans New Live-Action ‘Ninja Turtles’ Movie

    'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' (2014). Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2014). Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Paramount wants to make a new, live-action ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ movie.
    • Neal H. Moritz will produce.
    • A plan for an R-rated ‘Turtles’ movie is on hold for now.

    Paramount giveth (probably) and Paramount taketh away.

    The studio is making moves for one of its popular franchise, the comic-book-birthed ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,’ much as it recently did with ‘Star Trek.’

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, prolific producer Neal H. Moritz (who has the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise and Paramount’s own ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ movies on his extensive resume making a deal to oversee a new, family-friendly live-action ‘TMNT’ movie, which will exist separately from the sequel to animated delight ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,’ which is in production via producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

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    It does, however, mean that forward development on a darker, grittier Turtles outing, ‘The Last Ronin,’ a live-action/CG animation hybrid project that was in development as an R-rated feature, and had ‘Nobody’ filmmaker Ilya Naishuller in talks to direct, is on indefinite pause.

    That one will have to dwell in a sewer for now. And the studio has also cancelled future episodes of animated series ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,’ an animated small-screen spin-off from ‘Mutant Mayhem.’

    Related Article: Every ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Movie Ranked

    What is the history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

    'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' (1990). Photo: New Line.
    ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (1990). Photo: New Line.

    The main mutant foursome –– Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo –– first burst onto the pop cultural scene via Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s 1984 comic book, launched as a satire of other titles at the time.

    That first run was a huge hit, and has since spawned a vast media empire encompassing several animated TV series, a number of movies and enough merchandise to clog New York’s sewers.

    Leo and co. famously hit the big screen back in 1990 in a New Line movie that used Jim Henson’s creature shop to bring the title characters to life. That generated two others, but Paramount took its own shot at “live-action” Turtles with two movies using performance-captured characters, 2014’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ and 2016’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows,’ the latter of which was a flop.

    ‘Mutant Mayhem’ was received much more kindly and did healthy business, but now the aim is for Moritz to bring a similar all-ages feel as he has to ‘Sonic.’

    When will the new ‘TMNT’ movie be on screens?

    'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' (2014). Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2014). Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    With zero creative talent attached yet, it’s much too early to speculate; but you know Paramount –– which owns the Turtles outright as opposed to sharing as with ‘Transformers’ –– will want to get something to theaters as soon as possible.

    The yet-to-be-titled ‘Mutant Mayhem’ sequel, which sees the return of director Jeff Rowe, is scheduled for release in September 2027.

    (L to R) Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo in Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies in a Point Grey Production 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.'
    (L to R) Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo in Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies in a Point Grey Production ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.’

    Selected ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Movies

    Buy ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Movies & TV on Amazon

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  • ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Duo Directing new ‘Star Trek’ Movie

    1979's 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.' Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    1979’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are developing a new ‘Star Trek’ Movie.
    • They’ve come up with a new idea not connected to previous movies or shows.
    • They’re also writing the script.

    While the TV side of the franchise has been ticking along nicely, big-screen ‘Star Trek’ fell into something of a black hole, with little progress towards theaters.

    But that hasn’t stopped Paramount from trying to shove it back into warp speed and now Deadline brings word that John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, who developed a fresh, funny and heartfelt take on fantasy with ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ for the studio, have been handed the keys to the film franchise.

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    At least, they’re aboard to develop a new movie (more on that below), with the hopes of kickstarting the franchise back to life. Will they succeed? Others have tried and failed (again, see below), but we’re certainly hoping to see them give it a shot.

    Related Article: Simon Kinberg Reportedly to Oversee Future ‘Star Trek’ Movies for Paramount

    What has been happening with big-screen ‘Star Trek’?

    (L to R) Karl Urban and Zachary Quinto in 'Star Trek Beyond'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Karl Urban and Zachary Quinto in ‘Star Trek Beyond’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    The movies have been mired in development limbo since ‘Star Trek Beyond’ opened to less-than-thrilling box office in 2016.

    There have been various films announced or reported upon, including a return for Chris Pine’s Kirk and co. from J.J. Abrams’ “Kelvin” timeline movies, a one-off by Quentin Tarantino (which always seemed less likely to happen) and the more recent word of a prequel/origin story to be directed by ‘Andor’s Toby Haynes with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith.

    The latter may still happen (with Paramount going on a “try anything” spree), but there was more recent word of ‘X-Men’ veteran Simon Kinberg being hired as the producer overseeing the whole thing. There’s no mention of him in Deadline’s story about Daley and Goldstein’s deal, but perhaps he will be around to help out?

    What’s the story for this latest ‘Trek’ development?

    Chris Pine in 2009's 'Star Trek'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    Chris Pine in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Little is known about what Daley and Goldstein have planned for ‘Star Trek’, though new Paramount overseer David Ellison said on a recent earnings call that it would not be a sequel in the Pine-led series but something different with new actors.

    Which is almost a shame, since Pine clearly enjoyed working with the directors on ‘Dungeons & Dragons’…

    When will this new ‘Star Trek’ movie head to screens?

    If you’ll pardon us, given recent history we won’t hold our breath just yet until this thing actually has a trailer.

    (L to R) Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley and Chris Pine on the set of 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' from Paramount Pictures and eOne.
    (L to R) Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley and Chris Pine on the set of ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.

    Other ‘Star Trek’ Movies and TV Series:

    Buy ‘Star Trek’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Matthew McConaughey and Nic Pizzolatto Working on New Series

    Matthew McConaughey arrives on the red carpet of The 90th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Credit/Provider: Scott Diussa / A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: A.M.P.A.S.
    Matthew McConaughey arrives on the red carpet of The 90th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Credit/Provider: Scott Diussa / A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Matthew McConaughey is reuniting with ‘True Detective’s Nic Pizzolatto for a new show.
    • Cole Hauser will co-star.
    • Netflix has landed the project.

    Matthew McConaughey and ‘True Detective’ creator Nic Pizzolatto have long talked about how much they enjoyed collaborating, and while it seems that the latter is well out of the ‘Detective’ world now, he has created a new show, which has McConaughey circling a lead role.

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    According to The Hollywood Reporter, McConaughey would star in the new series alongside old pal Cole Hauser.

    While the likes of Apple and Amazon were in the mix to pick this one up, Netflix has emerged triumphant with the rights.

    Related Article: Matthew McConaughey to Play Legendary Detective Character Mike Hammer

    What’s the story of the new Nic Pizzolatto/Matthew McConaughey show?

    Matthew McConaughey presents a nominee for Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Matthew McConaughey presents a nominee for Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Much of what the show itself will be about remains under wraps for now –– the only real detail seems to be that McConaughey and Hauser would play brothers.

    And the fact that Skydance Sports is producing the show would indicate that it’ll have a sporting theme.

    Those details will emerge in time –– and the project is still listed as just in development.

    Where else can we see Matthew McConaughey and Cole Hauser?

    Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler in Paramount Network's 'Yellowstone' season 5. Credit: Paramount Network.
    Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler in Paramount Network’s ‘Yellowstone’ season 5. Credit: Paramount Network.

    McConaughey starred in this March’s ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’, and he’ll be seen this fall in ‘The Lost Bus’, a true-life tale about a bus driver who saved kids during the Camp Fire in California.

    Directed by Paul Greengrass, it’ll premiere at the Toronto Film Festival next month.

    The actor is also attached to star in a Mike Hammer adaptation, which coincidentally has Pizzolatto writing that script and Hauser also circling a role.

    And then we have ‘Brother from Another Mother,’ another sibling series, this one for Apple, in which McConaughey stars with one other good friend –– his ‘True Detective’ co-star Woody Harrelson. The show appears to be going through some creative difficulties on its road to the screen, swapping showrunners and re-shooting some scenes.

    As for Hauser, he got a big career boost with ‘Yellowstone’ and will be reprising his role as Rip Wheeler in the latest spin-off, ‘The Dutton Ranch’.

    When will the new McConaughey/Hauser/Pizzolatto show be on screens?

    Since the deals are still being figured out, we wouldn’t expect this one to be in production much before the end of the year or early 2026 so we’ll be waiting for the show.

    Matthew McConaughey in season 1 of 'True Detective'. Photo: HBO.
    Matthew McConaughey in season 1 of ‘True Detective’. Photo: HBO.

    Movies and TV Shows starring Matthew McConaughey:

    Buy Matthew McConaughey Movies On Amazon

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  • Matthew McConaughey to Star in New ‘Mike Hammer’ Movie

    (Left) Matthew McConaughey in season 1 of 'True Detective'. Photo: HBO. (Right) Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer in 'Mike Hammer, Private Eye'. Photo: The Kushner-Locke Company.
    (Left) Matthew McConaughey in season 1 of ‘True Detective’. Photo: HBO. (Right) Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer in ‘Mike Hammer, Private Eye’. Photo: The Kushner-Locke Company.

    Preview:

    • Matthew McConaughey is in talks to play Mike Hammer.
    • ‘True Detective’s Nic Pizzolatto will write the script.
    • It’ll be based on Mickey Spillane’s and Max Allan Collins’ Mike Hammer franchise.

    Having worked together on the first season of iconic TV series ‘True Detective,’ actor Matthew McConaughey and writer/producer Nic Pizzolatto are looking to reunite for a new crime story.

    According to Deadline, McConaughey is in talks to star in a new adaptation of the Mike Hammer detective novels, with Pizzolatto writing the script.

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    Skydance acquired the rights to Mickey Spillane’s and Max Allan Collins’ Hammer franchise with plans to develop and produce the bestselling book series into a movie

    Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger will produce along with Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady.

    Related Article: Matthew McConaughey to Star in Paul Greengrass’ Peasant Revolt Drama ‘The Rage’

    Who is Mike Hammer?

    Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer in 'Mike Hammer, Private Eye'. Photo: The Kushner-Locke Company.
    Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer in ‘Mike Hammer, Private Eye’. Photo: The Kushner-Locke Company.

    Mike Hammer as a character was created by the American author Spillane.

    He debuted in the 1947 book ‘I, the Jury’ as a no-holds-barred private investigator whose love for his secretary Velda is outweighed only by his willingness to kill a killer.

    Hammer’s best friend is Pat Chambers, Captain of NYPD Homicide, and the ‘tec was a World War II army veteran who spent two years fighting jungle warfare in the Pacific Ocean theater against Japan.

    With more than 250 million copies of Hammer books sold globally, it often is recognized as the most popular American mystery/thriller series of all time. Hammer is credited with inspiring numerous other characters including Dirty Harry, Jack Reacher and James Bond, who Ian Fleming famously referred to as “the British answer to Mike Hammer.”

    The character has been portrayed numerous times in radio and on both TV and movie screens, including by Stacy Keach, Armand Assante and Darren McGavin.

    There were also comic books, and Collins took over writing the character in 2008 with the series of novels ending this year.

    Hammer has not had a chance for any feature film treatment thanks to a long-winded rights dispute. Spillane passed away in 2006, one month after the death of his manager Jay Bernstein. Bernstein’s estate claimed ownership of the character. Ken F. Levin spent several years in court before the rights came back to the author’s estate and a clear title could be delivered for a movie deal.

    What else has Matthew McConaughey been working on?

    Matthew McConaughey in season 1 of 'True Detective'. Photo: HBO.
    Matthew McConaughey in season 1 of ‘True Detective’. Photo: HBO.

    McConaughey’s movie career has been a little quieter of late –– he hasn’t appeared on the big screen in person since 2019’s crime caper ‘The Gentlemen.’ He did, however, lend his voice to animated sequel ‘Sing 2’ (2021) and the various short films around it.

    The actor was also the voice of Cowboypool in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.

    And this year will see him starring in two films –– Apple Original Film’s ‘The Lost Bus,’ about a bus driver who helped to rescue stranded kids during the 2018 Camp Fire in California.

    His other most recent movie, ‘The Rivals of Amziah King,’ which sees him playing a foster parent reuniting with one of his former charges, debuted at the SXSW Film Festival this past March.

    Finally, there is the planned reunion with ‘True Detective’ co-star Woody Harrelson –– he played detective Marty Hart to McConaughey’s detective Rust Cohle –– in a new Apple TV+ series which will see the old friends playing brothers.

    Reuniting with Pizzolatto, who created the much-talked about first season of ‘True Detective’, makes sense, and there’s a chance Pizzolatto could return to that world, since the actors have expressed a desire to revisit the roles.

    Here’s what he told Deadline:

    “I actually have another story for Cohle and Hart that, who knows, maybe we’ll do it one day,” he began, adding that he didn’t feel beholden to continuing the inaugural season’s storyline: “But no, there is pressure, but I don’t really feel or respond to pressure that way. I get pressure [from] myself and beyond that it doesn’t exist so much for me and pressure tends to more revolve around, am I discharging my duty correctly for me?”

    When will the Mike Hammer movie investigate the inside of theaters?

    With no director attached yet, and no actual distributor (though Skydance may well release it via Paramount Pictures if its merger goes through), there’s zero sign of a release date at this point.

    Movies and TV Shows starring Matthew McConaughey:

    Buy Matthew McConaughey Movies On Amazon

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  • Emma Thompson Exits Skydance Film ‘Luck’ Over John Lasseter Hire: Report

    Emma Thompson Exits Skydance Film ‘Luck’ Over John Lasseter Hire: Report

    Emily Aragones/Sundance Institute

    After parting ways with Pixar and Disney Animation following allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct, John Lasseter recently found a new gig as the head of animation at competing studio Skydance. Unfortunately, though, Lasseter’s hire hasn’t exactly been a welcome development — and has reportedly cost the company one of the stars of an upcoming film.

    According to a new story from The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar winner Emma Thompson had already begun recording voiceover work for “Luck,” an animated feature that centers around a dispute between two different organizations: one representing good luck, and one representing bad. Though her casting had not yet been announced, THR says that Thompson was set to play the head of the good luck division.

    But that will no longer be the case. THR reports that the actress “has quietly left the project because of concerns about working with Lasseter.”

    Lasseter came under fire back in 2017 after several Pixar employees complained about a pattern of behavior that included alleged unwanted touching, hugging, and kissing and making inappropriate comments about women’s physical appearance. The exec admitted to some “missteps” in a company-wide memo, and announced he would take a leave of absence from the studio, which culminated in him exiting the company entirely at the end of 2018.

    He wasn’t out of work long, however, with Skydance announcing his hiring back in January. At the time, the studio defended its decision, saying that Lasseter “has acknowledged and apologized for his mistakes and, during the past year away from the workplace, has endeavored to address and reform them.”

    We wonder if the company will change its mind — and more stars will follow in Thompson’s footsteps.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]