Sharlto Copley

William Fichtner in Talks to Join Neill Blomkamp’s ELYSIUM

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 6th, 2011 at 2:12 pm

I like to dream of an alternate universe where Drive Angry did well at the box office and stardom finally comes to terrific character actor William Fichtner.  Sadly, I don’t live in that universe, but that doesn’t mean Fichtner’s disappearing into obscurity.  Variety reports that Fichtner is in talks to join Contact co-star Jodie Foster as well as Matt Damon, Wagner Moura, and Sharlto Copley in Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium.  Details on the plot remain under wraps, but the story takes place in the distant future on another planet.  The film will also feature the kind of social allegory of Blomkamp’s breakthrough film District 9 but on a much larger scale.

Elysium is due out March 8, 2013.

Multiple Problems Plague Incomplete MEN IN BLACK III

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 10th, 2011 at 10:33 am

Barry Sonnenfeld’s Men in Black III has had an unorthodox production schedule.  The film started shooting in November with an incomplete script, scheduled a hiatus from December to mid-February to fix the rest of the script, and then pick back up and finish the movie.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures took this bizarre route because they wanted to take advantage of tax breaks in New York City and spring weather.

However, the hiatus has now passed and the script still isn’t finished.  As we reported last week, screenwriter David Koepp (Spider-Man) has been brought in to fix the script by Etan Cohen (Tropic Thunder) and later Jeff Nathanson (Rush Hour 2).  But THR reports that those re-writes aren’t going smoothly as the project is caught between Sonnenfeld, producer Walter Parkes, and star Will Smith.  Hit the jump for more details.

Wagner Moura to Play Villain in Neill Blomkamp’s ELYSIUM [UPDATED With Release Date]

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 9th, 2011 at 1:16 pm

Wagner Moura, best known for his work in the Brazilian action films Elite Squad and Elite Squad 2, has joined Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, and Sharlto Copley in Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium.  Latino Review broke the story and Heat Vision adds that Moura’s character has “a crazy sense of humor.”  HV also says that Damon will play an ex-con and that social class figures into the story, which is set 100 years in the future and on another planet.  Blomkamp says that the film is also “violent, very violent, and very unique, hopefully.”  Sony picked up Elysium in January to the tune of $120 million and plans to release the film in late 2012.

The Elite Squad films have been a massive success in Brazil and Elite Squad 2 holds the box office record in the country over Hollywood fare.  Their director, Jose Padilha, recently entered talks to direct MGM’s remake of Robocop. [Update: Heat Vision reports that Elysium has been set for a March 8th, 2013 release date].

Neill Blomkamp’s ELYSIUM Set 100 Years in Future; BLADE RUNNER Production Designer Syd Mead Joins Film [UPDATE: Sony Picks Up the Film for $120 Million]

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 19th, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Elysium, the upcoming film from District 9 director Neill Blomkamp, is continuing to gain heat.  After casting Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, and Sharlto Copley, the film is currently being pitched to various studios (with the exception of Disney, which won’t make expensive R-rated movies).  Deadline reports that Blomkamp is going from studio to studio with a storyboard presentation.  Also, while we knew the story (which is still being kept under wraps) would take place in the distant future and on another plantet, Deadline is reporting that the film takes place 100 years into the future, is “an unabashedly big movie”, and has the same social allegory of District 9.

Hit the jump for more details on Elysium including the hiring of Blade Runner production designer Syd Mead.

[Update: Sony has reportedly picked up the film for $120 million. Details below.]

Jodie Foster Joins Matt Damon and Sharlto Copley in Neill Blomkamp’s ELYSIUM

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 3rd, 2011 at 11:58 am

Jodie Foster has joined Matt Damon and Sharlto Copley in Elysium, the new film from District 9 director Neill Blomkamp.  Deadline reports that although the project hasn’t been shopped to the studios yet, Foster is now on board.  Plot details, however, remain under wraps and all we know about the film is that it takes place in the distant future and on another planet.

Foster recently wrapped her third directing effort, The Beaver, where she co-stars with Mel Gibson and Anton Yelchin.  She’s also attached to star in Roman Polanski’s God of Carnage with Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, Matt Dillon, and John C. Reilly, as well as Park Chan-Wook’s U.S. debut, Stoker.

THE A-TEAM Blu-ray Review

by Andre Dellamorte    Posted: December 23rd, 2010 at 12:23 pm

They don’t make action movies like they used to. Two decades ago, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jean-Claude Van Damme were movie stars. Now action movies are mostly event films, so they tend to deal with fantasy situations. Comic book heroes using superpowers, et cetera. Or in Stallone’s case, direct pleas of nostalgia. Where the standard action movie – something like Red or The Losers – is considered second tier material (both also based on comic books). Such may explain why Joe Carnahan’s massively entertaining The A-Team was not a hit. Starring Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Sharlto Copley as the titular team – they are military vets who are set up for a crime they didn’t commit. Patrick Wilson and Jessica Biel also co-star. My review of the Blu-ray of The A-Team after the jump.

Sharlto Copley Exclusive Interview for THE A-TEAM Blu-ray; Plus Updates on MEN IN BLACK 3 and ELYSIUM

by Christina Radish    Posted: December 13th, 2010 at 6:35 pm

Just in time for the holidays, the adrenaline-fueled thrill ride The A-Team is being released on Blu-ray with more action and more adventure, in a never-before-seen extended version of the film. Even if you’ve already seen the blockbuster about a daring team of former Special Forces soldiers who are convicted by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit, and then later break out of prison, only to tackle their toughest mission yet, there is still plenty on the disc to newly discover, including deleted scenes, a gag reel, character chronicles, a mash-up montage, and commentary from director Joe Carnahan and visual effects supervisor James E. Price.

In this exclusive interview with Collider, actor Sharlto Copley talked about how much he enjoyed taking on the role of Captain H.M. Murdock, the fun he had doing behind the scenes stuff for the Blu-ray release, and how playing this character brought up a lot of memories from his childhood. He also talked about how humbled and grateful he is for the success he’s had in his career since District 9, how he’s looking forward to re-teaming with director Neill Blomkamp for the super-secret Elysium, and that he’s looking at and considering doing Men in Black 3, but contrary to the rumor, still hasn’t signed onto the project yet. Check out what he had to say after the jump:

Matt Damon in Talks to Join Neill Blomkamp’s ELYSIUM

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: December 10th, 2010 at 8:32 am

Matt Damon is in early negotiations to join Sharlto Copley in Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium.  Not much is known about the film other than it takes place on another planet and is set in the distant future.  Because the project is shrouded in secrecy, it’s unknown what role Damon or Copley would play.  Deadline reports that production company Media Rights Capital won’t start shopping the project until next year when it has its major cast lined up.

Hit the jump for a refresher on the other projects Damon has on his plate.  He’ll next be seen in theaters on December 22nd in the Coen Brothers’ western True Grit.

Director Neill Blomkamp to Reunite with DISTRICT 9 Star Sharlto Copley for ELYSIUM

by Tommy Cook    Posted: December 6th, 2010 at 2:10 pm

Neill Blomkamp is reteaming with his District 9 star Sharlto Copley for a new sci-fi action film entitled Elysium. According to Deadline, Blomkamp is reportedly shopping the film to several interested studios with a graphic novel for the film in tow. Not much is known about Elysium other than it takes place on another planet and is set in the distant future. Blomkamp recently released a strange viral video for Wired Magazine, but it is still not clear what (if any) connection this video has with the film in question. For those wondering, “Elysium” is actually a term used in Greek mythology for a section of the Underworld designated to heroes and other laudatory figures. The term has gone on to have connotations with “Paradise”.

Copley, who was last seen this past summer in Joe Carnahan’s The A-Team, joined Men in Black III this past October.

MEN IN BLACK III Investigating Gemma Arterton, Alec Baldwin, and Sharlto Copley

by Bill Graham    Posted: October 13th, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Whatever your thoughts on the upcoming Men in Black III may be, they are gathering quite the cast. First the film landed Jemaine Clement and Josh Brolin, and then added Emma Thompson. Now Gemma Arterton, Alec Baldwin, and Sharlto Copley are in negotiations, according to Pajiba, and their potential roles were also revealed. Clement has been pegged as the villain Yaz, while Brolin will play a young Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). Meanwhile, Arterton would play a secretary at MIB headquarters in 1969, while Baldwin would play the boss.

Copley has the most interesting role, as he would portray a “fast-talking Yoda type alien.” I definitely look forward to what batshit crazy visual that turns into. There is also the role of Thompson, who plays the modern MIB boss. Oh, and for all you Nicole Sherzinger fans, she is in negotiations to play Yaz’s girlfriend as a cameo. Did I mention the film will be in 3D!? Filming is set to being this month and will wrap in February.  Men in Black 3 gets released May 25, 2012.

New 4-Minute Clip from THE A-TEAM

by Christopher Gilbreth    Posted: June 10th, 2010 at 2:40 pm

20th Century Fox  has unleashed an action-oozing new clip from the forthcoming A-Team movie.  The new footage is crammed with all sorts of explosive, exploding, detonating, and blowing up pyrotechnic awesomeness.  The clip is also pretty hilarious, focusing on Sharlto Copley’s (District 9) deranged “Howling Mad” Murdock and his unusual approach to wound stitching and other insane antics. Usually these quaint blurbs promoting upcoming movies do little to stimulate me, but this clip was genuinely funny. The action seems like it’s going to be video game over the top, but the manner in which it’s presented is compelling me to want to see this flick with the quickness.  All of the footage up to now has left me feeling “meh” about the A-Team movie, but now I’m ready to carve a mowhawk into my hair and see if director Joe Carnahan’s plan comes together. The A-Team lands in theaters near you June 11^th. Hit the jump to check out the clip.

Timothy Olyphant Replaces Sharlto Copley in I AM NUMBER FOUR – UPDATED

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: May 12th, 2010 at 9:40 am

Sharlto Copley (District 9) is dropping out of director D.J. Caruso’s I Am Number Four due to scheduling conflicts with having to promote The A-Team this summer.  Replacing Copley as the mentor and guardian of Alex Pettyfer’s “Number Four” will be Timothy Olyphant.  While many were excited to see Copley land another big role, I’m sure if he’s  great in The A-Team, he’ll land something else very quick.

For more on the movie and my thoughts on Olyphant, hit the jump.  [UPDATE: We've also learned why Copley left the project.  Find out the reason after the jump.]

Kevin Durand and Callan McAuliffe Join I AM NUMBER FOUR

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 30th, 2010 at 9:44 am

The D.J. Caurso (Eagle Eye) sci-fi film I Am Number Four can add two more to its number. According to FilmDrunk, Kevin Durand (Lost, Legion) and Callan McAuliffe (the Australian sketch comedy series Comedy Inc.), have both joined the cast.  The flick is about nine earthbound aliens who escaped their planet just before it was annihilated by a rival species.  Hiding out on Earth, disguised as human teenagers in high school, the title character discovers that he is being hunted by the enemy that destroyed his planet.

Durand will play “The Commander”, a character who leads the Mogadorians to chase John/Number 4 (Alex Pettyfer) and his fellow aliens to flee from their home planet.  McAuliffe will play “Sam”, Number 4′s best friend.  Pettyfer, Durand, and McAuliffe will co-star alongside Teresa Palmer (Bedtime Stories), Sharlto Copley (District 9), and Dianna Agron (Glee).  The film is being produced by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg and it was written by Al Gough and Miles Millar (Smallville). I Am Number Four begins filming next month in Pittsburgh and is slated to hit theaters on February 18, 2011.

Dianna Agron (GLEE) Cast as Female Romantic Lead in D.J. Caruso’s I AM NUMBER FOUR

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: April 29th, 2010 at 8:46 pm

Dianna Agron (Glee) has landed her first feature and it’s kind of a big one.  While many had been vying for the female romantic lead in director D.J. Caruso’s I Am Number Four, Agron has landed the gig.  She’ll be starring alongside Teresa Palmer, Alex Pettyfer and Sharlto Copley in the sci-fi adventure film that starts filming next month in Pittsburgh.

Set to get released on February 18, 2011, I Am Number Four is an adaptation of the upcoming young-adult science fiction book by Jobie Hughes and James Frey.  The film is being produced by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg and it was written by Al Gough and Miles Millar (Smallville).

The film is about nine earthbound aliens who escaped their planet just before it was annihilated by a rival species.  Hiding out on Earth, disguised as human teenagers in high school, the title character discovers that he is being hunted by the enemy that destroyed his planet.  Pettyfer plays the lead (Number Four), Copley will play Pettyfer’s guardian and mentor, Palmer (Number Six), and Agron will play a girl dating a high school jock who falls for Number Four and becomes his confidante.  [via THR]

Teresa Palmer Cast as Number Six in Director D.J. Caruso’s I AM NUMBER FOUR

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: April 21st, 2010 at 11:07 pm

Teresa Palmer (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Bedtime Stories) has been cast as Number Six in director D.J. Caruso’s (Eagle Eye, Disturbia) I Am Number Four.  She’s joining Alex Pettyfer (Beastly) and Sharlto Copley (District 9) in the sci-fi adventure film that starts filming soon.

Set to get released on February 18, 2011, I Am Number Four is an adaptation of the upcoming young-adult science fiction book by Jobie Hughes and James Frey.  The film is being produced by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg and it was written by Al Gough and Miles Millar (Smallville).

The film is about nine earthbound aliens who escaped their planet just before it was annihilated by a rival species.  Hiding out on Earth, disguised as human teenagers in high school, the title character discovers that he is being hunted by the enemy that destroyed his planet.  Pettyfer plays the lead, Copley will play Pettyfer’s guardian and mentor, and I’ll guess Palmer the love interest.

With production gearing up, I’d imagine more casting announcements are immanent.  More as we hear it.

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