On this episode of Collider Movie Talk (March 31st, 2016) Kristian Harloff, Scott Mantz and John Rocha discuss the following:

  • Ben Affleck has written a Batman movie
  • Oscar Isaac reuniting with Ex-Machina director Alex Garland
  • Jonah Hill to make directorial debut with Mid 90’s
  • Bradley Cooper to star in Max Landis drama
  • Opening This Week: Miles Ahead and God's Not Dead 2
  • Mail Bag

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Image via Warner Bros.

Though critics almost universally loathed Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice, most fans, and in some cases critics, enjoyed Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne/Batman interpretation and because of it, the demand for more Batman with Affleck is building. Many are now asking, when can we expect a solo Batman film with Affleck directing and starring? According to THR, you might not have to wait much longer.  William Morris Endeavor co-CEO Patrick Whitesell revealed to THR that Affleck has written a script for Batman while also revealing how many films he’s contracted for in the DC Universe. Whitesell said that he's contracted to do at least Justice League Part One and Part Two, and has written a "really cool" Batman idea.

December is fast approaching and many Star Wars fans are frothing at the mouth hoping for a look at the Star Wars story/anthology movie Rogue One. While there’s still no word on when we might get our first look, there’s another story most fans always talk about when discussing the spin-offs; that of an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie or trilogy with Ewan McGregor back under the Jedi robes. Our very own Steve “Frosty” Weintraub sat down with McGregor to talk about his latest movie Miles Ahead and asked about the possibility of McGregor returning to the Star Wars Universe and giving fans what they want. McGregor also wants to return, saying he'd very much like to do an Obi-Wan movie, even a trilogy. In regards to whether or not McGregor has met with Lucasfilm and Disney, McGregor played coy saying, he's not at liberty to say. Which means.... he's met with Disney and Lucasfilm.

BUY OR SELL

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Image via A24 Films

Oscar Isaac had his biggest year ever starring in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Alex Garland‘s amazing directorial debut, Ex Machina. Now, according to the Tracking Board, Garland and Isaac are looking to re-team in Garland’s next sci-fi film entitled Annihilation. Garland’s movie will be an adaptation of of the first volume of Jeff VanderMeer‘s Southern Reach series of novels that will also star Natalie Portman, who was cast earlier this year. They are joined by Jennifer Jason Leigh, Creed‘s Tessa Thompson, and Jane the Virgin‘s Gina Rodriguez.

According to a report from Deadline, Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart are circling the two leads in a remake of the French film, The Intouchables. The movie about an ex-con hired to be a caretaker for an aristocrat, earned $416 million dollars at the international box office and was purchased by The Weinstein Co. for the remake. Bridesmaids director Paul Feig wrote the script and was once planning to direct the film but left the project some time ago. Deadline says that The Weinstein Co. is reportedly looking at director Tom Shadyac to helm the film though no deal has been made.

In a report from Variety, Jonah Hill will make his directorial debut in the coming of age dramedy called Mid-90s based on a spec script he wrote. Plot details are still unclear though Variety does say the movie is said to follow a young boy in Los Angeles in the mid 1990’s who learns life lessons while hanging out with his crew of skateboarding friends. Also interesting, Hill will not be acting in this, opting only to stay behind the camera. No release date has been announced.

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Image via Warner Bros.

Max Landis continues his hot streak of new movies coming to the screen with incredible talent attached. Thanks to an article from The Wrap, fresh off his deal with David Ayer and Netflix for the supernatural cop thriller Bright, Landis has another script ready to go with Bradley Cooper now attached to star. The drama Deeper has set White God director Kornel Mundruczo to helm the project with Landis producing alongside David S. Goyer. The story revolves around a disgraced astronaut who sets out on a mission to the bottom of a newly discovered oceanic trench, which is believed to be the lowest point on Earth. In the face of grave danger, “he quickly finds himself in a physical and psychological fight against mysterious forces.” Still no word on a production start date or release.

OPENING THIS WEEK – Brought to you by AMC Theatres


Miles Ahead - In the 1970s, down-and-out jazz trumpeter Miles Davis tries to recover his new session tape from music producers. The film is written, directed and stars Don Cheadle as Miles Davis with Emayatzy Corinealdi and Ewan McGregor.

God’s Not Dead 2 - When a high school teacher is asked a question in class about Jesus, her reasoned response lands her in deep trouble and could expel God from the public square once and for all. The film stars Jesse Metcalfe, David A.R. White, Ray Wise and Robin Givens.

MAIL BAG

Mark Guilherme writes:

Hey Collider,

Just started watching a few weeks ago but now I'm a daily listener.

With all of the mentions of Lex Luthor Sr. in Batman v Superman and considering audience reactions to Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal, do you think we could see WB casting an older actor in the senior role and using that character for future films? Thanks!

Bobby Hoskins writes

Hey, Collider crew. I have a feeling that Disney/Lucasfilm has a big disconnect with the general moviegoers. I've heard many people (who aren't stupid people, just not in the movie news sphere) say that they're excited for the new Star Wars movie because they think it's the next episode and are shocked when I tell them about Rogue One. I think Disney needs to start marketing Rogue One to get people to understand the type of Star Wars movie that is releasing this year. Do you, as well? Thanks for everything you do!

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Image via Lucasfilm