Superhero Scramble

Seems actors are starting to see the new reliability in film adaptations of comic book classics. Since November, 7 major comic book series have taken further steps toward production. Here is your overall update for who's doing what with comics:

Captain America is in the midst of still trying to find the right Steve Rogers. As of the beginning of December, the names are down to Kellan Lutz, who is preparing to shoot the next Twilight sequel Eclipse, and Sam Worthington, who has been recently attached to major flicks such as Terminator Salvation, Avatar and Clash of the Titans. While I do feel he would make an excellent Captain America, there is one major problem. He's English. And while I know that sounds ignorant, just remember this is CAPTAIN AMERICA, (cough, fuck yeah, cough). It would be like an American playing James Bond, something just wouldn't be right. Anywho, the studio is negotiating it as we speak since the The First Avenger: Captain America is scheduled for release summer 2011.

As of the beginning of the November, sourced confirmed that X-Men Origins: Magneto was to be put on the back-burner. Each source gave multiple reasons ranging from the Disney takeover of Marvel, to the Chairman David Maisel stepping down. I personally believe its due to the fact that Marvel has 7 major character movies already some wheres in the production line. Although, the latest out word could boost some new funding into the magnetic super villain. According to CinemaSpy.com, Twilight star Robert Patterson is interested in playing the young Eric Lynch. Now I know most would not like, for whatever the reason, to see the tween heartthrob play such a bad-ass and essential character as Magneto, but in actuality, I gotta agree he could pull it off. To see a different side of him, check out the preview for Remember Me on Apple.com/trailers.

Seems sequels are the new originals today, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine is no exception. Currently in the scripting phase, Hugh Jackman is signed on to this mutant sequel, rumored to cover Logan's time in Japan, where he learns the way of the samurai and becomes romantically involved with Mariko Yashida. Expect the villain to be the Silver Samurai, just a guess. Also, check out the new Wolverine anime series from Marvel Animation and Madhouse, whose works include Ninja Scroll, Trigun, and Paprika.

After starring for 10 minutes in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds landed his early retirement franchises by being named lead for both Green Lantern and Deadpool, both scheduled for release in 2011. And knowing how comic franchises love sequels, Reynolds could be with a steady paycheck for many years to come. Although, as with any franchise, there are always problems. After some recession-influenced setbacks, DC has decided to keep production of its up coming Green Lantern domestic, relocating from Australia to New Orleans. Not too big of a deal, though valuable time wasted still in the process. Production is looking to start January in New Orleans.

In a recent move, Josh Schwartz, the scribe for The OC and Gossip Girl, has jumped into negotiations with Marvel to write its latest franchise, X-Men: First Class. According to sources, the franchise will focus on teenage students of the mutant academy, though it is not confirmed whether it will act as a prequel to the X-Men movies, such as showing Cyclops as a teenager. I will though, put money on the fact that Jubilee will, more than likely, make an appearance; just a hunch.

Finally, we have the enormous cast being assembled for the Avengers movie scheduled for 2012. As speculated, Robert Downey Jr., Edward Norton, and Samuel L. Jackson are attached to the movie, which was expected since they all appeared in last summer's blockbusters, unlike Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johannson, who are emerging from the yet to debut Iron Man 2, to each continue playing the sequel's respective characters. Also, Jeremy Renner, coming off massive buzz from his performance in The Hurt Locker has entered final negotiations to play Hawkeye in the star studded blockbuster, accompanied by Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as the god of thunder's brother, Loki. For those unfamiliar, Chris Hemsworth played Captain James T. Kirk's father in the 2009 Star Trek remake. Tom Hiddleston, is a 28 year old, English newcomer whose resume includes mostly UK television.