Hollywould: James Gunn, ‘John Henry,’ and ‘The Umbrella Academy’

The film and television business moves at a mile a minute, so keeping up with the latest news can be a little daunting. Not to worry—we have your back. In Hollywould, we’ll round up the industry developments you need to know. Here’s what you may have missed:

James Gunn

Disney’s loss is Warner Bros.’ gain. Writer/director James Gunn has been hired to write—and possibly direct—Suicide Squad 2. Reportedly, it’s a brand new take on the villain-led comic and not a direct sequel to the first film. Therefore, there’s a chance it won’t be a complete and utter dumpster fire—it might even be good!

Plus, Dave Bautista is already on board:

Where do I sign up! James Gunn Boards ‘Suicide Squad 2’ To Write And Possibly Direct – Deadline https://t.co/OwdDbAm1Ks

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) October 9, 2018

John Henry and the Statesmen

The Rock took to Instagram to announce John Henry and the Statesmen, a Netflix original from Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle director Jake Kasdan and writer Tom Wheeler. Dwayne Johnson as John Henry leads “an ensemble cast of the most popular figures from folklore and legend from all around the world.”

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WHEN THE MAN COMES AROUND. Inspired to bring to life one of my childhood heroes, John Henry, in JOHN HENRY & THE STATESMEN. In this movie, I’ll lead an ensemble of the most popular folklore figures and legends from different cultures around the world. @NETFLIX is the perfect partner & platform to bring these global folklore icons to life. The NETFLIX brand speaks directly to our @sevenbucksprod ethos of being bold, ambitious and game changing – and most importantly, always thinking “Audience first” in homes all around the world. The legend of JOHN HENRY’S strength, endurance, dignity and cultural pride was instilled in my DNA at a very young age. My dad would sing “Big John” to me every time he would put me to bed. At bedtime most children get loving nursery rhyme songs — I got this/ Every mornin’ at the mine, you could see him arrive. He stood 6 foot 6 and weighed 245. Kind of broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip. And everybody knew you didn’t give no lip to Big John. Big John. Big Bad John. Directing this big ol’ tentpole is the talented and passionate, Jake Kasdan. Jake and I found nice success together in a little movie called, JUMANJI. Gonna be a lot of fun bringing these legends to life. My childhood hero. The steel driving man and his disruptive band of international folklore legends. JOHN HENRY & THE STATESMEN @sevenbucksprod @danygarciaco @hhgarcia41 @flynnpictureco @NETFLIX

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Oct 9, 2018 at 11:50am PDT

Knives Out

Atlanta‘s Lakeith Stanfield will play a detective in Rian Johnson’s upcoming mystery, Knives Out, (according to Deadline), and he joins Daniel Craig and Chris Evans. Stanfield will be Craig’s partner, but Evans’ role is still unknown.

World War Z 2

On the red carpet, producers Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner confirmed that World War Z 2 is still happening, and it still has David Fincher and Brad Pitt:

#BeautifulBoy producers Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner give a #WorldWarZ sequel update https://t.co/uCeXloik7j pic.twitter.com/JMAAIH6xWo

— Variety (@Variety) October 9, 2018

Halloween

Word from Bloody-Disgusting is that another sequel to Halloween is happening (though without involvement from Danny McBride and David Gordon), and could be released as early as next year.

Lady and the Tramp

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Janelle Monae has signed on for Disney’s live-action (with dogs?) Lady and the Tramp remake as Peg, “the wise-cracking pound dog” played by Peggy Lee in the original film.

The Umbrella Academy

AV Club has a set of character posters and stills from Netflix’s upcoming The Umbrella Academy. The series, an adaptation of the comic from writer Gerard Way and artist Gabrial Bá, follows a former team of child superheroes who grew up into total hot messes. After their adoptive father dies, the dysfunctional family reunites. Also, the world might end.

Trailer Roundup

Check out Christian Bale’s gnarly double chin in Vice:

Who do you trust to run your drugs? Why not Clint Eastwood, like in The Mule?:

Sometimes dead is better, according to Pet Sematary:

Here’s the final trailer for Overlord, which actually came out yesterday:

Last week, Netflix dropped not one, but two looks at season 3 of Daredevil:

Additionally, get ready to binge the next part of Making a Murderer:

Furthermore, Claire Underwood will destroy you in House of Cards:

Also, Amazon takes a look at the sinister Vought International with its teaser for The Boys:

Moreover, it’s the end of the world as we know it if David Tennant and Michael Sheen can’t play nice in Good Omens:

…And school spirit! Reaganomics! Assassins! Deadly Class!:

Finally, dive into the extended Aquaman trailer:

(Get it? “Dive in?”…Because water and—no, it was bad. I’m sorry.)

—Jackson Sutliff