Hollywould: Spawn, Star Wars, and SAG-AFTRA
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:
Joaquin Phoenix Officially the Joker
The Hollywood Reporter reports the long-rumored Joker origin movie is happening for real— with Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character. Todd Phillips will handle the script and direction. Word is it’ll be taking cues from Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s The Killing Joke, which explores the Joker’s origins as a failing stand-up comedian before fate drives him insane.
This is separate from Jared Leto’s Joker standalone movie. So there’s two Joker movies coming out that are entirely unconnected. As long as it doesn’t remind me of Suicide Squad, I’m happy.
Jeremy Renner Joins Spawn
In other comic movie news, Todd McFarlane’s Spawn film (starring Jamie Foxx) has landed another key player: Jeremy Renner. He’s cast as “Twitch” Williams, a detective who works with Spawn.
Keri Russell Joining Star Wars?
Word from Variety is that Keri Russell’s been cast in J.J. Abrams’ Episode IX. No word on whether she’s signing up with the Resistance or the First Order, but the role’s described as “action-heavy;” Russell’s got action experience with Abrams, having collaborated on Mission: Impossible III.
SAG-AFTRA Seeks Animation Strike
Bad news for cartoon fans: SAG-AFTRA is looking for authorization for a strike. TV animation members have until July 18th to make a decision. The strike’s chief concern? Streaming residuals. Gabrielle Carteries, SAG-AFTRA President, sent a message to affected members:
“Animation performers need the power of a strike authorization to avoid losing the hard-fought gains that generations of performers before them have struggled to win. That is why the National Board has unanimously recommended that you vote YES to authorize a strike, if necessary, of these agreements.”
The authorization doesn’t mean a strike will happen, but it’s a powerful negotiating tool to have on the table. Fingers crossed BoJack fans.
Margot Robbie Give Birds of Prey Details
Surprise! More comic stuff! It’ll never be over. According to Flickering Myth, Margot Robbie let it slip in an interview that Birds of Prey will be an R-rated production, and it starts shooting next January with a “much smaller budget” than previous DC movies. While promoting Terminal to Yahoo! Movies, Robbie added that she wants Birds of Prey to feature a diverse lineup:
“…Real life isn’t so one specific image. We’ve got to reflect that onscreen.”
Also, Harley Quinn is getting a new costume. I’m sure it’ll be fun.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite Drops Teaser
Finally, have a look at the latest from noted weirdo Yorgos Lanthimos.
—Jackson Sutliff