"The Expendables 3" had a very poor opening weekend. 

The latest installment featuring a variety of large name action stars ranging from Jason Statham to Sylvester Stallone made a weak $16.2 million opening weekend coming in fourth behind the rebooted "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" ($28.4 million) and "Guardians of the Galaxy" ($24.7 million).

"Expendables" also came in behind newcomer "Let's Be Cops," starring "New Girls" duo Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. The Fox comedy made $17 million.

The movie was expected to make between $23 and $25 million this weekend.

While "Expendables 3"received poor reviews and leaked online three weeks ahead of its film release, since the series' debut in 2010 each installment has had a smaller opening weekend and has made less domestically at theaters.

SEE ALSO: Here's why Jackie Chan turned down the "Expendables" sequels

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Sony/Columbia’s long-in-development Ghostbusters 3 is one of those projects that, just when we thought it was dead, a fresh round of interest and updates rolls in. With the unfortunate passing of the original 1984 film’s co-star and co-writer Harold Ramis and Bill Murray’s ongoing disinterest in appearing in another sequel, word is that the new film will focus on female Ghostbusters and could be directed by Paul Feig (Bridesmaids).

Feig is only the latest director said to be in talks to helm Ghostbusters 3, with Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) and Phil Lord and Chris Miller (22 Jump Street) all passing on the project after Ghostbusters I & II director Ivan Reitman formally took himself out of the running to direct, but remains on board in a producing capacity and to help shape the new script.

SuperHeroHype recently talked with Reitman about the level of his involvement in the development of the film and why he decided to pass on taking up the director’s chair for a third time. According to Reitman:

“I am very involved. I’m a producer of the film. I wasn’t giving it all up. I suddenly felt that ‘Ghostbusters’ didn’t necessarily need me as a director, at least I didn’t need to direct ‘Ghostbusters,’ let me put it that way. Having done the other two and with the passing of Harold and with Bill Murray seeming disinterested in being in it, I thought it was better for me just to produce it and to make sure we’re going to have the quality and style of what is appropriate for another version of that film. But the franchise could benefit from somebody else’s point of view. I’ve done it twice before and it will be great to get somebody else to lend a hand as well.”

Reitman also commented on the similarly long-in-development Triplets project, a sequel to his 1988 comedy Twins, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. Triplets was supposed to feature Eddie Murphy as another addition to the family. On this, Reitman said, “I’d say it’s very much in the development stage and it’s now caught up in the middle of studio stuff.”

It may be safe to assume we shouldn’t hold our breath for that one. While Reitman’s most recent directing effort, the NFL drama Draft Day starring Kevin Costner, was another in a line of underwhelming box office performers (such as No Strings Attached and My Super Ex-Girlfriend), his clout as a producer remains significant, having overseen his son Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air, among other films.

Ivan Reitman helped shape movie comedies in the ’70s and ’80s, but many of his directing efforts have missed the mark in the past two decades or so. The tone he set in the first two Ghostbusters films will very likely serve as a basic template for the third, but Reitman’s stepping aside in favor of a more contemporary director might be a way to ensure studio and fan confidence in the threequel, along with allowing for a fresh creative perspective.

Are you excited for a third Ghostbusters movie? Who do you think should direct?

Sound off in the comments. Ghostbusters 3 is currently in development. Stay tuned for more information on Triplets.

SEE ALSO: Here's A Great Infographic Showing How 'Ghostbusters' Came To Be

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Few books from childhood permanently shape the minds and hearts of the individuals who read them. When it was published 20 years ago, Lois Lowry’s "The Giver" inspired an entire generation of readers; the author-turned-grandmother still gets dozens of letters in the mail every day related to the book. It’s no wonder that a "Giver" movie, with a black and white world that slowly turns into dazzling Technicolor and themes about what makes us human, was Jeff Bridges’ pet project for over a decade or that heavy hitters, including Meryl Streep and "Salt" director Phillip Noyce signed on. 

It’s also easy to see why "The Giver" might be a tough sell to studios wanting to reach the largest audience possible. "The Giver" is a difficult story, one about an undemocratic state but also about ethics and complex issues like eugenics and euthanization. Lowry’s book is intended for middle-grade readers, but it is a complex title for mature readers that has touched adults, teens, and children alike. For the big screen, Noyce had to take a book that is heavily about the new and eye-opening perceptions of a young man and turn it into a story that would translate on the big screen. By and large he succeeds, giving audiences images that are inspiring without being too heavy-handed, with only a few misfires where some added action grows unnecessary. 

Following are the 10 biggest changes from the book that I noticed in my screening of "The Giver." Plenty of other details were changed, of course, and feel free to remark on any differences you feel may have been more noticeable. There are many spoilers in this book-to-movie comparison. Do not delve in if you want the film to be a surprise. 

1. Jonas, Asher, Fiona, and the other young characters are aged up. Careers are chosen for the three young people at the age of 18, instead of the tender age of 12. Additionally, Jonas’ sister is aged up so that she receives her bike at age 9 in the movie, instead of behaving in a younger manner. The maturation of the characters adds a hint of romance, and it means Jonas' grown-up demeanor better suits his character overall. 

2. In the movie, technology is more impressive. The world is a technologically advanced place filled with drones, 3-D transmissions, and impressive-looking devices of all sorts. This means Jonas has never seen a book of any kind, and much of the information imparted from the Giver is new. He also receives his medicine through injections and has to figure out a clever way to beat the injection system in order to start feeling true emotions. 

3. The memories Jonas receives are similar but different from those in the book. His first experience of pain is of a bee sting instead of a sunburn. When he first experiences war, he sees an incident of modern warfare from what looks like the Vietnam period, rather than an old-timey war with horses and cannons. The movie often juxtaposes real video footage. Nelson Mandela, Tiananmen Square, and more pop up, connecting Jonas and the Giver’s experiences to important cultural moments and events, and tying the narrative a little closer to history. 

4. Jonas is able to share many of his experiences with others. In the books, Jonas does act out a few times, asking his parents if they love him and more. The movie highlights Jonas’ struggle to hold in all of the memories that he has been given. He kisses Fiona and teaches his sister to dance. He takes Fiona sledding using metal trays on a hilly surface. He tries to explain love. This causes him to be noticed by the elders in the community and puts him in danger later on. 

5. The Giver explains love to Jonas. In the books, to explain love, the Giver gives Jonas his favorite memory, a window into a family sharing a warm and special Christmas. In the movie Jonas learns about love from words spoken by the Giver, but he doesn’t truly experience it until he gets close with the "uncertain" baby Gabriel. 

6. Jonas threatens to leave the Giver after experiencing war for the first time in the film. In the books, once he takes the war memory from his mentor, he wants to leave but feels he has no choice but to return. He gets more time to brood but to also mentally handle the pain he has been handed. In the movie, Jonas spends less time with the Giver to keep the movie’s pace fluid and engaging. 

7. The Chief Elder is the big villain. While the setup of society is faulty in "The Giver" book, the Chief Elder plays a much bigger role to keep memories out in the movie. I’m not sure if the role was expanded once Meryl Streep signed on, but she sure does get plenty of screen time in the film. 

8. The Giver keeps the memory of music in the books. Noyce’s film shows the Giver teaching Jonas about music, but in the book the Giver’s memories fade once he passes them to Jonah. He attempts to explain music to Jonah, but Jonah valiantly gives the memory of music up. In the memories, music is used to connect Rosemary, the failed Receiver, to the present and to give Taylor Swift an opportunity to use her talents onscreen.

9. Fiona is given a bigger role in the movie, and her career is changed. In the books, Jonas has his first stirrings related to his friend Fiona. However, he eventually kisses her in the movie and tries to share many of his experiences with her. This changes her in integral ways, too. As a nursery worker, she is able to help Jonas escape and to be targeted by the elders for release against her will. 

10. The third act in the movie is heightened. Jonas decides to take baby Gabriel, and this leads to a heightened chase through the nursery and into the wild on a motorcycle. Because Jonas jumps from a cliff and is dropped by his friend Asher into a large lake with a waterfall, the ending is a bit more exciting, although it takes away from the philosophical nature of Lowry’s book. 

SEE ALSO: Why 'The Giver' Is Too Late To The Young Adult Movie Franchise Party

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We know the most expensive movies ever made, but do you know which props were sold for the largest amount?

A study by eBay Entertainment Memorabilia gathered the most expensive movie props used in films in a new infographic.

Costumes and cars make up most of the memorabilia, ranging from Dorothy's ruby red slippers in "The Wizard of Oz" to the DeLorean from "Back to the Future."

The most expensive prop? According to the study, that's the white dress Marilyn Monroe wore in "The Seven Year Itch," which sold for a reported $4.6 million.

Take a look at all of the pricey props below: 

SEE ALSO: Most expensive movies ever made

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If "The Giver" had opened in the 1990s as originally intended, before the young adult dystopia boom, it could have been huge. The film opened just north of $12.7 million this weekend, which is chump change compared to other movies in the genre. 

Unfortunately for The Weinstein Company, the film's distributor, we live in a post-"Hunger Games" world where the market is incredibly overstuffed with dystopian young adult projects. While somesucceed, othersflounder, and even though 'The Giver' may have been the novel that inspired the entire genre, its formula has been sucked dry by all the competition and the film is no longer as culturally relevant as a result.

The blockbuster "The Hunger Games" series likely would not have existed without Lois Lowry's "The Giver," and according to the film's producer, "The Giver" film itself would never have made it to the screen if it weren't for the success of "The Hunger Games."

This seemingly mutual relationship is actually more one-sided than it appears — since "The Hunger Games" was released first, it not only stole "The Giver's" proverbial thunder, but also its shot at financial success. 

Rebecca Ford at The Hollywood Reporter reported on the film's tumultous path from page to screen and points out a number of fascinating details, like the fact that adapting the novel has been a passion project of Jeff Bridge's for nearly two decades.

Bridges originally wished to direct his father in a "Giver" adaptation, but the project slipped through the cracks time and time again, and he eventually lost the rights. In 2009, 

Bridges got the rights back (after more failed attempts to set up the film at different production companies) and, after the success of "The Hunger Games," Harvey Weinstein expressed interest in adapting the seemingly unadaptable novel. This time Jeff Bridges would play the role originally intended for his father.

Since the film was made on an estimated $25-$30 million budget, it shouldn't have any problem breaking even at the domestic box office. In that sense, "The Giver" is signifcantly smaller scale than most dystopian science-fiction, yet it's certainly trying to be just as ambitious. While it will certainly recoup its budget and most likely turn a (relatively small) profit,  the film will get nowhere near the exposure that it should for being an adaptation of the be-all, end-all dystopian YA novel that essentially started the trend. 

In Hollywood, timing can be everything. While bloggers argue over whether the tension in Ferguson this week will affect the box office results for "Let's Be Cops" (early estimates show that the answer to this quandry is "no"), in the case of "The Giver," it's just simply too late in the game for the film to thrive. The next installment of "The Hunger Games" trilogy-plus-one is on the horizon, as is the sequel to this year's slightly disappointing but still profitable "Divergent."

No matter how great the film may be (reviews are fairly mixed), there is simply no room for "The Giver" in this crowded and over-saturated demo to make a real impact.  

SEE ALSO: The One Thing 'The Giver' Author Lois Lowry Urged Filmmakers To Edit

MORE: Author Lois Lowry: Harvey Weinstein Changed The Ending To 'The Giver' Movie

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"Let's Be Cops" may already be profitable less than a week after its debut, but that doesn't mean it's worth your time.

The film, about two struggling pals who dress as police officers for a costume party and get caught up in real life crime, has been universally panned by critics. But as a fan of Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. on Fox's "New Girl," I had to check it out for myself. Unfortunately, the critics were right.

Here are five reasons why you should stay far away from "Let's Be Cops." 

1. The details are utterly implausible. 

There's not one sequence in "Let's Be Cops" that seems believable. From the opening sequence, nothing we see on-screen registers as taking place in the real world, and crucial plot details are conveniently presented without any real attempt of an explanation.

Ryan (Jake Johnson) and Justin's (Damon Wayans Jr.) trivial abuses of power eventually lead to real cases, but don't bother scratching your head over the logistics of how two non-cops can show up to a crime scene and exit swiftly prior to the real ones ever showing up.  Once real police officers start believing their schtick, all chances of believability are completely out the window. 

2. We've seen this plot countless times. 

The actual "plot" of the film is painfully familiar. The seeds are sowed in the opening sequence as Ryan and Justin get into an altercation with some intimidating looking thugs. Every buddy cop movie has its villains, and this time the "insert-intimidating-gangsters-here" that our fake cops happen to upset are Russian mobsters.

As an audience, we know it's only a matter of time before these baddies rear their heads again, and the script offers a total of zero surprises as it goes through the motions. Anybody whose ever seen any other movie in the genre can accurately predict every single beat of the story, which makes it a real chore to sit through.

3. There are so many wasted opportunites. 

The real kicker is that "Let's Be Cops" is one of those dumb ideas that could be great. A buddy-cop movie where the two buddies aren't actually cops is a funny logline, but the script is so weak that no matter how hard Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. try, it's always an uphill battle.

Many cameos by talented comedians are also let-downs, with amazingly funny people like Natasha Leggero and Keegan-Michael Key relegated to unfunny caricatures. The biggest letdown has to be Rob Riggle as the legitimate police officer who just can't get enough of Ryan and Justin's wacky tactics. Riggle usually shines in bit roles like this (both "Jump Street" films, "The Other Guys") but here he is given nothing to work with.

4. If the film keeps making money, it could spawn bad sequels.

It's always troubling when inferior releases do so well at the box office, as Hollywood likes to follow trends. It wouldn't be shocking if a "Let's Be Cops" sequel gets announced later this week, as the film only cost $17 million and has already grossed $26 million domestically thus far. At the very least, we will certainly see more of Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. on the silver screen. 

5. It's just not that funny. 

When it comes down to it, all I expect from a comedy is laughter. If I laugh more than I groan, I consider that film a success. During the film's grueling 104 minutes, I laughed a total of three times, and two of those scenes were in the trailers.

The filmmakers seem to have mistaken useless banter for jokes, as almost every scene begins with Ryan and Justin disagreeing about what miraculously stupid thing they'll do next and ends with them doing the exact thing they just spent five minutes bickering about. If you're going to make a film this brazenly silly, at least have the audacity to go all-out, and no, that doesn't mean using your R-rating to show us an obese man's scrotum. In the right hands, "Let's Be Cops" could have been a hilarious satire that skewered the genre, but instead we're left with a hollow shell of what could have been.

SEE ALSO: ‘Let's Be Cops’ Opens With Strong $5.2 Million at Box Office

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The summer 2014 box office may be down nearly 20%; however, it still managed to bring one billion dollar movie and two of the highest box-office openings August has ever seen ("Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles").

As the summer winds down, we've compiled the biggest movies of the season, breaking each film down by both its international and domestic revenues. Unsurprisingly, all but two films on the list have made more money overseas. 

A few take aways:

• Comedies were bigger at home than overseas.
• Fox dominated the summer with three very different sequels: superhero film "X-Men: Days of Future Past,""Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," and comedy "22 Jump Street."
• Paramount was the only studio to have a movie hit $1 billion this year.
• Universal Pictures doesn't break the top 10. It's highest-grossing movie of the year so far has been comedy "Neighbors" ($264.7 million worldwide).

SEE ALSO: Photos of Lee Pace's awesome transformation into the "Guardians of the Galaxy" villain

AND: You can now watch the best scene from "Guardians of the Galaxy" online

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One of the sharpest criticisms levied against George Lucas' Star Wars prequels was focused on the writer/director's abandonment of practical effects and puppetry in favor of CGI - which was quite a good deal less advanced than it is today.

Fortunately, that's not the direction that the new trilogy of films will be looking in. Both director J.J. Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy have previously talked about their desire to make Star Wars: Episode VII feel real and feature more non-digital wizardry, and now Star Wars: Episodes VIII and IX director Rian Johnson is joining the chorus with a shared sentiment about the direction of the franchise. 

Johnson was recently a guest on the Girls in Hoodies podcast, and while he really couldn't go into any detail about what's in store for Star Wars: Episodes VII and IX, he did laud all of the non-computer generated effects work that is currently going into the making of the next chapter of the sci-fi saga. Describing the work being done by Abrams and his crew as being "awesome," the filmmaker talked about how there is now actually a certain quality to practical effects work that really has a special draw for audiences, especially because of how many CGI-driven blockbusters are out in theaters nowadays. Said Johnson:

"I think people are coming back around to [practical effects]. It feels like there is sort of that gravity pulling us back toward it. I think that more and more people are hitting kind of a critical mass in terms of the CG-driven action scene lending itself to a very specific type of action scene, where physics go out the window and it becomes so big so quick."

This is particularly true for older members of the audience who can look at practical effects and conjure memories of the movies that they grew up with - but this fact isn't lost on Rian Johnson either. Thinking about the material kids are growing up on today, the director admitted that aspect of filmmaking may end up just being a "generational thing." But what better place than Star Wars for the two worlds to collide? Even with a good amount of emphasis put on practical effects, the new trilogy is guaranteed to also feature a good amount of CGI, and there's nothing wrong with that - provided that the artists are given enough time to do their best work. 

J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII is still in production and likely will be for at least a few more weeks, the film still aiming for its announced December 18, 2015 release date. Rian Johnson, meanwhile is already working on the script for Star Wars: Episode VIII, which will be out some time in 2017. 

SEE ALSO: 3 Things To Know About The Thrill-Seeking Actor Just Cast In 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

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Ant-Man director Peyton Reed confirmed that his Marvel production – after months of uncertainty and gear-shifting – finally was underway. And as if that news needed even more confirmation, we have our first image of Paul Rudd, in character, in the above image. A San Francisco treat for Marvel fans everywhere.

USA Today shared the image, with some insight into the filming and the process that Peyton Reed and the new Ant-Man crew will undergo. This is a shot of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, a criminal who will be pulled into the Marvel universe by an unexpected mentor, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). From the looks of this image, we are seeing Lang early on in his process. He's likely at his lowest, when the world seems to be conspiring against him, and he is forced to steal to provide for his ailing daughter. From what we have been able to ascertain, Lang will break into the laboratories of Dr. Pym and steal his Ant-Man technology... giving him the powers of Ant-Man.

Will he use them for good, or for evil? 

In addition to the modern story of Scott Lang, we are beginning to assume that a chunk of Ant-Man will connect to the older Marvel Cinematic Universe. The official press release from Disney and Marvel confirmed the participation of several key players from the MCU -- notably, John Slattery is in the ensemble, likely as Howard Stark (the role he played in Iron Man 2). As we reported a while back, the Ant-Man production was casting for an actor who looks like a young Michael Douglas. Doesn't this suggest that there will be a lengthy flashback where young Hank Pym interacts with historical figures from the MCU? That's our best guess at the moment. 

Ant-Man will shift its production to Atlanta after securing these San Francisco images, likely recording landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge (above) and maybe a few trolley cars before settling in to nondescript (and decidedly cheaper) Georgia studio spaces. We saw footage of Ant-Man at San Diego Comic-Con, and while it looked very cool, it's tough to determine how much of Ant-Man will be able to be pulled off with practical effects. There was a scene of Scott Lang riding on the back of an actual ant. That has to be digital, which likely means a lot of green screen. 

Ant-Man is due in theaters in July 17, 2015. The above photo is courtesy of Zade Rosenthal, Marvel and USA Today. 

SEE ALSO: Marvel Showed Off Really Cool Footage From 'Ant-Man' At SDCC

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As both Disney and Warner Bros.’ studios continue to expand their respective DC and Marvel cinematic universes, the race is on for each side to stake claim in big recognizable actors to carry future franchises. 

“Fast and Furious” franchise star Vin Diesel has already signed onto team Marvel, first with a role in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and more recently hinting at a larger role still to come. 

His co-star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has been in talks with DC Comics for some time to work on a film, and it sounds like we’ll finally learn which superhero he will play. 

The Associated Press reports Johnson is up for the roles of superhero Shazam and anti-hero Black Adam. 

According to AP, it sounds like Johnson has the final say in who he gets to play. 

“[He] has yet to decide between superhero Shazam and his arch-nemesis Black Adam.” 

The Rock has previously told fans Black Adam is one of his favorite superheroes.  

Green Lantern (John Stewart) and Black Adam are my fav superheroes, but GL's already been made and stamped. #RockTalk@CFitzyy

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 25, 2014

If you’re not familiar with the characters, here’s a quick rundown on the duo. 

Shazam 

The hero started out as a young orphan named Billy Batson. He was given the ability to transform into an adult superhero by an old wizard (named Shazam) any time he utters the phrase Shazam. 

Originally known as Captain Marvel, Shazam is an acronym which stands for the six heroes he gets his powers from: Soloman, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. This allows him to fly, have super strength and speed, among other powers. 

If the character seems a bit like the Man of Steel, you’re not alone. The character was deemed so similar to Superman that it resulted in a lawsuit between National Comics (Superman’s distributor) and Fawcett Publications (who ran the then Captain Marvel comics). 

The character was later reimagined in the ‘70s as Shazam. 

Black Adam

Best known as Shazam’s arch-nemesis, Black Adam is essentially the dark version of the superhero with the same powers. Adam was granted his powers before Shazam and after he finds out about his existence his main goal is to destroy him.  

More recently, the character has been written as an anti-hero since his reintroduction to the comics in the '90s.

Black Adam could possibly be for Warner Bros. what Tom Hiddleston’s popular antihero Loki is for Disney and Marvel. 

Which role could you see Johnson as?

SEE ALSO: Why a Marvel/DC movie crossover will never happen

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Most of us would agree that texting in movie theaters has become a serious problem.

Certain theater chains – like the Alamo Drafthouse – go out of their way to protect patrons from the annoyance of handheld devices being used during the theatrical experience. Now, however, major theaters in China are going in the opposite direction in order to appeal to tech-savvy ticket buyers. 

Meet the "bullet screens" concept (a name that really needs to be changed due to gun-violence sensitivity, particularly following recent events during movie screenings). THR reports that movie theaters in major Chinese cities are rolling out this new technology that allows audience members to "send text messages commenting on the film, which are then projected directly onto the screen." 

The idea behind the "bullet screens" grows from the fact that younger Chinese audience members tend to watch movies on handheld devices instead of big screens, and they routinely comment via SMS text messages while viewing. This new technology allows them to interact with friends while the movie is on the big screen. THR also says that the Luxin cinema in the Shandong province experimented with the system for a screening of the 3D animated movie The Legend of Qin. The theater manager said that it was a success, but he’s hesitant to proclaim it a slam dunk, stating: 

People like it right now, as it’s a new thing. In the long term, it might affect people’s concentration. We are trying to continue with some bullet screen activities and play some films that young people like. Time will tell."

Considering violence too often breaks out when people text in movie theaters, I’m guessing this "bullet screens" technology won’t catch on in the United States. But tell me, are you open to the concept? If there were specific screenings that were blocked off for people who wanted to do the "bullet screens," would you go? Would you even pay extra? You know that theater chains and major Hollywood studios will be paying close attention to the response to this new system. If it’s something that can drive up attendance at U.S. theaters – where numbers have been down all season – you can bet that Hollywood will give it a shot. 

SEE ALSO: The 10 Highest-Grossing Summer Movies Of 2014

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There used to be a time when one blockbuster superhero property was enough to keep fans satisfied, but Marvel changed all that with its Avengers movie universe. With Batman V Superman and even X-Men: Days of Future Past following a similar rule – that merging heroes and brands means bigger business – crossovers between rival studios seems inevitable.

But even if Marvel’s separation of properties across multiple Hollywood studios means that X-Men‘s producer wants a team-up with The Avengers or Fox may be building towards an X-Men/Fantastic Four shared universe, DC Comics is another story. While the two juggernauts may have joined/clashed forces in the past, fans shouldn’t expect DC and Marvel to share the same space anytime soon – especially not on the big screen. 

Many cynics these days point to crossovers – whether they be between heroes under a single banner or across corporate lines – as a sign of corporate greed, unless studios “put in time” as Marvel did, establishing standalone heroes before uniting them in a single movie. It appears that DC Comics and Warner Bros. are also looking to create a shared movie universe sooner rather than later, withmultiple superhero films slated for release in the coming years.

Once both Marvel and DC get their universes up and running – the two studios with the most known characters to draw upon – then filmgoers, like comic readers before them, will no doubt wonder what would happen if the two joined forces. A world-ending blockbuster with unstoppable potential, some would likely say. And there’s even a precedent set for it in the comics.

The most often cited crossover tends to be the 1996 “DC vs. Marvel” event, essentially pitting the two universes together with only the victor surviving. Long-debated fights between fans were put into action: Aquaman vs. Namor, Flash vs. Quicksilver, even Superman vs. the Hulk. When all was said and done, the two were merged into a single Amalgam universe, meaning that although the event produced some memorable stories and artwork, neither ended up on top.

The comic event – or the later “JLA/Avengers” event of 2003 – may seem like evidence that a movie crossover could happen, with a potential story in place to follow as well. But we would point out that in 1996, the world of comic books was a very different one. Not only did it seem that the medium’s best days were behind it (arguably, that’s still the case), but Marvel Comics was just a few years away from bankruptcy.

In other words: the two rival publishers both had something to gain by meeting fan demand, and were both sorely in need of a boost.

Those times have changed, with Marvel boss Joe Quesada (who helped save the publisher) claiming that the superhero or comic book genres of film aren’t going anywhere. That being said, the world of comic book talent is nowhere near as divided as film; artists and writers move from DC to Marvel to creator-owned properties in pursuit of steady work or more creative freedom. And there are already signs that creative freedom won’t be a top priority for big screen superhero films as shared universes become more and more rigid.

Is it the same case for the comics? When we sat down with writer/artist/creator/DC co-publisher Jim Lee and Marvel artist/writer Brian Michael Bendis at a townhall meeting at SDCC 2014, the question of crossovers was inevitably raised. Both legendary creators have seen the restriction and benefits of the comic book world close up: Lee may be cemented as a DC executive today, but made his start with Marvel before launching his own label and “WildC.A.T.s” series, among others.

As the mind behind “Ultimate Spider-Man,” one of the founding members of Marvel’s “Ultimate” Universe, and writer of the “New Avengers” relaunch, it goes without saying that Bendis has a passion for many Marvel properties, regardless of who owns the movie rights to either. And the pair reiterated that its the creators, artists, and writers who dream of crossovers just as much as their audience. And as fans have come to expect, Bendis spoke quite candidly:

“The last time I was in a room with Jim Lee, we were at LA Comic-Con… [looks to Lee] you came up and whispered in my ear: ‘WildC.A.T.s/Avengers…’ and then you walked away and I haven’t seen you since… But I thought: ‘I’d drop something to do that.’

“See, this is what happens when the creators get together and the whispers start, and then the ideas start running, and then the realities of corporate America stop it right in its tracks.”

It isn’t hard to grasp why corporations would put the brakes on even their own creators’ enthusiasm for cross-company collaboration, as it happens just as often in today’s film industry. An Avengers/Guardians of the Galaxy crossover is already in the works, but even when a producer of Fox’s X-Men universe expresses a clear desire to merge the series with Marvel’s, it’s immediately deemed a long shot (Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has said it won’t be happening any time soon).

Still, the upside seems obvious to any optimistic fan: Marvel and DC both enjoy increased attention and sales with universe-wide ‘events,’ even bringing iconic super-teams to blows. While that may be easier when all characters are owned by the same company, Jim Lee offered his opinion on the less obvious challenges, and reminding fans that the main reason companies choose not to combine success is the same for comics as it is in film – they simply don’t have to:

“I think it’s a lot of work, it requires a lot of people working in good faith. I think the big questions is: both companies make a lot of money off their own titles, so what’s in it for them to share that revenue? That’s a big part of it. Obviously it would be huge news, and you would think that the increased sales would make up for that, but then, who’s throwing in what talent to the pool, all that kind of stuff.”

The escalated pressure and workload can’t be understated when crossovers move from the corporate minefield of comics into the realm of blockbuster movies. While Fox’s Mark Millar might long for a world where competing studios compose a single superhero universe, someone has to actually run the project for all involved.

Avengers writer/director Joss Whedon has said he’s not interested in having to write a story with more characters than he has already, and it’s hard to argue that you could do justice to all heroes in such a packed cast – especially when the studio making the film has a clear interest in giving their own properties time in the spotlight.

Bendis – never one to shy away from bold statements – explained another core issue: if Marvel or DC ever actually planned to combine superhero franchises, somebody would have to lose.

“Also, there’s that element where people don’t want to see Marvel and DC beat up Lex Luthor – they want to see Marvel vs. DC. They want to see Thor vs .Superman, and then either Thor or Superman have to get their ass kicked for it to matter. And neither company wants that, you know… ‘It has been stated that Superman is stronger than Thor.’ They don’t want it, neither company would want that. And they’re all billion-dollar characters now, so no one’s interested in making them cooler than the next, so… I get it.

“People want a loser. The reason ‘Civil War’ was successful was somebody lost, and they were shocked: ‘Oh my God, somebody lost!’ You know, they didn’t shake hands at the end and go: ‘Well then, we’ve both seen the light of day.’ You want to see Thor with his foot on Superman’s neck just grinding it in. That’s all they want to see.”

It may seem silly to get hung up on something like ego when movie franchises are on the line, but even the slightest mistake can mean lost millions for movie studios. That being said, comic book movies may end up changing just as much as their source material, so who knows what the future could hold.

Aside from the reasons mentioned above, the difference in tone between the two studios may be the largest hurdle in the end. For now, Zack Snyder is on record asloving Marvel’s brand of superhero movies, and Joss Whedon “adores” some of the darker approach. But as we know, the creators aren’t the ones who get to decide if a crossover is in the cards.

It’s safe to say that movie studios won’t agree to share responsibility, share the talent, or share the profits until they absolutely have to. But if they get to that point, it’s anything but good news for fans – regardless of which studio you prefer.

What’s your take on the chances of a DC/Marvel crossover? Is it really a head-to-head fight you would need to make the event worthwhile, or is the difference in tone too much to overcome? Sound off in the comments.

SEE ALSO: Why Marvel's 14-Year Movie Plan Should Cause Concern For Warner Bros.

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Kevin Smith has a number of big shot Hollywood friends, having worked with a number of them during his time as a director, but recently he has apparently become close with Johnny Depp, of all people. 

Back in April it was "revealed" that the Oscar-nominated actor would be playing a role in the filmmaker's upcoming horror movie Tusk, but their collaboration isn't ending there. Now new reports have surfaced saying that Depp will actually be the star of Smith's next feature - and he'll be bringing along his daughter for the ride. 

The Hollywood Reporter is now saying that Johnny Depp is now attached to star in the upcoming film Yoga Hosers, and he'll be doing so alongside his real life daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, as well as Kevin Smith's daughter Harley Quinn Smith.

Based on an original screenplay by Smith, the story centers on two Canadian 15-year-old girls named Colleen (Depp and Smith's daughters) who are infatuated with yoga and work at a convenience store called Eh-2-Zed. The plot takes a turn when supernatural forces threaten to stop the girls from getting to a party, so they team up with a "legendary man-hunter from Montreal named Guy Lapointe (Depp)" to take down the forces of evil. 

Kevin Smith has previously referred to Yoga Hosers as a spin-off to Tusk, which isn't surprising given that most of the cast of that movie - including Michael Parks, Justin Long, Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez, Ralph Garman, Jennifer Schwalbach and Harley Morenstein - will be in the new one. The director has said that Tusk features a scene set at the Eh-2-Zed, and this development could suggest that Depp will be making his debut performance as Guy Lapointe in the horror movie. Also signing on to the film and, by extension, the indie cinematic universe are Tony Hale, Natasha Lyonne, Austin Butler, Adam Brody, Tyler Posey and Jay himself, Jason Mewes. 

THR adds that the writer/director is thinking of this film as his foray into the world of comic book movies (obviously not including the Superman Lives script that he wrote years ago and never ended up getting made). Said Smith, 

"People always ask me ‘Are you ever going to make a comic book movie?’ This is it - but instead of yet another dude saving the day, our antiheroes are the most feared and formidable creatures man has ever encountered: two 15-year-old girls."

Exactly when we might see Yoga Hosers or when it will go into production remains a question mark. The production has already found financing, and foreign rights for the film will be on sale at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (which is quickly approaching). Before all of that. you'll be able to see Kevin Smith's Tusk in theaters on September 19th. 

SEE ALSO: Johnny Depp's Film Financiers And Agent Are At Odds Over $20 Million Salary

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Filming on director Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice keeps chugging along, with Ben Affleck portraying a middle-aged Caped Crusader who squares off against Henry Cavill’s younger (and less experienced) Man of Steel. However, the latest photos to have leaked from the set move the spotlight onto some of the movie’s supporting players – including one whose mystery role in the superhero blockbuster continues to be a popular topic of discussion for speculation among fans.

Images of Cavill in his Superman costume (albeit, covered up with a black cloak) on the Batman V Superman set have popped up online recently, courtesy of Just Jared. More interesting, arguably, are the set images for the movie that feature such actors as Holly Hunter – whose unannounced role was created “specifically for her” according to Snyder– and Tao Okamoto (The Wolverine), who is reported to be playing Mercy Graves - the bodyguard for the film’s version of Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg).

Okamoto’s uniform in Batman V Superman, as pictured below, does seem befitting of the Mercy Graves character, while Hunter likewise seems dressed to play a senator, as has been rumored in the past. The last person who is shown below is Scoot McNairy (Halt and Catch Fire), the increasingly popular character actor who also costarred in Affleck’s Oscar-winning feature Argo.

@treinman@RileeChastain@HenryCavillNews@BatmanNewsCom Tao Okamoto on the set of #BatmanVSuperman in #Detroit. pic.twitter.com/G3CYzoN8S0

— The Bananadoctor (@Bananadoc) August 19, 2014

@HenryCavillNews@BatmanNewsCom Messing with zoom. Didn't realize it was Holly Hunter til I got home #BatmanVSupermanpic.twitter.com/m3PEXGm2jE

— The Bananadoctor (@Bananadoc) August 19, 2014

Look, it's Scoot McNairy again! #BatmanVSupermanpic.twitter.com/fBZ347Qa3s

— The Bananadoctor (@Bananadoc) August 19, 2014

McNairy’s under-wraps character in Snyder’s newest comic book film adaptation has been a popular topic for speculating about, since the reports of the actor’s involvement with Batman V Superman first hit the ‘Net. That discussion should only heat up, thanks to a related set image posted by Batman News (more images below). As you can see, McNairy is wearing a green screen suit from the calves down, suggesting that his legs will be digitally altered during post-production – for some as-yet unrevealed purpose, that is.

Our mysterious character, played by Scoot McNairy, in Detroit. @D3T0N8R@Bananadoc@RileeChastain#BatmanvSupermanpic.twitter.com/g5om7OhDjB

— Tim Reinman (@treinman) August 19, 2014

So, who could McNairy be playing? Well, in the past, we’ve speculated that it could Dick Grayson a.k.a. Robin, a.k.a. Nightwing. In that case, the green screen-ing of the actor’s legs could be to remove them in post-production, so that he is now physically disabled. This might indicate that present-day Mr. Grayson suffered a terrible physical injury in the line of duty some years ago – and thus, is either no longer fighting crime alongside Batman (re: the two have parted ways), or is doing so now in a different fashion.

A less downbeat (yet perhaps even more intriguing) theory is that McNairy is playing The Flash - meaning, he’s wearing the green screen leggings to assist with the super speed visual effect processing on Batman V Superman.

SEE ALSO: FIRST LOOK: Ben Affleck As Bruce Wayne On The Set Of 'Batman V Superman'

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Like it or not, Jonathan Liebesman’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a hit. Audiences are packing screenings from coast to coast, helping the Turtle reboot power to nearly $120 million in domestic ticket sales and close to $200 million in global earnings. Fans heading to movie theaters are having a lot of fun. This story is about a fan who didn’t have to travel to a theater to see the anticipated movie, thanks to some help from Paramount Pictures. 

Reddit user Harpster604 shared this story, stating that his cousin – a huge TMNT fan-- suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and is confined to a hospital bed. It prevents him from getting to a theater to see the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie in a multiplex, surrounded by fellow fans. Understanding the power of the Reddit community, Harpster started asking around. He explains: 

I decided to message the r/movies mods beforehand to see if this was appropriate, and to my surprise one of the mods, /u/kleinbl00, knew someone who had worked on the movie and offered to help out!"

And help out, they did. A screener of the movie arrived with a copy of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles saved for viewing. The following images were shared via Imgur. They show an official Paramount masthead, a handwritten letter, and a heartbreaking image of a strong Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan smiling from a major accomplishment. 

What a spectacular trend this has become. Do you recall, recently, when Marvel went out of its way to secure a private screening for Bill Mantlo, co-creator of Rocket Raccoon who, also, was unable to see a finished film in a theater? Of course, the cynic in me is reminded of Bobby Brady faking an illness to get to meet his favorite football player, Joe Namath, on a classic episode of The Brady Bunch.  

But I think these sentimental gestures are being made from the heart, to get the films in front of the true fans who might not be able to enjoy the big-screen experience, but still want to take that thrilling ride alongside the Guardians or the Turtles. Classy move, Hollywood. Classy move. 

SEE ALSO: 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Blasted Past 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' At The Box Office

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We all know that Henry Cavill is on the scene in Detroit, filming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice alongside co-stars Holly Hunter and Scoot McNairy (is he The Flash?). But today marks the first time we've actually seen him in his new Superman costume, after a multitude of paparazzi images offered us a look at him in his black robe, used to hide his true costumed appearance. While we've previously seen the studio commissioned professional look at Superman, here he is shooting on location:

Thanks to MTV Splash Page (@mtvsplashpage), check out a new shot of Henry Cavill on the #DawnOfJustice set... pic.twitter.com/DxIoawe14d

— Infinite Earths (@InfinteEarths) August 20, 2014

Here is the official image released by Warner Bros. and DC Comics before Comic-Con 2014:

Yesterday, we saw a barrage of new set photos, the most interesting of which offered a look at Scoot McNairy, whose role has not been revealed. Wearing long green socks, used for VFX replacement later in post-production, it is speculated that he is either playing The Flash (the most popular theory) or Metallo. We may not know the true identity of his character until sometime in late 2015 or early 2016, as the film begins its official marketing campaign.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice continues to shoot this week in Detroit.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice comes to theaters March 25th, 2016 and starsHenry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Gal Gadot,Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons. The film is directed by Zack Snyder.

SEE ALSO: ‘Batman V Superman’ Set Photos Tease Another Superhero In The Film

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Buried within a recent Variety profile on 20th Century Fox chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos, Avatar director James Cameron offered a brief update on the sequels Avatar 2, Avatar 3 and Avatar 4.

We reported last year that Avatar 2 will be released in December 2016, with Avatar 3 and Avatar 4 following in 2017 and 2018. The filmmaker revealed that and 20th Century Fox allowed him to develop all three stories over the past few years, and that he is using these stories to comment on what is currently going on in the world and human history, which is rapidly changing day by day.

"There's nothing I need to say as an artist about the state of the world and human affairs that I can't do through the lens of the Avatar universe. We've had a couple of years to think through the story arc of the next three films, and every day that goes by, I believe in the stories I'm telling more and more. We're not coming out of the block fast to capitalize on the last film."

While there have been rumors that all three Avatar sequels will cost $1 billion altogether, Jim Gianopulos reveals the final production budget hasn't been set yet. He did express his excitement to see how the movies will eventually come together.

"We know it's going to be a long journey. We know it's not going to be cheap. We know it's not going to be without new discoveries and new challenges in the process of producing something that is so beyond the normal form of filmmaking and technology, but what could be more exciting than that."

Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Stephen Lang are confirmed to reprise their roles from Avatar, although no other cast members have been set at this time.James Cameron is directing and co-writing the scripts of each sequel with Josh Friedman (Avatar 2), Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Avatar 3) and Shane Salerno (Avatar 4).

The next three Avatar films come to theaters November 2016, 2017, and 2018.

SEE ALSO: James Cameron Gave An Amazing Reddit AMA On Movies He Never Made And The Future Of ‘Avatar’

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After directing the last four Harry Potter movies (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2), David Yates is in talks to direct the spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first in a planned trilogy.

Insiders claim that no deal has been made yet, but negotiations between David Yates and Warner Bros. are ongoing. The story is set seven decades before Harry Potter's story begins, centering on the adventures of Newt Scamander, the fictitious author of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them book that was featured at Hogwarts.

Author J.K. Rowling is making her screenwriting debut with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, revealing in an interview that this spin-off isn't a prequel or a sequel to Harry Potter's story.

"Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for seventeen years, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world."

Warner Bros. announced a November 18, 2016 release date for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, although it isn't clear when shooting will begin, since David Yates still has to resolve scheduling issues. He is currently shooting the Tarzan reboot until November.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them comes to theaters November 18th, 2016. The film is directed by David Yates.

SEE ALSO: I Bought A $47 Interactive Harry Potter Wand And It Was Totally Worth It

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Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was a blockbuster cloaked in mystery. And too many of the questions posed by fans remained unanswered when the final credits rolled. In fact, the final credits contained more mysteries, which we thought were setting up more answers. Sadly, all we have are more questions. 

But, with the release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 on Blu-ray and DVD, the filmmaker and his team FINALLY can begin sharing some answers, via commentary tracks, deleted scenes and featurettes, many of which have been leaking online over the past few days. We saw new footage with Dane DeHaan’s Harry Osborn. We saw an extended scene with Peter Parker’s thought-dead father, Richard Parker. And we saw hints at the Sinister Six. The following video, posted by YouTube user Amazing Spider Man slapped together features from the new DVD, along with fantastic commentary from Marc Webb and his team. Give it a listen: 

Whoa. We’d seen that shot. And we’d heard rumors. But it’s refreshing to hear Webb say, on the record, that Norman is coming back after dying in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. As much as I like Harry, Norman Osborn is like The Joker to Peter’s Batman. He’s the crucial villain we want to see Spider-Man fight on screen. Could it ever happen? 

If it does, it will happen after the rumored Sinister Six movie, and Marc Webb goes to great length in the clip At the 2:15 mark, Marc Webb begins to explain the significance of the lightning strike for the "man in the shadows" in the end credits sequence for The Amazing Spider-Man. He confesses that the man in the hat initially was considered to morph into Electro. Now, he goes by the name The Gentleman, and Webb describes him as a "benefactor of The Sinister Six." 

At the 4-minute mark, Webb begins to talk about the end-credit montage from his recent The Amazing Spider-Man 2, specifically the masks and props that were meant to tease out the members of the Sinister Six. Even here, though, the director confirms that they didn’t know (and possibly still don’t know) all of the members who will be in the Sinister Six movie, or even in The Amazing Spider-Man 3. And as we have seen with Sony, plans on this particular franchise feel more fluid than normal. But he confirms in the commentary track that this is, indeed, Mysterio’s mask: 

And this "iconic symbol" has been confirmed to represent a spear, which likely means Kraven the Hunter. 

Webb has said he wants to see Kraven in a Spider-Man sequel. But will this ever come to pass? The future of the franchise seems to be uncertain, after The Amazing Spider-Man 2 underperformed at the box office. Sony needs to change gears a little to get audiences excited again. I wonder if any of the secrets revealed above will light those fires. 

SEE ALSO: Tour The New York Filming Locations Of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’

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Science fiction classics are making a comeback. A sequel to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is currently in the works at Alcon Entertainment, and cult favorites Battlestar Galactica and Babylon 5 are both being adapted for the big screen.

Now a more recent science fiction property is making a comeback – as a TV show.

According to The Wrap, Steven Spielberg is developing a TV series based on his 2002 sci-fi hit Minority Report, which will be penned by Godzilla writer Max Borenstein.

Now, the deal hasn’t closed quite yet, but should the series go forward at Amblin Television, Spielberg is expected to choose an actor as the lead, just as he did with Halle Berry on CBS’ newest sci-fi drama Extant.

For those who may have missed it, Minority Report starred Tom Cruise as PreCrime Captain John Anderton, a policeman in 2054 who used humans with precognitive abilities to stop murders before they happened. As always, there were a few flaws in the system, and Anderton ended up on the run in an action-packed thrill ride.

This isn’t the first “pre-crime” science fiction series to debut on CBS. Back in 2011,Person of Interest – which has a a similar premise – premiered to high ratings and great reviews. The crime-drama, quickly dubbed Minority Report-lite by the media, followed “an ex-CIA hitman and a scientist who team up to prevent crimes before they happen.”

Person of Interest is now entering its fourth season, and its success very well could’ve paved the way for Minority Report to be adapted for TV.

However, as many know, Minority Report is actually based on a short story by author Philip K. Dick. So it’s just as possible that, following the success of last year’s Under the Dome and the moderate success of this summer’s Extant, Spielberg could simply be looking to adapt his original movie rather than follow in the other series’ footsteps.

What do you think about Spielberg bringing Minority Report to TV? Is there room for both Person of Interest and Minority Report on CBS? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned to Screen Rant for more Minority Report TV series news as it becomes available.

SEE ALSO: You, Too, Can Be Like Tom Cruise In ‘Minority Report’

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