Two new posters from Punisher: War Zone have surfaced, photographed by Getty at a party thrown for Ray Stevenson. As they are watermarked, you'll have to click on the snipped version to your right to see them. But hey, you also get to see the photos of the party and feel as though you were there.

I like these so much more than last month's teaser poster. I get the love for the Punisher's skull emblem, but he is the kind of character that you just need to put in people's faces. Unless you are Superman or Batman, the emblem is nothing unless it is displayed proudly on your muscular, heroic chest.

Things continue to move slowly in the land of Punisher: War Zone. Every update is so minor that I can't even post it -- even the newly launched official website hasn't managed to offer anything for discussion. There's not even any good photos of Ray Stevenson as the titular hero. I'm stuck illustrating this piece with a photo from Rome because I think a handsome man like Stevenson deserves more than a dark profile shot. Just imagine he's wearing a black t-shirt, and there's a warehouse or dark street behind him, and it'll look better than the official stills do. (Jessica posted those for you back in January. Yeah, it's been that long.)

But, at last, there is an update, via director Lexi Alexander's blog. The studio has pushed the release all the way back to December. (It was originally set for September.) Allegedly, it's not because they are unhappy with the film, but because they think it will do better numbers. "They also moved our release date to December 5th, which is, according to my reps, a much, much better date. I myself would have thought that people will think twice about going to see an extremely violent movie the closer it gets to Jesus' B-day, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or whatever other holy holiday you're celebrating. Well, the box office records prove different and instead, all you sick f**** get more blood thirsty that time of year. (And I say that with lovingly affection, cause I'm relying on all the sick f**** to show up)." Ah, Christmas -- the holly and the ivy, and the spraying of semi automatics.

I think I can speak for most fans of Marvel Comic's Punisher when I say that in light of just how crappy previous Punisher flicks have been in the past, then a 're-boot' was really the only sensible option (though I'm not sure it's a re-boot; perhaps a continuation or something along those lines). Latino Review is now hosting three new images from Punisher: War Zone straight from director Lexi Alexander's blog (which you can also view here, to the right, and after the jump). The last picture we got wasn't exactly the most illuminating when it comes to details, and, to be honest, I couldn't make out much here either. On the up side, at least star Ray Stevenson no longer looks like Steven Seagal's long lost brother.

Taking over where Thomas Jane and Dolph Lundgren left off, Stevenson stars as Frank Castle (aka The Punisher); when his family is wiped out by the mob, he becomes a one man army pegging off criminals and mobsters everywhere. Joining Stevenson are Dominic West as Jigsaw (who fans might remember from the comics, albeit from a different storyline) and Wayne Knight (better known as Jerry's nemesis Newman) as Microchip.

Erik got the chance to talk with director Lexi Alexander about the need for a remake of the classic character. Alexander said, "I would say it's a complete different re-boot, just because neither one of the previous [films] were relevant. And with Castle, it's one story -- the mythology stays the same -- and I think I just have a very very different take on it. I was lucky to put it in the right environment, which was dark and cold". Judging by the photos on her blog, it looks like she succeeded in creating that 'environment'. Shooting for Punisher: War Zone wrapped back in December and is scheduled to hit theaters on September 12th, 2008. Check out two more pics after the jump ...

Pictured above: Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle aka "The Punisher." (Click on the image for a larger version)

Cinematical was lucky enough to attend a conference call earlier today with The Punisher: War Zone director Lexi Alexander in which we talked about the new film, the characters and the exciting Punisher universe. Above you will find the first image from the film, featuring Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle (aka The Punisher), a former FBI agent who wages war on the criminal underworld following the death of his family. The film arrives in theaters on September 12th, 2008. Here's a bit of our conversation:

Does this movie take place more in the Marvel universe or in its own world?

Lexi Alexander: Well I think in the sense of the other Marvel characters, it's definitely in its own world in terms of location, though, we call it the Marvel New York because, you know, rather than setting it in the real New York, we wanted it to have a little bit of a surreal feeling.

What one thing do you think distinguishes your take on The Punisher compared to the last Punisher movies that fans of the comic will truly appreciate?

LA: Well, the last Punisher movie really wasn't relevant to us. There's a lot of comparison to it, but none of the people on my team ever looked at that and said how can we be different or better -- we just kind of made our own film. The one thing I concentrated on was to really really make it as close to the MAX series as possible. I think we really achieved it as far as the look, as well as the tone. When I look at the dailies that I'm getting, I seriously feel like I'm looking at a MAX comic book right in front of me.

Related question: I think one thing the comic fans will realize immediately is that the world we created feels like the comic book in terms of the look as well.

Will this be a Hard-R Punisher?

LA: Well, it definitely will be a Hard R, and luckily Lionsgate's been great about it. They haven't given me any guidelines in terms of violence. I think they're a real good studio to make a violent movie, and I really like violent movies. So it's definitely going to be a Hard R.

Photo credit: Jonathan Wenk/Lionsgate

Director Sam Raimi is asked once again about Spider-Man 4 ... and he literally beats a reporter to near death. Read all about right here on Cinematical!

No, he didn't hurt anyone (please, Raimi wouldn't hurt a fly), but Comic Book Resources did ask him again about Spidey 4 ... and they somehow managed to spin his answer into something that's just slightly different from what we already know. He did say that as soon as the strike is over, he'll begin working with a writer on the screenplay -- but that it will be up to the writer whether they'll continue the same storyline or mix things up a bit. What's most important to Raimi? "I'd very much like to see Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man, so I have a personal interest in that, but certainly anything's possible." Oohh, Kirsten Dunst just got bitch-slapped! Check out the full interview here.

Director Lexi Alexander's new and (hopefully) improved Punisher flick has nabbed an interesting release date. Apparently, Lionsgate has scheduled Punisher: War Zone to be released on September 12, 2008 -- a month that's been kind as of late to genre pics like Underworld and Resident Evil. Rome's Ray Stevenson stars as FBI agent Frank Castle, who arrives in New York to take on an underworld boss who plots to take over -- wait for it -- the underworld. Oh yes, they're saving the aboveworld for the sequel. Julie Benz, Dominic West and Doug Hutchinson co-star. [via JoBlo]

Finally, for those who have always wanted to watch Shia LaBeouf hug another guy for an uncomfortably long time, new video and pics from the set of Eagle Eye have made their way online. JFX Online has a batch of LaBeouf stills, as well as video of the Spielberg apprentice shooting a few scenes while he frolics around the set. Disturbia director D.J. Caruso once again teams up with LaBeouf on a film about a young slacker and a single mom (Michelle Monaghan) who get all mixed up in a terrorist cell plotting a political assassination. Add to that the fact that LaBeouf really hugs a dude ("It's okay Shia, it's not your fault they signed you up for seventeen Transformers flicks") ... and you have the recipe for a delightful little thriller heading our way this August 8.

Recently, when Paddy Considine was being considered for the role of the villain Jigsaw in The Punisher: War Zone, a fan questioned why the movie would cast a Brit as an Italian mobster. That fan will probably continue wondering, because, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate has finally announced the actor who won the part over Considine, and it is another English actor, Dominic West. If you remember, Considine was offered the role when the first choice had to pass, but then that first choice ended up taking it after all. So, West must have been that first choice. Funny, I was expecting someone more well-known, but I guess with recent appearances in 300 and Hannibal Rising and a recurring part on the popular television series The Wire, West is still more famous than Cinderella Man's Considine (personally, I can only place West in 28 Days, while I've seen much of Considine's work). For those unfamiliar with the comics, Jigsaw has a torn-up and re-stitched face, so it isn't like audiences will be recognizing West's own mug anyway.

Joining West is a more familiar actor who has also just been cast in the movie. Everyone's favorite conniving fat man, Wayne Knight (Seinfeld's "Newman"), will play Microchip (aka Linus Lieberman), the lone confidant who works with The Punisher, supplying him with guns and ammo -- think James Bond's Q meets Batman's Alfred, says Wikipedia. Because we can expect nothing less from Knight, though, I have to assume he also stabs The Punisher in the back and then gets eaten by dinosaurs. West and Knight join Ray Stevenson, as The Punisher, and the recently announced Dash Mikok (Romeo + Juliet's "Benvolio"), as Detective Soap, Colin Salmon (Resident Evil), as Agent Budiansky, and Doug Hutchison (The Green Mile) as LBJ (aka Looney Bin Jim). The comic adaptation will be directed by Lexi Alexander and may be released as early as late 2008.

Over on her official website, director Lexi Alexander has revealed three new additions to the Punisher: War Zone cast. While she still hasn't let slip who'll be playing Jigsaw (I have a feeling this will be a pretty solid name, though it won't be Paddy Considine), she does tell us who'll be filling in for some other characters, aside from the casting of Ray Stevenson as The Punisher (something we already knew). Alexander kicks off the announcement by saying: "There are not a lot of directors in the process of making a studio action film who can say that they don't have at least one bad actor somebody made them cast. I can say that. Still. (Knocking on every piece of wood as I speak). I have the best cast on the planet. The movie Gods were watching over me. I know, I know, give it up already. Well, here is who I'm allowed to reveal:"

And who does she reveal -- drum roll please -- Dash Mikok as Detective Martin Soap, Colin Salmon as Agent Paul Budiansky and Doug Hutchinson as Loony Bin Jim. Alexander concludes the announcement by teasing us once again: "As I look at their headshots on the wall in my office, my heart does little summersaults. And... I have the perfect, most talented Jigsaw!!!!!!! Stay tuned. (Don't you hate that)." Yes, we do hate that -- tell us who it is already! Over on her site, Alexander also provides pictures of the three men alongside comic illustrations of the characters -- and might I add, they look pretty similar. But ain't that the point? As Christopher already told us, this Punisher film has nothing at all to do with the other flicks starring Thomas Jane and Dolph Lundgren (thank God) -- think of it as sort of a re-do, another take, a "this is our last try before the Punisher goes bye bye for good." No release date planned as of now, but the flick is on the pre-strike list, so it will most likely be heading to theaters next year.

I love the internet. Without it, actors couldn't use their own website forums to get feedback on which roles to choose. This is precisely what Paddy Considine is doing. In a forum topic titled "Considine: 'I Haven't Sold Out.'", the guy claims to have been offered a role in The Punisher: War Zone, and he wanted to know if it would be selling out to take the part. The issue has fans divided, but mostly the consensus is that he should do it, if only because comic book movies like Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk also have great actors. Of course, there was discussion about the other Punisher movies being bad, though initially nobody seemed to mention the fact that the new installment will be a reboot of the franchise, a do-over with completely new talent and direction.

Considine posted again and confirmed that the role offered is that of the villain, Jigsaw. He still hadn't decided on taking it, though, and stated he would be reading the script today. He admitted that he only thought of "Jigsaw" as being the villain from the Saw movies. One enthusiastic fan has since posted that Considine must do it, because of the screenwriters (Iron Man scribes Matt Holloway and Arthur Marcum), the director (Oscar nominee Lexi Alexander), the star (Ray Stevenson) and the suggestion that War Zone will be the Batman Begins for the Punisher character. Another poster detailed the character of Jigsaw, a scarred pretty boy mobster, and pointed out that he should be a villain that lasts through more than one film. Now it could be your chance to join the forum and give your own opinion of whether or not Considine is good for the role (or vice versa). Personally, I've got Cinematical to express my own thoughts, and I think he should go for it, because he indeed would make the movie better by appearing in it. And it certainly would be good for his career to do a bad guy in a mainstream picture, even if it doesn't do well. Hopefully he has enough internet-presence to see this and takes my advice.

UPDATE: Turns out Considine is not taking on the role. Over on his blog, he's reported the following: "The original choice for Jigsaw dropped out, then they offerered it to me. I'm very dubious because the other films looked shite. Then whoever is responsible said that their original choice has decided to do it, therefore pulling my offer. The only blessing was that I didn't waste an hour of my life reading the script. That be the way of the film world."

[via Coming Soon]

Either somebody at Lionsgate is reading Cinematical, or we just happen to think alike. Earlier this month, when the studio announced the next Punisher movie was a do-over, I suggested going with the stand-alone title The Punisher: War Zone. Well, they didn't completely go with my idea -- they left off the The -- but according to ComingSoon.net, they came pretty close. Of course, a million or so comic book fans could have come up with the same thing, since the title is the same as one of the many Marvel series starring the popular anti-hero. However, even the comic book title was a little bit different -- it had the The but featured no colon. The Punisher War Zone ran for a somewhat skimpy 41 issues (plus two annuals), from 1992 to 1995, and as far as I know had no specific distinction from the main Punisher series. Lionsgate could have also gone with the longer-running title The Punisher War Journal, which was a series from 1988 to 1995 and is now also a new, current series. Anything would have been a better choice than what the IMDb currently has listed -- The Punisher: Welcome Back, Frank.

As I mentioned, Punisher: War Zone will be a totally isolated movie, with no connection to the previous adaptations from 1989 (the Dolph Lundgren one) and 2004 (the Thomas Jane one). The franchise reboot will be directed by Lexi Alexander (Hooligans) and will star Ray Stevenson (HBO's Rome) as the vigilante Frank Castle, aka The Punisher. All that is known about the plot is that it will be set in New York City and involves Castle's pursuit of a mobster. Personally, the whole time I was reading comics, I thought this was the only plot ever in the Punisher titles. I have to admit, though, that aside from The Punisher Meets Archie, I never even flipped through a Punisher book. Still, my ignorance and expectations aside, I'd much rather watch any comic book movie set in the Big Apple than set in Tampa, so at least that factor has me interested in this latest version.