ff2 Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Okay, I'll admit right up front -- there is far too much alliteration in the title of this post. It wasn't intentional, but once I realized it I found it amusing and so it stays. I promise to do my best to avoid such painful linguistic dalliances in the future. For now, let's move on to the actual reason for writing this post ...

In full discloser mode, I always admit my crazy fanboy love for The Fantastic Four. I openly acknowledge I have a bias towards the Four and said bias occasionally taints my opinions when it comes to writing about the movie versions of my beloved comic book title. The news of the day is the possible finalization of a script for Fantastic Four 2, according to producer Ralph Winter. Silly me, I thought a finalized script was in place, given that Jessica Alba keeps talking about it; but maybe she's just read an early draft. Winter said he has rejected two scripts already, but he expects a third one by the end of this week.

Normally when you hear of multiple-script writings, you think one of two things. One, the script must be crap if they keep rewriting it. Two, they must really be honing it down to an excellent, top-notch story. Truth be told, many scripts get rewritten several times, so it isn't an immediate danger sign. However, one does get nervous hearing of a train of rejected scripts. Let's just hope the Silver Surfer survives several scripts. Dang it, there went that alliteration again.

Yes my friends, it's true. We are drawing close to the start of Fantastic Four 2, which is probably good since we're now nearing the end of X-Men 3 news. Yours truly personally loves the Four even more than the X, and is desperate for a worthwhile film this time around. Jessica Alba says filming starts in August, and she shares a few plot details as well. According to Alba the film will deal with the Four discovering they are not the only ones who have inherited super powers (how they've lived in the Marvel universe for more than 5 seconds without realizing this is beyond me, but whatever). Alba also confirms the existence of the Silver Surfer as both hero and villain, which certainly means Galactus is waiting on the horizon for possible sequel opportunities. She further said another villain will enter the picture, and her character (Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman) will find herself in a love triangle. As a final thought, she offers the tease of her character using some manner of ability that hasn't been disclosed yet.

Okay, new villain and Invisible Woman love triangle? I don't know about you, but this certainly sounds like the Atlantian to me. Good old Namor was once hopeful of getting his own flick ... maybe they're using this to test the waters (ha-ha)? It would make perfect sense to introduce him via the Four, as he has a long and rich history with title. Who wants to bet (if he is in fact in the movie) he ends up helping the Four despite his desire not to, and he and Reed are forced to grudgingly respect each other and shake hands?

Marvel guru Avi Arad recently discussed a few of the upcoming Marvel flicks with Empire magazine. Look out, here come the bullet points:

• Spider-Man 3 -- Arad still refuses to acknowledge (or deny) the existence of Venom in the third installment of the popular film franchise. He emphasized the scope of the third film, saying it will be larger and more intense than either of its predecessors. Spider-Man will now begin exploring the full extent of his super-human abilities.
• Fantastic Four 2 -- Arad said the story for the second film will pick up a few years after the first. We will find out what the Four have been dealing with since we last saw them, and what (if anything) has happened to the good Doctor Doom. When asked about Galactus, Arad said "What we're trying to do is not show him, but to show someone else, initially." Which Marvel fans immediately read as "Hey, SILVER SURFER!" He is the Herald, after all. Here comes the Power Cosmic!
• Hulk 2 -- The Big Green's sequel will apparently feel like The Fugitive, according to Arad. It figures to be less of a study in anger (although that'll still be a big part of the story, naturally) and more of love story/action flick combo. Ergo, the major cast members in this one (aside from Bruce) will be Betty Ross and Abomination. Every time I hear about a silver screen fight between the Hulk and The Abomination I get all giddy.

The good folks over at Latino Review recently caught up with Fantastic Four director Tim Story, and chatted with him about his plans for the upcoming sequel to his comic book hit. Tim still refuses to answer the question that is probably foremost in the minds of most fans- the Puppet Master in FF2 question; but he did acknowledge that Kerry Washington (aka Alicia Masters) will have a larger role in the sequel. This, of course, may indicate a strong chance for the Puppet Master showing up. However, in playing the side of caution, it should be noted that Alicia has regularly held a large role in the Fantastic Four books because of her relationship with Ben Grimm*- so it would make sense for her role in the next movie to increase regardless of the villain.

Story can, however, talk about Dr. Doom. I'm going to give you the exact quote here, because its a bit of a bugger to fully figure out. Story said "Yes that I can tell you. He will be back in full DOOM, not like we had him in the first film." Full Doom, eh? I just take that to mean he'll be 100% evil plotting maniac-genius, as opposed to pansy-businessman in a green hood genius. Thoughts?

*And sort of with the Torch, although that turned out to be a Skull spy named Lyja thanks to some irritating after-the-fact story rewriting. Don't you just LOVE Marvel and their revolving door of writers?

[via Latino Review]