Director Dan Trachtenberg aims for a subtle and elegant connection between Predator: Badlands and the Alien franchise, suggesting the potential for the crossover to develop into a larger universe, while emphasizing a more integrated storytelling approach rather than a straightforward action clash.
Timothée Chalamet, set to play Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic, expressed interest in creating a "musical cinematic universe" by having Austin Butler's Elvis make a cameo in the film. Chalamet and Butler have been discussing their processes for transforming into musical icons, with Chalamet also expressing admiration for Butler's portrayal of Elvis. Director James Mangold confirmed that Chalamet will do his own singing for the role, and described the film as an interesting true story about a young Bob Dylan's rise to fame in the American folk music scene.
Games Workshop has confirmed that it has signed a "full agreement" contract with Amazon for the highly anticipated Warhammer 40,000 Cinematic Universe, which will be executive produced by and star Henry Cavill. The next stage of the project, which could include both movies and TV shows, is now underway, with an elite group of screenwriters being assembled to bring the beloved Warhammer setting and characters to the screen. While it may take a few years for the project to materialize, fans can expect updates and snippets in the future. The role Cavill will play in the universe has not been revealed yet.
Miramax has won the television rights to the Halloween franchise in a deal with Trancas International Films. The agreement includes the development of a Halloween TV series and a first-look agreement for other television projects. The series is expected to launch a cinematic universe spanning film and television. Miramax's Head of Global TV, Marc Helwig, will oversee the franchise creatively in collaboration with Malek Akkad of Trancas. The deal marks a new chapter in the partnership between Miramax and Trancas, who recently produced the successful Halloween feature trilogy.
Mattel plans to release at least 14 more movies based on its toy properties following the success of "Barbie," which has grossed $200 million at the U.S. box office. Among the announced films are a "Polly Pocket" movie directed by Lena Dunham and a "Barney" movie produced by Daniel Kaluuya. Other Mattel properties, including Hot Wheels, American Girl, View Master, Masters of the Universe, Magic 8 Ball, and Uno, are also set to receive their own films. Mattel's film division, Mattel Films, aims to turn the toy company into an "IP-driven machine."
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz discusses the launch of Mattel's cinematic universe and Barbie's big screen debut, emphasizing the goal of creating an iconic cultural moment. The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, is expected to gross $140 million and is the first of many film adaptations of Mattel's iconic toys in development. Mattel aims to attract top creatives to amplify the brand and has transformed its business model, generating positive operating income. The company's involvement includes marketing expertise and forging deals with over a hundred brands for Barbie-themed merchandise. Kreiz praises Gerwig for making the Barbie brand relevant to everyone and believes in the magic of attracting and empowering creative talent.