Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room.
“Hocus Pocus” Sequel
Could we be getting double the toil and trouble? As part of its huge slate of upcoming programming, Disney+ has reportedly launched the development of a sequel to the hit 1993 Halloween comedy “Hocus Pocus.” “Workaholics” writer and co-producer Jen D’Angelo is on board to script the project. The original starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy; the three actors are not attached to the sequel but Disney is hopeful that they may become involved. Disney+ will launch in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands on Nov. 12.
“The Last Duel”
In the middle of a string of buzzy projects, Adam Driver is looking to add another to his list. According to Variety, the “Marriage Story” and “Star Wars” actor is in early talks to co-star opposite Matt Damon in Disney-Fox’s “The Last Duel,” a period drama from director Ridley Scott. Ben Affleck was originally supposed to star in the film but will now be appearing in a supporting role, along with “Killing Eve” actor Jodie Comer. The film, set in 14th-century France, is described as “an epic tale of betrayal and justice, told from three distinct points of view: two knights (Damon and Driver) whose bond is tested by treachery and a young woman (Comer) forced to navigate the brutal and oppressive culture of the era in order to survive.” Disney and Fox have not yet greenlit the film, but if it is given the go-ahead, a casting director will come on board (Scott usually works with Carmen Cuba) and it will begin production in early 2020.
“Pinocchio”
First reported by Variety, Robert Zemeckis is in early talks to helm Disney’s live-action “Pinocchio.” If the deal goes through, Zemeckis will direct from Chris Weitz, Jack Thorne, and Simon Farnaby’s script. Weitz will also produce with his Depth of Field producing partner Andrew Miano. At one point, “Paddington” director Paul King was tapped to direct but has since left the project for unknown reasons. According to Variety, Tom Hanks was at one point circling the role but eventually passed. The project is still in the script stage. Zemeckis, if he comes on board, works most often with Burrows/Boland Casting.
“Venom 2”
As the sequel to the 2018 hit “Venom” gets off the ground, the team behind the project is working on finding its villain. Naomie Harris is reportedly in talks to play Spider-Man villain Shriek in “Venom 2,” opposite Tom Hardy. Andy Serkis will helm the project from a script by Kelly Marcel, and Michelle Williams and Woody Harrelson will also reprise their roles. Speculation is that the film will be released in October 2020, where Sony has recently dated an untitled Marvel sequel in their slate. Lucy Bevan will head up the casting team.
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