Weekly Films News Round-Up: Underworld, The Blob & Star Wars

Kicking off this Weekly Films News Round-Up it’s…

Kate Beckinsale, getting ready to be sewn back into her figure-hugging catsuit as the actress returns for yet more Underworld.  It was presumed that the franchise would move away from Beckinsale’s main character Selene but Underworld creator, and Beckinsale’s husband, Len Wiseman has confirmed that she will return for the next chapter.  Divergent‘s Theo James is also returning to the franchise after his role in 2012’s Underworld: Awakening.  Little is known about the plot at this point but the script is being worked on by Priest and The Last Witch Hunter’s Cory Goodman with former cinematographer and director of epsiodes of such things as Outlander and Criminal Minds Anna Foerster calling the shots.  Source – The Hollywood Reporter

First appearing on screen in 1958 with a young Steve McQueen in the lead it looks like The Blob is making a comeback and Samuel L. Jackson is said to be attached to star.  Con Air‘s Simon West is directing the remake with Jackson said to be playing a scientist desperate to put and end to the giant gelatinous blob.  It’s not the first time The Blob has been remade as there was also the 1988 version which starred Entourage’s Kevin Dillon and was written by none other than The Shawshank Redemption’s Frank Darabont.  The new incarnation is said to be focused on a creature discovered deep in the earth’s crust.  Source – The Hollywood Reporter 

Back in 1996 The Craft made its cinematic bow, a high school set fantasy horror about a group of outcast girls who discover the ability to become witches.  It starred a young Neve Cambell, before she became Sidney Prescott in Scream, and Robin Tunney.  Well it seems the witching hour is back as Sony is planning a remake.  Leigh Janiak, who wrote and directed last year’s creepy horror Honeymoon is co-writing and directing this version and given her efforts on Honeymoon she’s a great choice to bring something a little more sinister to The Craft than the more mainstream chills of the original.  Source – The Hollywood Reporter 

Star Wars: Rogue One, the first in a planned series of Star Wars spin-off movies, is moving ahead at light-speed with news that director Gareth Edwards is now in talks to add Diego Luna to the roster.  He’s already got Felicity Jones in a lead role with Ben Mendelsohn said to be playing the villain.  The film will follow a group of rebels steeling the plans to the original Death Star.  The film is set to be released in December 2016.  Source – Variety 

And finally…. Speaking of Star Wars; a short film that preceded screenings of The Empire Strikes Back has been uncovered.  Directed by Star Wars set decorator Roger Christian the film was commissioned by George Lucas himself.  You can see the film in its full-restored entirety below.  Just remember though, Christian would go on to direct John Travolta’s After Earth… but this is actually really very good.