It Is Official: TRANSFORMERS 3 Will Be 3D!!

Michael Bay may have been against 3D. He still may be against 3D. But his TRANSFORMERS 3 finale WILL be in 3D! Bay himself confirmed that nugget of information to USAToday.

Bay has had a long standing tradition of bashing 3D, but you know what? I think it was all just show. I think as a filmmaker he wants to be cutting edge - his films certainly give that aura. So naturally he will eventually come over to stereoscopic 3D. And he has.

So the big question is: 2D to 3D conversion or native 3D? Does Bay have the guts to shoot in native 3D after all he has said, or will he hand over the reins of his movie to a conversion shop? Time will tell, but my instinct says he will go native 3D. We'll see!

Apparently the movie's storyline involves the US - USSR space race. Interesting.

Bay is quite certain that this pic will be the last: "As a trilogy, it really ends," he says. "It could be rebooted again, but I think it has a really killer ending."

On the box office side, LOOK OUT. This is a franchise finale movie and the first two have done exceptionally well ($709m and $836m worldwide). Add on the 3D premium and guess what? You have the makings of a billion dollar movie and potentially the power to move to third place all-time. Megan Fox or not. More when I get it...

Warner Begins Work On GREEN LANTERN 2 And THE FLASH!!

That's confidence for you! Warner Bros. is apparently hiring writers for GREEN LANTERN 2!!

On the strength of what they are seeing already from the Ryan Reynolds topped comic book adaptation, Warners has re-hired the writing team of Greg Berlanti, Michael Green and Marc Guggenheim to work on its sequel. They have asked them to write a treatment for THE FLASH as well! Both are dream gigs if you ask me - solid stories surround these characters which makes it much more likely to have big screen success.

From THR: It also appears to be the first moves the studio is making under its newly configured relationship with DC. In September, DC was reorganized to bring it closer to Warners, with Diane Nelson named president of newly created DC Entertainment. In February, artist Jim Lee and executive editor Dan DiDio were named publishers of DC Comics. Star writer Geoff Johns was appointed chief creative officer of DCE, with the aim of bridging the comics and filmed entertainment sides. With new Batman and Superman films in the writing stages and “Lantern” filming, the team thought “Flash” was the next logical hero to tackle.

Director Martin Campbell has GREEN LANTERN in production right now on location in New Orleans. Ryan Reynolds plays a superhero who is part of the Green Lantern Corps that police our galaxy.

I take this as a HUGE sign that all is proceeding as planned. If you will recall, Warner Bros. has committed to 3D tentpoles with comic book adaptations replacing the Harry Potter cash cow. Can't wait to see what they have in store for us!

Bill Nighy Cast In Peter Straub's SHADOWLAND? In 3D??

Yes it seems so! According to STYD, Peter Straub's novel SHADOWLAND is being summoned to feature films. And in 3D no less!!

PFG Entertainment has announced on their website that Bill Nighy (UNDERWORLD) and Natalie Dormer (THE TUDORS) are attached to star. Larry Leahy wrote the adaptation.

The storyline follows two young boys, Tom Flanagan and Del Nightingale, who spend a summer with Del's uncle Coleman, who is one of the foremost magicians in the world. As time passes, however, Tom begins to suspect that what Coleman is teaching is not a series of harmless tricks, but is in fact real sorcery. One of the boys is forced to decide whether or not to join the forces of evil to save the life of his best friend.

Canuck Erik Canuel is directing.

Definitely looking forward to this! Very good reading too if you have the inclination to pick up Straub's book.

First Look: Disney's TANGLED!

The good folks at Disney are giving TV audiences a first look at their upcoming 3D animation TANGLED on Sunday night hosted by, you guessed it, the Disney Channel.

Disney already has 15 seconds of the movie exposed during a commercial to market the event which has made its way to this very post!

Have a look...



TANGLED is a project of Disney Animation Studios and is slated for a November 24 release.

Michael Fassbender Taking Up Villainy In SPIDER-MAN 3D?

I don't usually like to post on casting rumors as my thing is mainly the creativity behind projects. However (and this is a big however), this is SPIDER-MAN.

SPIDER-MAN has been and always will be my favorite of all the super heroes. It has resonated with me since the early cartoons on TV - you know the ones that actually shared content with ROCKET ROBIN HOOD (which I think would make a darn good 3D live action adaptation!). So ANY decision made about the project and I am instantly tuned in. Even rumors.

Here is one such rumor (Showbiz 411): Michael Fassbender (INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS) is apparently in the midst of a delicious dilemma. It seems Marvel is after him for two different roles - Young Magneto in X MEN: FIRST CLASS -or- playing a villain in the upcoming SPIDER-MAN reboot (in 3D). As these projects are with different studios (Fox and Columbia respectively) it seems he cannot do both.

I am hoping he bites into the villain role because I love his acting chops and SPIDER-MAN would benefit immensely. I have heard many different opinions on what villain he should play, but as for me I still want The Lizard in this movie. My vote is for Dr. Curt Connors. Who do you think he should play if he indeed does sign on?

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: New Trailer From The MTV Movie Awards

We get a nice glimpse at what is coming for us on November 19 with this new trailer from the MTV Movie Awards for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part I.

Seeing more mature actors helps for me. The franchise is coming into its own right now - and the acting has definitely developed for those core young actors. Of course Ralph Fiennes can't hurt can it? Certainly not - he is one of my favorites.

Have a look! I recommend switching to HD...



It looks FANTASTIC. Certainly worth waiting for and totally in 3D! :-)

Behind The Scenes Clip From Pixar's DAY AND NIGHT

Here is a behind the scenes (BTS) look at Pixar's wonderful new short DAY & NIGHT which will be entertaining you prior to TOY STORY 3 on June 18.

You have got to love the culture at Pixar and how they cultivate new talent. This is easily one of my favorite shorts from them - I won't give away the ending but if you pay attention to the storyboard visuals during the BTS you get a feeling of where it is going.

Trust me, you are really going to enjoy TOY STORY 3. Having seen it at ShoWest, I can safely vouch for it. Heck I even went into the screening with trepidation as I was getting bored of the franchise. I was wrong. TOY STORY 3 pushes all the right buttons.

Enjoy the BTS scenes:

New GREEN LANTERN Poster!

Hey guys - here is the new GREEN LANTERN poster from Warner Bros. (consumer products division).

Anyone getting amped about this movie or what??

via Slashfilm

Relativity Media's Modern Take On SNOW WHITE To Be Made In 3D!!

Looks like Relativity Media has picked up the rights to Melisa Wallack's script for THE BROTHERS GRIMM: SNOW WHITE and they plan on giving the classic children's tale a modern spin and produce it in 3D.

Relativity's Tucker Tooley is executive producing along with Bernie Goldmann, Brett Ratner and Ryan Kavanaugh in the producer's role.

"Talent and directors of the highest level have already responded to the new, edgier concept, and to Melissa's script," Goldmann said. "While retaining the elements of the beloved Brothers Grimm tale, this is certainly not your mother's Snow White."

Sounds intriguing! Kind of like Disney's modern live action take on Cinderella I would wager. Looks like we will be in for a few movies in this new paradigm.

Source: Variety

3D Sports Set To Explode On June 11!!

Have you got your S3DHD TV yet? Well in case you haven't and you are wondering what kind of broadcast content will be available before you buy, try this on for size: The 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer games will start airing in 40 million homes on June 11 in stunning 3D through ESPN 3D. The insanely popular tournament will be aired through Comcast, DirecTV and other distribution channels.

Not only will the sports be in S3D, but so will the commercials! ESPN is ONLY taking 3D commercials for the games and Sony has already agreed to be one of the first to air a 3D commercial for their products.

As far as the World Cup goes, ESPN 3D has actually increased the number of events being covered from 85 to about 100.

So if you want to see the games in 3D - check out the various solutions available at your nearest electronics store. I was in BestBuy yesterday and loved their Samsung set up which was showing MONSTERS VS. ALIENS. Solutions are also available through Amazon.com.

LOGAN'S RUN Will Be Shot In Native 3D! DC Comic's LOBO Will Get 3D Treatment As Well!!

Joel Silver knows what he wants, and right now he wants pure, through and through, native 3D. What Silver wants, he usually gets.

I first reported on the possibility of LOGAN'S RUN being shot in 3D back in August of 2007.

From MTV: "I'd like to make 'Logan's Run' [in 3-D]," Silver said. "It's a movie I've always been intrigued with, excited by. We're writing a script now and that should be a big 3-D movie and it should be devised and shot in 3-D. I think if we can pull it together, then it would be."

Carl Erik Rinsch has been confirmed as the director for the Sci-Fi thriller.

Silver continues: "I want to do 'Lobo' too, and that should also be a 3-D movie. We're working on the script now a little bit more. We did a test, a very effective test. We're moving forward and I hope we can get that together."

Here is the whole interview:



DC Comics' beer drinking bounty hunter, Lobo, is a heavy metal antihero who lands on Earth to hunt down three intergalactic outlaws. Guy Ritchie is directing with Don Payne delivering the script.

LOGAN'S RUN and LOBO sound PERFECT for 3D! I am so glad Silver is stereoscopically mounting up in such a big way. And shooting natively too!

THE SMURFS 3D Shooting In The Russian Tea Room

Got some minor details from yesterday's shoot at New York's Russian Tea Room for Columbia's THE SMURFS 3D. The movie is being made as a live action / CG hybrid.

A background performer by the name of Andrew Sellon wrote a brief overview of the scene where he plays a waiter who encounters the villainous Gargamel.

Sellon writes (emphasis is mine): "...I was at the Russian Tea Room in Manhattan filming my “day principal” scene as a waiter who runs into the rude villain Gargamel in the upcoming Smurfs 3D movie, due out in August of 2011 (July 29, 2011). Director Raja Gosnell gave me a warm welcome while I was in the makeup trailer. He couldn’t have been nicer, and his easygoing but clear guidance set the tone for the whole set. He knew what he wanted, but was very open to spontaneous creativity as well. My scene was with Hank Azaria, Sofia Vergara, and Tim Gunn, all of whom were very nice, and all of whom are very funny in the movie...

...A few of the takes reminded me of the old rule about working with children and animals. The cats alternating in the role of Azrael were definitely frisky during the shoot! Hank Azaria was hilarous improvising around their “cattitude.” We had a lot of laughs, and despite the complexity of the scene, it was suprising how quickly the hours flew by. A great day."

Interesting! Should be a great scene, Azaria is a comedic genius and The Russian Tea Room is a gorgeous location. Yes, Azaria has shaved his head for the role! Hopefully there are lots of outtakes. More when it comes in...

Crytek To Send 2D Gaming Into A Crisis (Or Is It CRYSIS)?

Hello everyone, Adam Loncar here. This is my first time writing for MarketSaw and I am ecstatic about being a new contributor to this website. I've been reading this site ever since October 2007, around the time Jim got the exclusive about The Hobbit being in 3D and Peter Jackson being at the helm. Ever since Michael Stat decided to step down from writing on MarketSaw I knew that someone would have to replace him (*Editor's note: We wish Michael all the best! He is welcome back anytime). I will attempt to fill his shoes and I hope I can inform and entertain you all with my writing. I am immensely excited to join the MarketSaw community that Jim has worked so hard to create. Have a read!

Back in November 2007 game developer Crytek unleashed the defining technological achievement in the industry that was a PC exclusive using their in house developed CryEngine 2 game technology. As you might know that title was Crysis and it still remains today the most technically complex and most visually stunning game any developer has ever made or dared to make – with the exception of Crytek. They quickly followed their flagship property with another entry in the series by the name of Crysis Warhead. Although it actually improves upon the unmatched graphics of the original, it isn’t as hotly talked as being the benchmark title for which all PCs being used for gaming will be judged simply because it is much more optimized than its predecessor, even though it makes significant improvements in what gamers actually want in terms of performance and on-screen visuals. What that means is the frame rate in Crysis Warhead can be very smooth if you adjust the settings according to what your computer is capable of and at the same time get an amazing looking game to boot.

That doesn’t resonate as well with the hardcore benchmark community that is constantly looking for the latest computer to run the original Crysis at maximum settings and see how difficult of a time it has trying to run it. Is this attitude understandable? Yes, but when it comes down to a game, you want to be able to play it with at least acceptable performance and you get great performance with Crysis Warhead as well as an awesome game experience.

Fast forward to today and Crytek is developing one of the most anticipated titles of the year, maybe even the most anticipated title of the year and that happens to be Crysis 2 coming just in time for the 2010 Holiday season for release on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and of course the PC. The interest level, or rather fascination level, with the game is extremely high because for the first time in Crytek’s over decade long industry pushing history they will be making a AAA multiplatform title with their new CryEngine 3 technology. The developer claims that CryEngine 3 does everything in real-time and ends the need for the division of staff members in a studio to form the number of development groups based upon the number of platforms a game is going to be released on. So instead of having three groups of people working on Crysis 2 (one for PC, one for 360, and one for PS3) there is one collective group that works on the game since the editing tools are so powerful that they optimize everything about the game on all platforms simultaneously. The only place division happens is in the R&D/programming department where the engine is developed and the different languages the 360 and PS3 use are intertwined so that that all other developers have a seamless experience. This is an absolute milestone of an achievement for not only Crytek but the entire global development community because as Crytek’s Carl Jones says “Now all you need is just much bigger desks.”

So you are probably asking at this point “How does this all relate to Stereoscopic-3D?” Well, actually everything! But let’s start to drive that point home. Once you understand everything that Crytek is about you will realize that they are the most technologically advanced game developer on the planet. And they can demonstrate that with an amazing game experience that is full of innovation and excitement, they are a world class developer. In other words the Crysis franchise is going to do for gaming what the AVATAR franchise did and will continue to do for cinema. See where I’m going now? So while any reasonable person can understand this to be true once they are given the facts, you have to ask yourself how 3D is actually a key component of Crytek’s culture.

If you have Nvidia’s 3D Vision setup you can play Crysis and Crysis Warhead in amazing three dimensions. But those games are not natively done in 3D. CryEngine 3 on the other hand has the capability of doing 3D from the moment of a game’s conception on all platforms. You heard that right, 3D can be done extremely well on current generation consoles. Obviously the AVATAR game proved that but unfortunately from an overall gameplay quality perspective, it did not deliver what was expected. That’s where Crysis 2 steps in to fill the void – and more. Although the game is not officially announced as being a Stereoscopic-3D title, and we should know by E3 2010 for sure, it would be very hard to argue that it won’t be for a few reasons.

The most compelling reason is that at this year’s GDC event Crytek announced CryEngine 3’s native 3D capabilities. They were demoing content in 3D (I have not heard if it was Crysis 2 or not, but it likely was) and it was one of the biggest highlights of the show. And here’s another kicker, Crytek has publically declared that Crysis 2 has to be the flagship title for what CryEngine 3 can do. Since we know they have allied themselves with 3D in a big way, Crysis 2 HAS to demonstrate that. As if that weren’t enough to convince you, John Schappert, COO of EA Games (Crysis 2’s publisher) recently said in a financial earnings call that at E3 the publishing giant will "show a marquee title in breathtaking 3D." Although we’ll find out in what it is only a matter of days, Crysis 2 certainly fits that description. EA is so excited for the game that David DeMartini, EA Partners General Manager, said at a Crytek press event that Crysis 2 "is the greatest product that is going to come out this year." Whoa. No one will ever declare a statement like that unless there is supreme confidence that what is being achieved is absolutely groundbreaking. Just look at the competition this year: Halo Reach, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Medal of Honor, F.E.A.R. 3, Portal 2, and more to be announced soon!

The people who have seen Crysis 2 in action on consoles in just the 2D format have been blown away by what they have seen. Some press have even declared that the Xbox 360 (from a technical perspective this is the lowest end system the game is being developed on) version alone is the best looking game ever made, including PC games in the equation! Crytek’s declared goal is to make Crysis 2 not just the ‘best looking game ever’ but also the ‘best game ever.’ Here’s the parallel: James Cameron’s AVATAR was an unparalleled experience in the cinema whether seen in 2D or 3D. It is also an unparalleled technical achievement whether considering 2D, 3D, or both. I’d like to suggest to you all that Crysis 2 is going to do the exact same thing for gaming once it releases this Holiday season. Crysis 2 is going to put Crytek in the minds of people as the company that truly kicked off 3D gaming. Any time a new technology comes around there needs to be a killer application to show it off. AVATAR did that for theaters and Crysis 2 will undoubtedly be the killer app for 3D gaming and be the kick start to 3D in the home. Sure broadcasting sports live in 3D for the home on the ESPN 3D channel is a big deal but being able to fully immerse yourself in a game where your instantaneous choices are reflected in the character’s movement is going to be an even more compelling choice for most people.

Regardless of the number of dimensions you play Crysis 2 in towards the end of the year, you will end up playing an incredible game. Still need convincing? Go and play the original Crysis on a very high end PC and just see what I am talking about. The only weak spot about that game was its narrative and fortunately Crytek has been very vocal about that and is more than just fixing that problem with the upcoming sequel. Crysis 2 is going to have the story be the focus of everything that goes on. The narrative is being written by acclaimed author Richard Morgan and he is very aware that story needs to be grounded in everything that players witness in the game. Just looking around in the environment (the game is set in New York City) will give you plenty of information about what has gone on and what might happen as you continue to play. Now just imagine how awesome playing a well told story, a fierce action experience, and a classic setting will all look in flawless 3D! It’s going to rock you to your core.

And I haven’t even mentioned that Crysis 2 is only one of five AAA projects that Crytek is currently working on. There are all sorts of rumors as to what they might be, the most appealing one being a possible epic fantasy game. Remember, once 3D, always 3D as Jon Landau says. So it is very possible that with the six building locations there are in the Crytek Empire, they could have a huge scale project coming out every year – and all fully compatible with Stereoscopic-3D. With that number of games, Crytek will establish themselves as the leading 3D developer. Bring it on!

Peter Jackson Confirms MarketSaw's Exclusive That THE HOBBIT Could Shoot In November - And 3D Is Still On His Lips!! Oh And He May Direct It!!!

Peter Jackson has confirmed that November would be the earliest that THE HOBBIT could being shooting - We exclusively gave you that information back in March.

FURTHER, Jackson spoke about the budget of the movie (from Stuff): "US$150 million budget was a ballpark figure, but it could be higher if it was filmed in 3-D." Read that guys - this is the man himself talking 3D here.

So just when did Jackson's team find out about Guillermo del Toro's departure? Saturday. That must have been a shocker for them - but Jackson did say it was amicable.

And in a not so surprising move, Jackson has stepped forward to say that he would take over the reins of directing the movie if need be - if it can be worked out with other commitments: "If that's what I have to do to protect Warner Bros' investment, then obviously that's one angle which I'll explore. The other studios may not let me out of the contracts."

So, in the end it sounds like there is a real possibility of Peter Jackson directing THE HOBBIT in 3D. That has a familiar ring to it doesn't it? :-) More when I get it!

Why Did My Source Think THE HOBBIT Was Greenlit? And A Brief RISE OF THE APES Update!!

In light of Guillermo del Toro stepping down from directing THE HOBBIT (which was a complete surprise to everyone), I thought I should address the reasons why I posted the movie was greenlit back on Thursday.

The bottom line is this: My source (one of the best I have ever had) told me flat out that the movie was greenlit. And now I know why. Simply said, EVERY DEPARTMENT WAS GIVEN THEIR BUDGET AND THE CASH TO RAMP UP.

In my books, that IS a greenlight whether it is from a studio head or production company. This particular source is on the inside - not an executive at the top either. When budgets are set and operating cash is distributed that means a greenlight for pre-production.

So now you know where we stand on this. There was clear and deliberate action to ramp up the movie and it did in fact happen. The status as of today is murky with no director and I am still digging for the inside story. The resignation came out of the blue. What I want to know is what will Weta be doing on the project in the short term now that GDT is gone? Obviously this whole thing is Peter Jackson's baby so there will always be leadership present, but what is going on right now?

Weta is in a bit of a pickle too as production for the PLANET OF THE APES prequel is set to pick up soon. In fact they are already creating some CG models and the pipeline for the rigging and such for them. The CG models are looking VERY COOL according to my source.

Movie is set for a June 24, 2011 release.

With James Franco already cast, I have very high hopes for the movie. I have a feeling RISE OF THE APES is going to forever change the franchise. More when I get it!!

EXCLUSIVE: Just What Did Guillermo Del Toro Accomplish Visually While He Was In Charge? We Have Got Some Answers!!

I have the first bit of printable news from one of my inside sources to help paint the picture of what has been going on over in Wellywood, NZ lately - you know, before Guillermo del Toro stepped down...

**Some minor creature SPOILERS**

This is a direct quote (emphasis is mine):

"Things have always been rolling... it was quiet for a little while a few months ago but then it ramped up again with previs pushing forward and getting some great results on animation and camera work, obviously wanting to get out as much as possible to finally sell the product and getting production into full swing.

Workshop sculpted and finished painting a few miniature characters that turned out awesome and they were later scanned in to the computer and ready to be built as a final movie CG model.

One of the bigger ones that were scanned was "Smaug" the dragon and all I can say is that it looked great... but who knows if any of this will ever see daylight again, if someone else will be directing it and thus changing the design there is always a chance for changes in designs. The 3 trolls with all their gear on the backs also looked fantastic in the workshop models. The attention to detail was stunning and later when seen in the previs, one can truly understand how great this film will be, if it ever gets done. :) I say that more in the way of "a joke", it's too good of a film to pass up on, so it will definitely be made. Might just take a little while. Some of the film set crew are still hoping for an October-November start, but who can really tell with the latest news coming to surface."

Those scanned miniatures sound outstanding! Wish I could see what has been accomplished already. What a situation - the only true hand-off that would make sense now is for Peter Jackson to pick up the reins. We'll see!! Still digging for more - stay tuned...

Guillermo del Toro Steps Down From THE HOBBIT!!

Wow! In a stunning turn of events tied to the delay of THE HOBBIT getting made and GDT's commitment to living in New Zealand, Guillermo del Toro has stepped away from the project, save for co-writing the screenplays.

I knew Peter Jackson would be the director and it would be in 3D, but this sure is a long about way of doing things right? Kidding of course, Jackson has not commented on who would replace del Toro who just stepped down from the helm of the HOBBIT movies.

In an exclusive to TheOneRing.net (these guys deserve these scoops of course with all of their hard work over the years), both Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro chime in:

Guillermo Del Toro announced today that he is no longer directing the two movies based on J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, but will continue to co-write the screenplays. Out of respect to the legions of loyal Tolkien fans, both Guillermo and Peter Jackson wanted to break the news to The One Ring first. They are both committed to protecting The Hobbit and will do everything in their power to ensure the films are everything that the fans want them to be.
“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, says Guillermo. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wlsh the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.

“We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave the Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone’s control – has compromised his commitment to other long term projects”, says Executive Producer Peter Jackson. “The bottom line is that Guillermo just didn’t feel he could commit six years to living in New Zealand, exclusively making these films, when his original commitment was for three years. Guillermo is one of the most remarkable creative spirits I’ve ever encountered and it has been a complete joy working with him. Guillermo’s strong vision is engrained into the scripts and designs of these two films, which are extremely fortunate to be blessed with his creative DNA”.

“Guillermo is co-writing the Hobbit screenplays with Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh and myself, and happily our writing partnership will continue for several more months, until the scripts are fine tuned and polished” says Jackson. “New Line and Warner Bros will sit down with us this week, to ensure a smooth and uneventful transition, as we secure a new director for the Hobbit. We do not anticipate any delay or disruption to ongoing pre-production work”.

The Hobbit is planned as two motion pictures, co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM. They are scheduled for release in Dec 2012 and Dec 2013.

Wow. I am on it guys - emails out to my sources as I type. In fact I was informed by one of them about this story not moments ago. More when I get it!!

Official Storyline For GREEN LANTERN Has Been Revealed!!

ComicBookMovie has gotten their paws on the official Warner Bros. synopsis of the upcoming 2011 movie GREEN LANTERN.

Minor spoilers involved!

'Bringing the enduringly popular superhero to the big screen for the first time, “Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) in the title role, under the direction of Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale”).

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.

Campbell directs “Green Lantern” from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.

The film also stars Blake Lively (upcoming “The Town,” TV’s “Gossip Girl”) as the spirited Carol Ferris, a test pilot and the heir apparent to her father’s aviation company; Peter Sarsgaard (“An Education,” “Flightplan”) as scientist Dr. Hector Hammond; Mark Strong (“Sherlock Holmes”) as Sinestro, Jordan’s powerful mentor in the Green Lantern Corps; Jay O. Sanders (“Revolutionary Road”) as Carl Ferris, Carol’s aircraft designer dad; Temuera Morrison (“Star Wars” Episodes II and III) as Abin Sur, Jordan’s alien predecessor; Taika Waititi (TV’s “The Flight of the Conchords”) as flight navigator Tom Kalmaku, Hal’s good friend and confidante; Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”) as enigmatic government scientist Amanda Waller; and Academy Award® winner Tim Robbins (“Mystic River”) as Hector’s influential father, Senator Robert Hammond.

The film is being produced by Donald De Line (“The Italian Job”) and Greg Berlanti (upcoming “Life As We Know It”). Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas serve as executive producers. Geoff Johns and Lucienne Papon are co-producing.

The film’s behind-the-scenes creative team is led by a number of Academy Award® winners, including director of photography Dion Beebe (“Memoirs of a Geisha”), production designer Grant Major (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), and costume designer Ngila Dickson (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), as well as Oscar®-nominated editor and longtime Campbell collaborator, Stuart Baird (“Gorillas in the Mist,” “Superman”). The film’s visual effects are being overseen by Oscar®-nominee Kent Houston (“The Adventures of Baron Von Munchausen,” “Casino Royale”).

The film is currently scheduled for release in 3D and 2D on June 17, 2011. “Green Lantern” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. '

Can't wait guys! Might as well back up the Brink's truck right now - I think this thing is going to make some green!

What Movies Will Warner Bros Make 3D In 2011? Here's The List! And A Probable Too...

Got a list of Warner Bros upcoming movies that are definitely going 3D in 2011 so let's talk about those first:

- SUCKER PUNCH (March 25): Directed by Zack Snyder. Starring Vanessa Hudgens and Scott Glenn. A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility.
- GREEN LANTERN (June 17): Directed by Martin Campbell. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Peter Sarsgaard and Blake Lively. A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.
- HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART II (July 15): Directed by David Yates. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Bill Nighy, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton and Helena Bonham Carter. The end is near as Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort's final horcruxes, but when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
- FINAL DESTINATION 5 (Aug 26): Little is known about the fifth installment of the franchise but Eric Heisserer wrote the screenplay.
- JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 2 (Sep 23): Directed by Brad Peyton. Starring Josh Hutcherson (so far). Little is known about the project's storyline.
- CONTAGION (Oct 21): Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Marion Cotillard. Deadly worldwide outbreak of a virus.
- HAPPY FEET 2 (Nov 18): Directed by George Miller. Voices by Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Elijah Wood and Hank Azaria. No storyline is known as of yet.

And the probables?

- THE HANGOVER 2 (May 26): Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms. I asked Director Todd Phillips about it personally and he said that he would love to shoot it in 3D. This is a safe bet guys. The original movie hit the jackpot with $470m worldwide! Rumors are abound that Miami (according to Robin Leach) will be the location for the next HANGOVER - what do you think?
- SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 (Mid December 2011): Directed by Guy Ritchie. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The LATimes spoke with the writers for the movie who said: "Sherlock would be great in 3-D".

EXCLUSIVE! THE HOBBIT Is Greenlit!!! Full Pre-production Underway And You Can Expect A S3D Experience!!!

**UPDATE - May 28: I have now heard from another top source embedded in New Zealand - 3D is definitely going to happen as all the animatics are being geared that way. If you want to believe what the official company line is - go ahead. This info is straight from my top sources. This source is less gung-ho about the green light announcement happening soon however. I will stay where I am though and that is touting that THE HOBBIT is greenlit and it is full steam ahead for November.

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Strike a nerve have we? This post seems to have upset a "Hobbit focused" website a tad! They checked with their own sources and came up with a resounding "no" for the greenlight and even for the 3D, yet again. Sorry guys - no dice. My intel comes straight from the source that gave me the world's first glimpse of a Na'vi. So you can indeed take it to the bank. Do I sound confident? Good. I suspect official word will be coming down the pipe sometime soon.

YES! Finally. One of my top sources has confirmed with me that THE HOBBIT has now been greenlit!!

Full pre-production is now underway!!

There is still no official word that THE HOBBIT will be in stereoscopic 3D, but my source reiterates: "the usual 3D technical suspects have been rounded up... so I would bank on it."

I find it quite interesting that when other sites (*ahem* Deadline) mention the fact that the commence shoot date is slated for November, they think they are the ones breaking the news. You all know I broke that exclusive story back in March (with photos of the new sound stages). Sometimes you just want to reach out and... Well you know :-)

And don't even get me started on these sites talking THE HOBBIT in 3D as being a new concept!

So everyone - a collective sigh of relief: THE HOBBIT is definitely moving forward and November is the goal to roll cameras. Rest assured it will be in 3D just like I have been saying for years. I love it when a plan comes together!!