Robert Downey Jr. and director Jon Favreau on the set of IRON MAN(2008).
© Paramount Pictures

Related Links

1

Top Maniacal Rumors: Iron Cheap, Raimi's Return & Beachy Turok

It’s time for another edition of Mania’s Most Maniacal Rumors, where we blow the lid off the week’s juiciest gossip and hush-hush industry whispers.

If you have a rumor you want to contribute, we’re all ears. Just send it to jarrod@mania.com.

Marvel Too Cheap to Retain Favreau for Iron Man 2?

Rumor: For weeks now, we’ve been discussing the already planned sequel to last month’s smash hit Iron Man. All the actors are onboard but director Jon Favreau hasn’t signed on yet, something which is baffling a lot of fans and insiders. According to the latest rumor, Favreau isn’t signed on because Marvel isn’t paying up.

Source: IESB

Mania Verdict: TRUE—Unfortunately, numerous sources are saying that negotiations between Favreau and Marvel are not going well. Favreau himself said something similar in his MySpace forums this week which has many wondering if you can even call them “negotiations”.

It’s been five weeks since the one and only phone call my reps have gotten from Marvel. I know their hands are full with the Hulk and I’m sure they will get into it shortly, as they tell me they intend to. I ran into the Marvel guys at the Hulk premiere and everyone sounded eager to get to work on IM2.

I am concerned, however, about the announced release date of April 2010. Neither Robert nor I were consulted about this and we are both concerned about how realistic the date is in light of the fact that we have no script, story or even writers hired yet.

Sam Raimi Returning for Spider-Man 4?

Director Sam Raimi on the set of SPIDER-MAN 3(2007).

© Columbia Pictures

Rumor: After months of numerous reports saying otherwise, the latest on the vine suggests that director Sam Raimi may be open to leading the next Spider-Man film for Sony.

Source: SHH

Mania Verdict: MAYBE—We would love to say true here but Sam has a lot of projects on the horizon and each Spider-Man film takes 2-3 years away from him. It’s why he was so absolute last summer in saying he would executive produce a sequel but not likely direct it. Perhaps, the year off has changed his mind but any final outcome depends on Sony’s schedule aligning with Raimi’s.

BSG’s Michael Rymer Directing the Witchblade Movie?

First teaser poster for WITCHBLADE(2008).

© Platinum Studios

Rumor: Executive producer-director Michael Rymer (Battlestar Galactica, Queen of the Damned) was said to be in charge of adapting Top Cow’s comic Witchblade to the big screen.

Source: B-D

Mania Verdict: TRUE—Since the rumor, numerous sources have confirmed he’s in charge of directing the project, based on a screenplay by Everett De Roche. You can check out the first teaser poster above.

Avengers Hero Appears in the Incredible Hulk?

The Hulk in THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008).

© Universal Pictures

Rumor: With the Incredible Hulk hitting theaters today, you will confirm this bit of spoiler-minded cameo appearances appear in the film. In a video interview with director Louis Leterrier, he hints that director Jon Favreau—who led Iron Man—wasn’t the only one placing Avenger storylines in these latest comic movies.

Source: G4TV

Mania Verdict: TRUE—You can watch the video below, the spoiler is around the 3:00 minute mark.

Adam Beach Leads New Live-Action Turok Movie?

Turok Rocks in TUROK:SON OF STONE(2008).

© Genius Products/ Classic Media

Rumor: Actor Adam Beach, who recently voiced the iconic comic/video game character, in the animated movie Turok: Son of Stone has made headlines this week by suggesting that a live action version is on the horizon and he needs to “beef up”.

Source: MTV

Mania Verdict: TRUE—For years, there have been rumors of a possible live-action version of the Turok character on the horizon. With the new animated DVD selling well and a new sequel hitting PS3 and Xbox 360, it’s not unreasonable to see a live-action version hitting theaters soon. The question remains whether Adam Beach will keep the role.