Week 15. – Movie News – Dark Turtles: The Last Ronin, Joker’s Musical Odyssey
Dark Turtles: The Last Ronin
Paramount, following the success of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” is gearing up for both a sequel and a darker, grittier live-action adaptation. The studio aims to explore the dystopian world of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin,” based on the popular IDW comics.
Co-created by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, with art by Esau and Isaac Escorza, Ben Bishop, and Eastman himself, the story delves into a totalitarian future New York where Shredder’s grandson has killed three of the turtles and Splinter using artificial ninjas. The surviving turtle seeks bloody vengeance, wielding not only his own weapons but those of his fallen brothers. Screenwriter Tyler Burton Smith, known for his work on “Child’s Play” and the upcoming “Boy Kills World,” is tasked with bringing this dark narrative to life, under the guidance of former DC Films boss Walter Hamada.
In other studio updates, Paramount is rebooting the “Scary Movie” franchise after acquiring Miramax. Details on the director and cast are pending, but production is slated for this year. Meanwhile, despite the disappointment of “Babylon,” director Damien Chazelle is back in Paramount’s good graces. Known for his successes with “Whiplash” and “La La Land,” Chazelle is set to helm a new project, rumored to possibly be set in or around a prison. Paramount remains confident in Chazelle’s ability to deliver another hit, signaling their continued support for the acclaimed filmmaker.
Monopoly: The LuckyChap Project
Lionsgate is banking on Margot Robbie’s girl power to breathe life into the long-stalled Monopoly movie adaptation, signing a deal with her production company, LuckyChap, to produce the film. While Monopoly may not seem like typical cinematic material, similar to Barbie’s successful transition to the big screen, the studio is optimistic about finding narrative potential in the beloved board game.
Although Lionsgate hasn’t announced any attached filmmakers, the project has been in development for years, with Ridley Scott previously exploring a take for 20th Century Fox. Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson expressed confidence in LuckyChap’s ability to bring a fresh perspective to the iconic brand, anticipating a potential blockbuster collaboration.
The LuckyChap team echoed Fogelson’s enthusiasm, recognizing Monopoly’s universal appeal and the opportunity to create a dynamic cinematic experience. With the support of Lionsgate and Hasbro, they’re eager to transform the enduring game into an immersive moviegoing experience. This venture into Monopoly follows LuckyChap’s involvement in adapting another game property, The Sims, with director Kate Herron of Loki fame.
Joker’s Musical Odyssey
The speculation surrounding Todd Phillips’ Joker sequel, titled Joker: Folie À Deux, has reached a fever pitch with the burning question: Is it a musical or not? The release of the first teaser trailer has only added to the mystery, offering glimpses of a musical atmosphere while leaving audiences guessing (Phillips himself clarified at a recent CinemaCon event that he doesn’t classify it as a musical, though music plays a significant role). Despite this ambiguity, the trailer is undeniably rich with musical elements, leaving viewers intrigued yet uncertain about what to expect from the film’s tone.
As anticipated, the narrative of Joker: Folie À Deux takes a compelling turn as it places Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck within the confines of Arkham Asylum. It’s here that Fleck encounters Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, but in a departure from the traditional Joker lore, she is not a psychologist but rather a fellow inmate and admirer of Fleck. Their meeting sets the stage for an unconventional relationship, hinting at a unique dynamic between the two characters that promises to explore new depths of the Joker’s psyche.
With Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn forming an unexpected bond within the walls of Arkham Asylum, Joker: Folie À Deux appears poised to deliver a fresh and intriguing take on the iconic characters. As the teaser trailer teases a story filled with musical elements and psychological intrigue, audiences are left eagerly anticipating the film’s release, curious to see how Phillips’ unique vision will unfold on the screen.
