‘X-Men’ Spinoff ‘Gambit’ Lands ‘Planet of the Apes’ Director Rupert Wyatt
Channing Tatum’s X-Men spinoff Gambit has finally found its director. After numerous filmmakers turned down the project, Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) is now signed on to helm the comic book movie. The character of Gambit already appeared in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine (where he was played by Taylor Kitsch), but this will be the first time he’s actually featured in the franchise. Josh Zetumer (2014’s RoboCop) wrote the script for the film, which is set to release in theaters on Oct. 7, 2016. [EW]
Forest Whitaker In Talks to Join ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ Standalone Film
Forest Whitaker may be joining the cast of Star Wars‘ standalone film Rogue One. The award-wining actor is currently in talks to co-star in the movie, opposite Felicity Jones, Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna and Ben Mendelsohn. Director Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) recently revealed that the spinoff (which is set before Episode IV: A New Hope) revolves around the heist of the Death Star plans by a group of rebel fighters. Whitaker’s role, however, is unknown at this time. The movie is premieres Dec. 16, 2016. [Variety]
Winona Ryder to Star in Netflix Mystery Series
Winona Ryder will star in Matt and Ross Duffer’s (Wayward Pines) new untitled mystery series for Netflix. Set in 1980s Long Island, the drama follows a young boy who vanishes into thin air. As family, friends and cops try to uncover the truth, they’re drawn into a mystery involving top-secret government experiments, supernatural forces and one very strange little girl. Ryder will play Joyce, a working-class single mother reeling from the disappearance of her son. In her quest to rescue him from terrifying forces, she summons a strength she never knew she had. The Duffer brothers will write and direct all eight hourlong episodes for release in 2016. [THR]
Katherine Waterston Joins Eddie Redmayne in ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’
Katherine Waterston (Inherent Vice) has landed the female lead in Harry Potter spinoff film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opposite star Eddie Redmayne. She’ll play Tina (which is short for Porpentina), a witch who practices magic in the U.S. and meets Newt Scamander (Redmayne) when he stops by New York City on his travels to find and document magical creatures. David Yates (who directed the last four Harry Potter films) is returning to helm the film from a script by J.K. Rowling. Warner Bros. has scheduled the movie for release on Nov. 18, 2016. [TheWrap]