'Inside Man' sequel moving forward

The Hollywood Reporter tells us that Spike Lee is moving forward with a sequel to Inside Man over at Universal -- a project that's been in the works for awhile now, but took a backseat when Lee decided to make Miracle at St. Anna. The director would return to the film in the same role, with Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, Reservation Road) currently in negotiations to write the screenplay.

Universal and Lee made a killing on the first Inside Man, which, in my opinion, was one of the more enjoyable heist flicks of the past few years, and so it's no surprise they're looking to dive in for more. Though they're not signed on yet, both Denzel Washington and Clive Owen are interested in reprising their roles -- and THR says the sequel will "continue the relationship between the two man characters but in a new high-tension situation." Not a big fan of the "it made $175 million so we have to do the sequel" thought process, but if there's a duo I'd like to see reunited on screen, it would be Clive and Denzel. Both were excellent in the first film.

What do you think? Down for more Inside Man? And where could you see them taking these characters?

American Gangster Too

Here’s one we missed yesterday - Universal are developing a sequel to the 2007 hooligan riff “American Gangster”.

I know what you’re all thinking: “Great. Finally, they’ll tell the rest of the story – they’ll get to the good stuff. Here comes the film they should’ve told first-time around – the one where the ex-cop defends the ex-crook” (After working as a prosecutor, cop Ritchie Roberts became a criminal defense attorney, and still works as one today. Ironically, the first person he defended was Frank Lucas, for the same crime for which he prosecuted him.).

Doubtful we’ll get any of that “good stuff” here, folkidorians. Word is, “AG 2” is likely a direct-to-DVD offering, and based on who CHUD says is starring in it - salsa singer Domingo Quiñones - it’s unlikely we’re going to be treated to a sequel featuring the same characters (sure-as-shit Crowe and Washington won’t be back for it) as the first film, but more so a film that shares similarities with Ridley Scott’s film, but for the most part is just thieving it’s name (Think “Carlito’s Way : Rise to Power” or “American Pie : The Naked Mile”). It’s all the rage, ya know?

Universal are currently working on a few direct-to-DVD sequels - “Without a Paddle 2″, a new “Beethoven” pic, etc - so wouldn’t surprise me at all if Blockbuster will be where this thing makes its debut.

According to CHUD’s scooper, the salsa singer will be playing an undercover Mexican cop in the film. The scenes in which he participates in will be shot in Puerto Rico in a few months.

Stay Tuned for more on “American Gangster : Assignment Miami Beach” – or whatever tag they award it – as it comes to hand.

Denzel to be part of "The Matarese Circle"

While Universal try and twist Matt Damon's arm into doing a fourth "Bourne", another Robert Ludlum book-cum-film is gearing up.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The Matarese Circle" has attracted Denzel Washington's interest, whose attached himself to the project.

The script revolves around two secret agents -- an American and a Russian -- who must work together to fight a mysterious group of killers known as the Matarese. The twist: The agents, Bradley Scofield and Vasili Taleniekov, have been nemeses for years, with each responsible for killing someone close to the other. According to those familiar with the pitch, Washington would play Scofield.

Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, the scribes behind Lionsgate's "3:10 to Yuma" and upcoming Universal tentpole "Wanted," are attached as writers. Veteran producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Nick Wechsler are on board as producers.

Nearly all the major studios have heard at least a version of the pitch, with several thought to be keenly interested; however, no deal had been struck.

Give it a week, it'll sell.

Source: MovieHole