This Week in Movie News 3/7-3/13

Tristan Baez, Writer

 ‘American Sniper’ tops the 2014 box office

Warner Bros. must become happy campers as the Oscar nominated film, ‘American Sniper’ has officially beat out ‘Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’ for highest grossing film of 2014. The film has grossed over $447,069,563.

First ‘Star Wars’ spinoff announced

In 2016 Disney/Lucasfilm will release the first ‘Star Wars’ spinoff movie in December. The film will be called ‘Rouge One’ and will star ‘Theory of Everything’ and ‘Amazing Spider-Man 2’ star Felicity Jones. While the rest of the cast is unknown, the film is entering pre-production, so look for casting news soon.

Another ‘Ghostbusters’ movie with Channing Tatum and Chris Pratt?

Former and original Ghostbuster, Dan Aykroyd has stated there will by another ‘Ghostbusters’ movie alongside the 2016 reboot with an all female cast staring Kristen Wiig and Melissa McBride. This film will be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’) and has rumored Channing Tatum and Chris Pratt to star. This is part of Aykroyd’s plan for a “’Ghostbusters’ shared universe.”

Live action ‘Dumbo’ coming to a theater near you

A live action ‘Dumbo’ movie is in pre-production with… (wait for it)… Tim Burton signed on to direct. Burton has worked on another Disney property ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ The film has no release date as Burton is currently working on getting ‘Beatlejuice 2’ off the ground.

P.S. Don’t be surprised if Johnny Depp is cast as Dumbo…

‘Tron 3’ to shoot in Toronto this fall

The third installment in the ‘Tron’ franchise is to be filmed this fall in Toronto. 2010’s ‘Tron: Legacy’ star Garrett Hedlund and director Joseph Kosinski are all set to return. No word yet on if Olivia Wilde or Jeff Bridges will return for the third movie.

‘Tomorrowland’ trailer drops

Brad Bird’s ‘Tomorrowland’ trailer released this week, starring George Clooney. The film is loosely based on the Disneyland attraction, with an original story. Bird has worked on other Disney films such as ‘The Incredibles.’ The trailer can be seen here.