It's the inevitable rule - as franchises continue, sequels end up becoming more and more expensive. As a result series change, are reinvented and take odd directions in order to keep costs under control. Now some rather funky gossip on two such franchises has appeared and here it is for your amusement:
Rush Hour 3 Kung Fu Cinema reports that according to Japanese local newspaper Yomiuri, producers of the film, which is currently in development, are after Steven Seagal to play the lead villain. Writer Jeff Eastin, who is also working on a "True Lies" sequel apparently had Seagal in mind when he penned the character. Ekin Cheng ("Twins Effect") is also reportedly being sought out for a role in the film. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are both returning for "Rush Hour 3", likely to be the last in the popular action comedy series that made Jackie a Hollywood star.
Red Rabbit & Rainbow Six 'Bookworm5' delivers arguably the wildest rumour I've heard yet about the Jack Ryan franchise - yes even odder than those Tom Cruise rumours:
"In the last couple of weeks my company has got word that Paramount are going ahead with film versions of two of his books, RED RABBIT and RAINBOX SIX.
Firstly, get set for an absolute overhaul of the whole Jack Ryan series for the next film!. Both Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck - who only signed for the one film - are old news, and they've got their sights set on actor Hayden Christensen. He appears in Star Wars Episode 3 next year and I guess they think they'll ride on it's coat-tails being the enormous success it'll inevitably be. Red Rabbit is going out to directors, they're currently doing the script, and trying to work out a deal for the actor. Like the last movie, it focuses on Ryan's younger years, hence targeting Christensen.
Secondly, John Woo is going to be doing "Rainbox Six" and it doesn't feature Ryan, but another character, John Clark. I believe they're not going to use Liev Schrieber, from 'Sum', because he isn't bankable enough. This film's a little more full speed ahead than the other, with all the elements in place - bar a lead. I'd say it shoot be filming by years end".
Thanks to 'Shaun' & 'bookworm5'.
