Official The Wolverine Plot Description

The official Facebook page for The Wolverine has revealed the first official plot description for the film:

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, THE WOLVERINE finds Logan, the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, samurai steel will clash with adamantium claw as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will leave him forever changed.

The page also lists Svetlana Khodchenkova as part of the cast, confirming the earlier casting rumor.

The 20th Century Fox film directed by James Mangold will open on July 26th, 2013.

Iron Man 3 to Shoot In China

Here's the press release, via Deadline, which features the first (short) description of the film: 

Shanghai/ Beijing and Los Angeles, CA (4.00pm Beijing 16 April, 2012) –
The Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios and DMG Entertainment today announced the intention to co-produce IRON MAN 3 in China. Under the arrangement, DMG Entertainment will make an investment in the production of IRON MAN 3, manage the Chinese co-production process, and jointly produce the film in China. The Chinese portion of IRON MAN 3’s production will run through DMG Entertainment in coordination with Marvel Studios’ production and creative teams. DMG will also distribute IRON MAN 3 in China in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company China. 

IRON MAN 3 will be the third movie in the billion-dollar plus franchise from Marvel and stars a returning cast including Robert Downey Jr. (as billionaire inventor Tony Stark) Gwyneth Paltrow (as Pepper Potts) and Don Cheadle (as James “Rhodey” Rhodes). IRON MAN 3 is produced by Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz. The film is being directed by Shane Black who is working on the script with Drew Pearce. The film releases in the United States on May 3, 2013, and is being distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in all territories worldwide other than in China (which is being distributed by DMG Entertainment) and Germany/Austria (which is being distributed by the Tele München Group). 

“The popularity of the Marvel franchise globally creates a huge opportunity to deliver fans yet another action packed film,” said Stanley Cheung, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China. “The co-production of IRON MAN 3 in China is testimony to the importance of this audience to Disney and the local industry capability to deliver a blockbuster title,” he added. 

“We look forward to working alongside DMG to bring IRON MAN to the Chinese marketplace in a significant way. We are confident that Marvel’s stories will continue to be enjoyed by Chinese audiences, and adding a local flavor, and working with our new local partner, will enhance the appeal and relevance of our characters in China’s fast-growing film marketplace” said Rob Steffens, General Manager of Operations and Finance for Marvel Studios. 

“Our collaboration with Disney and Marvel marks a milestone in the global entertainment landscape, as this signifies the first multi-billion dollar franchise to be produced between Hollywood and China,” said Dan Mintz, CEO of DMG Entertainment. “The IRON MAN franchise has been a major success worldwide, and we look forward to pushing the series to new heights with IRON MAN 3. The movie will further build upon its compelling storyline, and feature the hottest A-list stars, and spectacular action, which will resonate well both globally and in China, the second largest box office market in the world.” 

The first installment of IRON MAN lifted off with high-speed, high-flying action when jet-setting industrialist Tony Stark survives an unexpected attack and escapes by building a high-tech robotic suit of armor. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. Straight from the pages of the legendary comic book, Iron Man is a hero who is built—not born—to be unlike any other and made US$581 million at the global box office when released in 2008. Based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN 2 continued the story of the 2008 summer box office blockbuster IRON MAN, and made US$624 million at the global box office when released in 2010. 

Now, IRON MAN 3 continues the story with a new chapter that will deliver more heart-pounding action than ever before. Marvel Studios’ IRON MAN 3 will find Tony Stark with his back against the wall, facing his most fearsome foes yet. 

Shooting is expected to commence in May in the United States and begin location filming in China in late summer 2012.

Box Office Watch: 2/19/12

While many are claiming the latest Ghost Rider film's opening weekend makes the film a failure, might it actually be a big win for star Nicolas Cage?

The estimates are in for the weekend and it appears that Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance has debuted in third place, with $22 million. In addtion, predictions are currently running at a $26-27 mil total for the four-day weekend, and I would personally predict a seven-day total of $30-32 mil.

It is without a doubt a soft opening for any Marvel-branded film, yet seems to fall well above the true bombs like 2008's Punisher: Warzone which debuted at just 4.2 mil and 2005's Elektra, which debuted at just $12.8 mil.

As the only Marvel film to debut in the 20 million range, its closest comparable films are the first two Blade films, whose opening weekends earned them $17 mil and $32 million respectively and went on to earn $70 mil and $82 mil in domestic totals.

And yet...

While this may be the Marvel brand's worst opening in several years, this is also star Nicolas Cage's biggest opener as a headlining star since 2009's Knowing, and the 10th biggest opening of his nearly 60-film career. This is especially worth noting because only 3.5 million dollars currently seperates this from being his 5th biggest opening instead of the 10th.

If that sticks out to you, it should -- five of his biggest hits opened smack dab in the middle of the 20 to 30 million dollar range. It is perhaps ironic then, that commentators have been claiming Cage's lack of star credibility as the reason for the film's weak opening when it is in fact an average debut weekend for the actor, and an uptick from his films in recent years.

So congratulations Mr. Cage, your career might be back on the rise... if the abysmal critical reception doesn't weigh you down.

Final Assessment:

It seems unlikely, but IF it can hold on to screens and audiences as well as the Blade duo and Knowing did, the film could potentially end it's run in the $70-80 mil range. If not, it should at least be able to top 50 mil.

--

If possible, I'll do follow-up on Friday regarding the weekend actuals, the 7-day total, and the film's international earnings.