Hollywood has no shame when it comes to rolling out the sequels, especially when they relate to comic book movies. Two such films, the 2005 hit Sin City and the 2011 Avengers origin story, Captain America: The First Avenger, are receiving follow-ups, both of which will feature some familiar faces.
First, director Robert Rodriguez confirmed rumors that Bruce Willis will reprise his role in Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. Willis played John Hartigan in the first Frank Miller-inspired work, a wronged cop who tracks down a ruthless pedophile and saves the life of Nancy (Jessica Alba, who will also be back in the sequel). His return is surprising, given that his character died in the original film — but I guess that’s a minor detail. [/Film]
Rodriguez also spoke on Joseph Gordon-Levitt‘s character, who will play a central part in all of the multiple storylines. He boarded the film earlier this month to portray a smooth talking gambler named Johnny, and the director added a few more details regarding this role, saying:
“He plays a gambler, a very cocky gambler who comes in and tries to beat the biggest villian in Sin City at his own game. The story is called ‘The Long Bad Night.’ He beats the wrong guy in the game. Bad stuff happens to him. Bad stuff.”
Gordon-Levitt, who didn’t appear in Sin City, is joined by fellow newbies Ray Liotta and Jeremy Piven, as well as Juno Temple, who, apparently, negotiated some sort of Faustian contract that guarantees her a role in every film made from now on. The sequel also stars Josh Brolin, Jamie King, Mickey Rourke, Christopher Meloni, Rosario Dawson, Jaime King, Michael Madsen, Dennis Haysbert, and Jamie Chung.
Sin: City A Dame to Kill For opens in 3D on Oct. 4th.
From Marvel comes Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and while the film won’t see release until next year, casting updates keep coming in. During an interview with HeyUGuys (ThePlaylist) at the London Critics Circle Awards, Toby Jones confirmed that he will reprise his role as the Nazi doctor Arnim Zola – an addition that fits right in with Neal McDonough returning to his minor role of Dum Dum Dugan, but the developments do little to clear up what time period the film will be set. Early reports have the film taking place in the present day, which would explain the involvement of S.H.I.E.L.D. My best guess is that Jones will appear in a series of flashbacks, but I doubt anyone will know for sure until more plot details are released.
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Captain America: The Winter Soldier will also see the additions of Frank Grillo as the new villain, Crossbones, and Anthony Mackie as the Captain’s new sidekick, Falcon, along with S.H.I.E.L.D. membersSamuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and Cobie Smulders. The film hits theaters on April 4th, 2014.
Do you find these new developments enlightening or confusing?