Movie News Monday for June 16, 2014.

Welcome to this week’s edition of “Movie News Monday!” (“MNM!”)

What is ‘MNM’ all about?

In case this is your first time here, “Movie News Monday!” (MNM) is the place to visit on Mondays for a quick recap of trending entertainment news! I’ve collected info, rumors, etc from all over just for you to keep you updated on movies being released, actors/actresses in roles, dvd releases to keep a lookout for, which movie won in the box office over the weekend, etc! Are you ready for your weekly update? Here it is!

This Just In!!…

#1- “The Weekend Winner.” Last weekend, the box office arena welcomed 2 major new wide releases that were both sequels. 22 Jump Street and How To Train Your Dragon 2 went head to head in their debut weekend with some strong results. While Edge of Tomorrow had a substantial drop in earnings (sadly), The Fault In Our Stars suffered the biggest box office blow with a drop of over 67% in earnings from its gigantic launch last week.

Congratulations to X-Men: Days of Future Past as that film just passed the $200M mark (domestically) and exceeded its production budget of $200M!

Here are the weekend’s results for Fri, June 13-Sun, June 15:

22 Jump Street ~$60M
How To Train Your Dragon 2 ~$50M
Maleficent ~$19M
Edge of Tomorrow ~$16.2M
The Fault in Our Stars ~$15.7M
X-Men: Days of Future Past ~$9.5M
Godzilla ~$3.2M
A Million Ways to Die in the West ~$3.1M
Neighbors ~$2.5M
Chef ~$2.3M

Congratulations to 22 Jump Street (My review to post soon)

What did YOU watch this weekend?

#2- “Super Rumors? You be the judge.” This week, several rumors hit the web in regards to superhero film castings. As always, rumors are to be taken with a grain of salt. But let us entertain the notion today of two of the biggest in upcoming superhero movies:

1. Jason Momoa up for role of Aquaman in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

This rumor is not new, however, entertainment site HitFix is claiming that it is already a done deal, stating:

Well, he’s totally playing Aquaman in “Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice.”

While Warner Bros. hasn’t made that announcement officially yet, HitFix can confirm that he will be playing the part, and that Zack Snyder has already finalized his designs for the character so shooting can take place soon.

…what we’re hearing is that he is not pleased about the World Engine and what it did to the Indian Ocean. He will not have a major role in the film, but he will make an appearance, and it definitely sets him up to return once Snyder gets to “Justice League.”

While I don’t know what to think about this, I can tell you that it seems every time this Man of Steel sequel is mentioned, DC fans sigh out of exasperation and apprehension with the continual additions of more heroes. Will there even be any time left for plot development with all the characters they are throwing into the mix? Martian Manhunter was also rumored to be cast last week and Wonder Woman, Shazam and a Green Lantern/Flash team up film are all additional projects expected between now and 2018…

2. Jared Leto up for title role in Marvel’s upcoming Doctor Strange.

No, Johnny Depp is not the latest target of rumor for this role. The Oscar-winner Jared Leto has been rumored to be in talks for the role and results may be favorable towards the outcome. Nothing to really sink your teeth into yet, but it is out there and may be more than a wishful whisper. Leto hasn’t appeared to be working on very much since his amazing performance in Dallas Buyers Club…he could be prepping for the role…or he could just be taking a break. An odd or rather interesting choice for Dr. Strange.

(I want Pedro Pascal…aka Oberyn Martell from Game of Thrones…to be Dr. Strange!)

What are your thoughts on these casting rumors?

#3- “A Beast of an Exit.” Director Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Pacific Rim) was…I said “was”…working with Harry Potter starlet Emma Watson to direct a live-action Beauty and the Beast film. That was until last week when he vacated the director’s chair.

Known for great visuals and imaginative presentations, I was very much looking forward to what interpretation del Toro had in mind for the film with the gorgeous Watson as the inventor’s daughter.

The departure is stated to be due to “scheduling conflicts,” but del Toro is remaining attached to the project as a producer. [Rumors swirl about del Toro's possible Pacific Rim 2 work being a part of this delay...but I doubt it.] With Watson still set to star, this makes for another Walt Disney upcoming picture that may be challenged to find a director (i.e. Ant-Man). Disney, however, coming off the success of Maleficent is looking toward their next live-action adventure with Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh releasing March 2015.

Who do you want to see direct this film now?

#4- “Loki goes Country.” Tom Hiddleston has announced that he will both sing and star as the Country music icon legend Hank Williams in an upcoming biopic entitled I Saw The Light. Expected to begin production in Louisiana this upcoming October, this film, produced by Brett Ratner, will focus on the star who brought such hits to the charts as “Move It on Over,” “Lost Highway,” “Jumbalaya (on the Bayou),” “Ramblin’ Man,” “You Win Again” and “Lovesick Blues.”

In his life, on top of fighting spina bifida, Williams also fought alcoholism and addiction to prescription pills. He passed away at the age of 29 of heart failure, but through his life he influenced many with music that is played even today.

Look for more on this project as news develops.

Are you ready to hear Loki sing?

#5- “This Week’s Blu-ray release.” Here’s what blu-ray.com shows:

My pick of the week out of the NEW releases is The Grand Budapest Hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed this Wes Anderson film and look forward to seeing it again (my review). I mention this one since the majority of the movie-loving masses will flock to the other amazing release of the week…Walk of Shame! JK…Walk of Shame is TERRIBLE. The LEGO Movie! “Everything is awesome!” Enjoy your pick whichever you choose.