This Week in Movie News (Nerd News)

It seems that most of these little compilations of weekly news include casting rumors for THE AVENGERS, this week is no different:

Jeremy Renner likely for the role of Hawkeye - This has been rumored for a while, but it seems to have recently become a done deal. Earlier this year, whilst riding high due to his performance in Best Picture THE HURT LOCKER, Renner became the target of numerous productions. This was no surprise as the actor has long been underappreciated. The most exciting of these rumored productions is the massive AVENGER flick due out in 2012 (to be directed by Joss Whedon). Hawkeye is a minor role, which works for Renner because he is also very interested in working with Paul Thomas Anderson on his next still un-titled film. If you look at a lot of comics, the character isn't really anything to write home about. I doubt that if it weren't for the graphic novel series "The Ultimates", Hawkeye would probably not appear in the film at all. In the above-mentioned series Hawkeye still plays second-fiddle to the first-stringers, but he also has his very exciting moments. Instead of some superhero outfit, this Hawkeye is clad in black and sunglasses, displaying a coolness and wit about him that is a perfect fit for Renner.

For those who do not know, Hawkeye is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who possesses the ability to turn most objects into something lethal with incredible accuracy (even fingernails!). The AVENGERS is starting to get crowded, I hope the proper amount of attention is paid to the right people.

More Marvel, Neal McDonough to play Dum Dum Dugan in CAPTAIN AMERICA -

This is another minor role, but I'm happy about his involvement and McDonough's casting. Dum Dum, full name Timothy Aloysius Cadwallader Dugan, is a great character if for nothing other than his appearance. His style includes a bowler hat and a bushy mustache, which McDonough reports he'll also be wearing (he's already started on the mustache). Dugan is also an excellent marksman and, reportedly, will be part of Cap's Howling Commandos unit in the film. If you don't know McDonough by name, I'd wager that you'd recognize his face. The man pops up just about everywhere, most recently on "Desperate Housewives" as Dave Williams. Aside from that, he often appears as a heavy, a tough guy, or a military man.

Also joining the cast of CAPTAIN AMERICA...Stanley Tucci -

Tucci will appear as the German scientist Abraham Erskine, the man who creates the super-soldier serum that transforms weakling Steve Rogers into the most powerful man on the planet. Tucci is coming off an Oscar Nomination for his supporting role in Peter Jackson's THE LOVELY BONES.

THREE MEN AND A BRIDE might just be a reality -

I don't know who is exactly clamoring for this, but it might just happen either way. For those who don't know or care to remember, there was once a pair of films featuring Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson as the caretakers of a young girl - first, THREE MEN AND A BABY (directed by Leonard Nimoy), second, THREE MEN AND A LITTLE LADY. The third film in the series would obviously involve the men giving away the now-grown woman and walking her down the aisle. I don't really see what this film would accomplish besides setting a curious new precedent about the need to make any sequels possible. Selleck and Guttenberg, though likable, aren't exactly burning up the big-screen. Neither is Danson for that matter, but at least he still gets work. Do people really need to know what happened to the "Baby/Little Lady"? Does anyone really care? Zach Galifianakis made a subtle joke about the films in last year's THE HANGOVER. I thought it was funny, but not a lot of people laughed because they didn't understand it. I see failure written all over this project, but I guess only time will tell.

Tony Jaa's Retires -

Thai martial artist and film superstar, Tony Jaa, has retired from films and joined a monastery. Apparently, he rode into his new home on an elephant and proceeded to become an officially ordained monk. This seemed odd to me, but I haven't followed Jaa's career. I don't want to recount it all here, but I suggest looking into it. However, I will mention that the details involve Jaa's time as director of ONG BAK 2, which, under his watchful eye, became an incredibly troubled production from which he disappeared into the jungle for months before being brought back. The turmoil of this period in his life could make for a VERY interesting film, probably far more interesting than any of his stunt-laded pictures.

Like I said, look it up. I guarantee it's fascinating.