Beyond the Screen #18: Jurassic World: Dominion, Joker Sequel, Nope, Neve Campbell, Paddington 3 and New Animated Ghostbusters

We take a look back at news of note in the world of film.

Jurassic World: Dominion Opens High

Top Gun: Maverick has blown past $700 million worldwide and is fast approaching $400 million domestically with its $353.7 million gross thus far, despite stiff competition from Jurassic World: Dominion, which took over most IMAX screens for its first weekend. The latest (and supposedly final) entry into the Jurassic franchise opened to $143,37 million over the weekend for a worldwide total of $389,121,000. This is an impressive showing, despite a poor reception from both critics and audiences thus far. With Lightyear set to open this Friday, we’ll see whether or not word-of-mouth takes a bite out of Jurassic World.

New Animated Ghostbusters Film and Series

Coming from Sony Pictures Animation, who’ve stepped up their game recently with several quality animated features, two new Ghostbusters projects are set for Netflix. A tweet from the official Ghostbusters Twitter account:

A new animated #Ghostbusters feature is in development with all new characters and a whole new take – helmed by #JenniferKluska and @ChrisPrynoski, and written by #BrendaHsueh. #GhostbustersDay @sonyanimation

— Ghostbusters (@Ghostbusters) June 9, 2022

This was followed by a tweet confirming a return to television with a series which will “navigate an unexplored era of the Ghostbusters Canon”. Both the series and film come in addition to the upcoming follow up to Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

Final Nope Trailer

Potential *spoilers* ahead. The final trailer for the new nightmare from Jordan Peele has shifted tone from the petrifying teasers that came before and reveals way more than we would have expected considering the secretive nature of its marketing campaign so far, including new plot details, characters, several jokes and, seemingly, key sequences from the film, including a chase with the flying saucer in full view. All that said, Peele’s almost certainly got even more stowed up his sleeve till opening night.

Joaquin Phoenix Pictured with Joker Sequel Script

A script has been presented to Joaquin Phoenix by writer-director Todd Phillips, who posted a photo of Phoenix’s first reading together with the script’s cover. The title reads: Joker – Folie a Deux, literal translation: “madness for two”, or a shared delusion. Coming off the heels of this announcement, articles by The Hollywood Reporter have made some pretty bold claims; that Lady Gaga is in early talks for a role, which is not terribly audacious, especially considering whispers that the film will be a musical (which would be terribly audacious). The Hollywood Reporter claims Gaga is finalizing a deal to play Harley Quinn.

The Munsters Teaser Trailer

The quirky teaser recreates the 1960s show’s original opening with its three most iconic characters making their entrances at Munsters Mansion on 1313 Mockingbird Lane. Director Rob Zombie is best known for a more splattered brand of horror, but judging by the nostalgic tone of this trailer and since he’s a confessed lifelong fan, it seems the family is in good hands. Zombie has gone so far as to preemptively address concerns over his involvement: “For those of you speculating, wondering and assuming that The Munsters would be dirty, violent and nasty… well, you are wrong, the film is rated PG”. The film will release simultaneously on Peacock and in theaters later this year.

Julia Garner offered role of Madonna in Biopic

Madonna is directing the film herself and co-writing the script with Juno’s Diablo Cody. Madonna has not made it easy to condense her life story into a film, considering the plethora of eras she has reimagined herself through. Naturally the audition process is vetting for dancing and singing skills, per Variety, who claim Julia Garner is in talks for the leading role, citing sources close to the project. Madonna has stated her intentions for the project: “I want to convey the incredible journey that life has taken me on as an artist, a musician, a dancer – a human being, trying to make her way in this world.”

Strange World Teaser

In another bit of throwback marketing, Disney’s Strange World teaser trailer unveils a modern take on classic serial adventures (set on a brave new planet) as the teaser transitions from black and white (or more accurately, sepia) to colour. The teaser unveils a few key characters, including Jake Gyllenhaal’s farmer turned unlikely co-explorer, a number of curious creatures, and a good smattering of sci-fi action.

Justin Lin Tapped for One Punch Man

After exiting Fast X, Sony has scooped up Justin Lin to adapt popular web comic turned anime One Punch Man. The film has been written by Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner. It will see that Saitama, who is powerful enough to defeat any foe with a single punch, hits the big screen along with his existential ennui and trademark bald head.

Neve Campbell Not Returning for Scream 6

Campbell explained that an offer she had received to return for a sixth installment of the franchise was too low to accept. Several castmates have defended her decision, Matthew Lillard and Jamie Kennedy (two more stars from the 1996 original) among them. “Sadly I won’t be making the next Scream film”, Campbell announced in a statement on Instagram. “As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream. I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise. It’s been a very difficult decision to move on. To all my Scream fans, I love you. You’ve always been so incredibly supportive to me. I’m forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years.”

First Paddington 3 Details

Last we saw Paddington he was having tea with Queen Elizabeth on the eve of her Platinum Jubilee, as the two bonded over a shared love for marmalade sandwiches. Now comes the title of the highly anticipated third film in the Paddington series- and news on who’ll have the chance to take over from director Paul King. Paddington in Peru will be brought to the screen by Dougal Wilson as his first feature film. Paul King remains on as an executive producer, while King, Simon Farnaby, Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont are attached as writers.

BAFTAs back in February

This year’s BAFTAs were held later than usual in March, extending the already lengthy awards season beyond reason. Thankfully, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced that the next BAFTA ceremony will be held on Sunday February 19th 2023, landing ahead of the much-anticipated 2023 Oscars on March 12th.

Spider-Man: No Way Home Returning to Theaters

Spider-Man: No Way Home: The More Fun Stuff Version marks the 60th anniversary of the Spider-Man character. The theatrical rerelease is likely to feature deleted and extended scenes initially promised for the Blu-ray release. The extended version is currently only slated for North American markets on September 2nd 2022.