Geoffrey Rush Joins "Green Lantern"

Much like Jon Favreau's "Iron Man" did a few years ago, DC Comics is hoping to bring one of its most beloved characters to the mainstream with its big-budget feature "Green Lantern." Starring Ryan Reynolds as the titular superhero and directed by Martin Campbell, the film has just added another key member, an Oscar winner who will be heard, but not seen.

According to Heat Vision Geoffrey Rush will voice the role of Tomar-Re, a key member of the Green Lantern Corps. in the upcoming "Green Lantern" movie for Warner Bros. Pictures

In the comics, Tomar-Re was a scientist before joining the intergalactic police corps where he was instrumental in training new members including newly minted Lantern Hal Jordan (Reynolds).

The film is currently working through post-production to complete its extensive visual effects. Michael Clarke Duncan was linked to the role yesterday, but clearly that was just Internet chatter.

Rush is a great choice to voice the character. He can be assertive, emotional, loud and quiet when needed and based on his work in "The King's Speech," he wont be afraid to stand up to someone in power when they need a lesson. Rush will have a busy summer ahead of him, he also is set to appear in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" in May.

"Green Lantern" is set for a June 17th release.

Jon Favreau Departs "Iron Man" Franchise

When Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. teamed up for "Iron Man" in 2008, I don't think anyone realized quite how successful the film would become. It grossed more than $500 million worldwide, was critically praised, and brought on some huge anticipation for "Iron Man 2." While that one wasn't quite as critically acclaimed as the first, it made even more money, and had everyone wondering what the duo would bring on for a third film.

Although a third film is set for the series, one thing that will change is the director. After a bit of speculation, Vulture and Faverau himself confirmed this past week that the director will not return for the third installment.

When the news broke, the Internet started buzzing about the reasons for the split. Some claimed that Favreau's price tag was getting too high, while some others speculated that the studio forced him off the project. Thankfully, the director himself put an end to that chatter, giving some clarity on the situation through his Twitter account and in an interview with The Los Angeles Times.

Through his Twitter account, Faverau said: "It's true, I'm directing Magic Kingdom, not Iron Man 3. I've had a great run with Marvel and wish them the best."

After that, Favreau gave an interview to The Los Angeles Times, saying his departure from the film was "no snap decision or the result of fractured relations." He also stated that he Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and him remain friends, and that Favreau will stay on as a producer on ”The Avengers.”

Although this may seem like a negative move for the "Iron Man" franchise, I think it's great because it always helps to inject some new life to a fracnshise, even one that's been as successful as this. Faverau wants to work on other projects, and with "The Avengers" still on the horizon, the third film probably wouldn't be released until 2013 anyway.

I honestly am excited to see what Favreau does with "Magic Kingdom," which is about a family that gets trapped in Disneyland after hours and soon discovers that the theme park's rides and characters come to life. I think the film idea has a lot of potential, primarily because of what Faverau brings to the table.

Shooting on "Magic Kingdom" should start filming next year.

Iron Man's Clark Gregg Joins "Thor"

Clark Gregg has signed on to reprise his role as Agent Coulson from "Iron Man" in Kenneth Branagh’s "Thor" film adaptation says Variety.

According to Variety: A regular on CBS' sitcom "The New Adventures of Old Christine," Gregg will reprise his role from "Iron Man" as Agent Coulson in "Thor."

“Thor," which Kenneth Branagh is directing now, stars Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding Norse god, as well as Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellen Skarsgard and Kat Dennings.

The character is the latest to appear in multiple Marvel productions as the comic book company's film division preps for the eventual production of "The Avengers," which unites Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America and Thor in one picture.

Marvel has been keen on brokering deals with actors to make sure the audience will recognize characters when they crossover and appear in its other films. Gregg's Agent Coulson also will return in the upcoming "Iron Man 2."

His boss Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) also appears in the upcoming "Iron Man 2." Both Gregg and Jackson are expected to return for "The Avengers" when it gets underway.

Gregg is kind of an underrated talent in Hollywood, and I’m glad he is going to get some big-budget exposure. The actor also has tried his hand in writing and directing, as he did both (and acted) in the Chuck Palahniuk adaptation “Choke,” starring Sam Rockwell.

Gregg was also solid in his supporting role in “(500) Days of Summer” as the boss of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character.

“Iron Man 2” will be released May 7, 2010.