The Weekly Ketchup: "Spider-Man 4" Villain Talk, George Lucas Smack Talk, "Hulk" Girlfriend Talk, And More!

by Nick Hershey | May 11, 2007

In this week’s Ketchup, talk has already focused on what villains may appear in the next "Spider-Man" flick, George Lucas takes a swipe at "Spider-Man 3" but dishes little on his own work, and "The Hulk" gets not only a new male lead, but a replacement girlfriend for the sequel.

Also, Mike Myers has plans for a fourth "Austin Powers," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End" angles to recapture a record by opening a bit early. Read on.

This Week’s Most Popular News:

Who’ll Be the Villains in "Spider-Man 4"?
It’s a very amusing game for those who adore comic books and movies in equal measure: Not only who’ll be playing which role in the next superhero flicks, but which characters will be making their big-screen debuts. One source seems to know a little something about "Spider-Man 4."

Lucas Gives a Few "Star Wars" & "Indy 4" Hints (and Calls "Spidey 3" Silly!)
The man who created Jar Jar Binks has called the third "Spider-Man" flick "silly." While talking to Fox News, George Lucas talked around "Indy 4" a little more. Regarding Karen Allen? Can’t say. Sean Connery? Lips are sealed. Plot details? Hah, don’t make me laugh.

The Hulk Has a New Girllllfriend!!
As much as I love Jennifer Connelly (and boy do I), it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that she wouldn’t be returning to play Betty Ross in "The Incredible Hulk." But at least the producers made a really good choice for the sequel…

Dr. Evil to Star in "Austin Powers 4"
Mike Myers has two of the most lucrative comedy franchises in history, with "Austin Powers" and "Shrek." As "Shrek the Third" rolls out to theaters, with Dreamworks planning "Shrek 4" and other spin-offs, Myers has not laid his international man of mystery to rest yet either.

Captain Jack Wants His Records Back: "Pirates 3" to Open Early
The good news is that us "Pirates" junkies can get our next fix a little bit earlier than previously expected. The bad news is that it’s only by a few hours.

Dr. Evil gets thrown his frickin’ bone.

In Other News:

Screenwriters Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont will write "Sisters of Mercy" for Columbia Pictures as a possible starring vehicle for Will Smith.

Hilary Swank plans to produce and star in an adaptation of "Fangland," the vampire novel from former "60 Minutes" producer John Marks.

"Happy Feet" executive producer Ed Jones will next produce "Escape From Planet Earth," an animated comedy about an alien prison break from Area 51.

Laurence Fishburne and Cole Hauser will co-star in the crime thriller "Tortured," with Nolan Lebovitz serving as director and screenwriter.

Luke Wilson is set to star in the dramedy "Henry Poole is Here," with Mark Pellington directing.

Taylor Hackford will direct the fact-based drama "Good Luck, Mr. Anthony" for Disney and Beacon Pictures.

Sam Rockwell, Toby Jones and Matthew Macfadyen have joined the cast of "Frost/Nixon," the big screen adaptation of the Peter Morgan play that marks the latest Ron Howard–Brian Grazer collaboration.

Matthew Perry and Hilary Swank will co-star in the comedy "Laws of Motion," with Ben Foster in talks to star as well.

Rainn Wilson is set to star in "The Rocker," a comedy about a failed drummer who gets another shot at fame, for Fox Atomic.

Linda Cardellini will star with Paul Walker in the indie drama "The Heaven Project" with John Glenn directing.

Malcolm McDowell has signed for three installments of the new "Halloween" movies with Rob Zombie directing. McDowell will play Dr. Loomis, the role made famous by Donald Pleasence.