The Pre-Production #3 – ‘Mortal Kombat’, ‘The Matrix 4’, ‘Venom 2’, ‘Lizzie McGuire’, ‘Birds Of Prey’

‘Lizzie McGuire’

Last month, it was announced at D23 that a revival of ‘Lizzie McGuire’ is in development with original creator Terri Minsky set to return as showrunner and Hilary Duff set to reprise her role as the titular character. The series will follow 30-year-old millennial Lizzie McGuire as she navigates life in New York City.

We have learned that the series will begin production on October 5th in Los Angeles.

’Mortal Kombat’

We have learned that Naaman Marshall will serve as production designer on the upcoming ‘Mortal Kombat’ film. Simon McQuoid will direct the video game adaption with Greg Russo writing the screenplay, the cast for the film has already been assembled including the likes of Lewis Tan, Ludi Lin and Mehcad Brooks.

Naaman Marshall is known for his production design work on ‘Stuber’, ‘Don’t Breathe’, ‘The Visit’ as well as M. Night Shyamalan’s Apple TV+ series ‘Servant’. He has also worked as a supervising art director/art director on ‘The Dark Knight’, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, ‘John Carter’, ’The Lone Ranger’ and ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’.

‘Birds of Prey’

With ‘Birds of Prey’ almost wrapping up its reshoots, we have finally learned that Jay Cassidy will be the editor on the film. Jay Cassidy is known for being the editor on ‘Fury’, ‘A Star Is Born’, ‘Joy’, ‘Foxcatcher’ and ‘American Hustle’.

After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord, Black Mask in Gotham City. ‘Birds of Prey’ is directed by Cathy Yan, written by Christina Hodson and stars Margot Robbie, Ella Jay Basco, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett Bell, Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez and Chris Messina. The film will release February 2020.

‘The Matrix 4’

We have learned that ‘The Matrix 4’ is eyeing to begin filming on February 10th in Chicago.

We first reported that a new Matrix film was in development from the Wachowskis back in June and now trades have confirmed that Lana Wachowski, one of the Wachowski sisters, will return to direct ‘The Matrix 4’ with Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann Moss set to reprise their respective roles and John Toll will also handle cinematography. We also have reported that production designers Peter Walpole and Hugh Bateup have joined the crew for ‘The Matrix 4’. At one point, Lily Wachowski was more involved in developing the fourth ‘Matrix’ film but will now not co-direct the film as she is currently more focused on her TV ventures.

‘Venom 2’

We have learned that ‘Venom 2’ is eyeing to begin filming on November 18th in London.

Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams and Woody Harrelson will reprise their respective roles for the sequel as Andy Serkis, director of ‘Mowgli’ and ‘Breathe’, takes the reigns of directing for the film. Kelly Marcel will return to write the screenplay for the sequel.

Robert Richardson, known for his recent work on ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’ will serve as cinematographer on ‘Venom 2’ as Oilver Scholl will reportedly return as production designer, a role which he served on the first film.