Spider-Man 3 opens on May 4th and of course there is a lot of anticipation around it. I’m even anxious myself to see it… kind of. I’ve loved Spidey since I was a comic book collecting kid. They did a pretty good job on the first two movies until Spidey took off his mask in Spider-Man 2. This one, though, could turn into a convoluted mess with so many villains (3) and new characters being introduced. Sandman is one of the villains and I am wondering whether they could have picked a worse one. Fan-favorite Venom is also in the movie which I think is a great choice. My big question here is whether they will portray Venom as the ruthless, vicious enemy he is in the comics, or sweeten him up for the kiddie movie-goers. Harry Osborn is the last villain as he seeks revenge on Peter/Spidey for killing his father. The trailers have him wearing a rejected Power Rangers costume. Why not just make him the Hobgoblin? I know Spider-Man 3 will at the very least be watchable. I just hope to finally walk out of the theater a fully-satisfied Spidey fan.
Check out the official site here.

Joblo.com has reported that the first trailer for the latest (and likely last) Indiana Jones movie will be released on Thanksgiving weekend 2007. The movie opens May 2008. All information about the story has been top secret. All we know is that best-actress-in-the-world Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone of The Departed are in the cast along with Harrison Ford. Sean Connery is still undecided about returning to his role as Papa Jones. I’m hoping they do this farewell film justice, but I am skeptical. Ever since the last Indy film in 1989, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Ford have rejected dozens of scripts until finally accepting this one. Ford really wants/needs a hit. Lucas and Spielberg love making big blockbusters that make big money. Will they return to the masterful storytelling that was Raiders of the Lost Ark, or shell out another Temple of Doom or Last Crusade? The answer lies in the script which is under lock and key ala the Star Wars sequels. The right story of an aging Indy could be fantastic. However, we’ll probably have to wait until Thanksgiving to even get a sense as to whether this film will put a justified close to a great character.

Daily Variety reports that Coca-Cola company lawyers have objected to a scene in the Italian film 7 Km da Gerusalemme (Seven Kilometers From Jerusalem) that depicts an actor giving Jesus a ride in his Jeep and handing the Son of God a Coke. Originally scheduled for an April 6th (Good Friday) release, producers fear a late April release if Coca-Cola refuses to relent its demands. While it’s not unusual for companies, particularly those with a large U.S. presence, to avoid religious associations like the plague, what’s interesting about this story is that the film was well-received by the Vatican. The recent Busto Arsizio Film Fest lead by Polish film professor Krzysztof Zanussi, who has close ties to the Vatican, gave the film its top prize. 7 Km da Gerusalemme, based on the Italian book Seven Kilometers, follows the story of an advertising executive who travels to the Holy Land after suffering a midlife crisis. Included in the cast is Rosalinda Celentano who was last seen by American film goers in another controversial religious film, The Passion of the Christ. She played the role of Satan.

You can read the Daily Variety story here.

Guardian Unlimited has reported a claim by stunt man Bruce Law that he has performed as a stunt double for several Hong Kong action stars including Jackie Chan. Why is this story news worthy? Jackie has claimed for years that he has always performed his own stunts. He has said the only time he resorts to stunt doubles is in his American films where insurance regulations prevent him from performing the stunts himself. The Guardian reports in it’s article that both Jackie’s spokesman and Bruce Law have stood by their respective claims when contacted for comment. You can read the entire article here.

If you were a big fan of Shaun of the Dead, you may want to mark your calender for Tuesday April 10th. From 2:30 to 3:30pm (EST) JoBlo.com will host a live chat with the creative team behind both projects; director Edgar Wright and writers Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost. Head over to JoBlo and register for JoBlo’s forums if you not already a member. In the forums you can begin posting your questions which the guys will answer next Tuesday.

Images from the set of Iron Man, the latest comic book inspired production, have made it to the web. You can check the pictures out here on justjared.buzznet.com. Don’t get too excited. The pictures don’t show much - you’ll get a view of Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man) and Gwyneth Paltrow (Virginia ‘Pepper’ Potts) in evening wear at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Iron Man is directed by Jon Favreau (best known as the writer/star of ‘Swingers’) and is sheduled for a May 2008 release. Interesting choice by casting to choose Robert Downey Jr. I can’t think of another star who has played the hero during the comic cross-over craze we’re in right now who has more of a ’serious actor’ reputation. We’ll see what he brings to the role.