SPIDER-MAN 4So, it turns out the "indefinite hold" rumor IESB ran before the Christmas break was not the work of Mysterio, but an actual production delay. As we reported at CBR yesterday, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed the holiday break has turned into a big question mark. The reason for the delay? A clash between director Sam Raimi and Sony over the choice of villain. "Raimi wants to have a criminal known as the Vulture act as the primary antagonist in the film while the studio, which dislikes the idea of the winged wrongdoer, is pushing for a romantic sub-plot involving a burglar named the Black Cat in addition to another villain," writes THR. Another screenwriter, Alvin Sargent, has been brought on to draft another version of the script. If all of this sounds familiar, it's because the same thing happened on "Spider-Man 3." Sony and Raimi no longer appear to have a common vision for the series. This whole situation has put some doubt on the release date. Somewhere, Mysterio must be laughing his ... um ... face(?) off.

Directed by Sam Raimi, release date: May 5th, 2011?HUMAN TARGETTarget419 has plenty of updates with guest star announcements, promo images, and descriptions of the pilot and subsequent episodes. The site also reports the second episode to air will be "Rewind" instead of the previously assumed "Embassy Row." Meanwhile, star Mark Valley tells Sci Fi Wire about some of the crazy things he's had to do as Christopher Chance. "Generally, the way ... the way I find out about them, it's like, 'Mark, can you ride a horse?'" says the actor.

Premieres: January 17th, 2010KICK-ASSThe music/film/so on and so forth festival SXSW has announced the film will open its 2010 Film program in March. I'd say that's pretty kick-ass, but I'm getting tired of using that pun.

Starring Nicholas Cage, release date: April 16th, 2010DEADPOOLVariety reports "Zombieland" wrtiters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick have been chosen to write "X-Men Origins" spin-off. Reese and Wernick also wrote a draft of "Venom" for Sony, so it seems Marvel suits them. Variety notes there is no start date and star Ryan Reynolds is off getting ready to play Green Lantern.

Release date: TBAPREACHERSam Mendes is in negotiations to direct the 23rd James Bond film, according to Heat Vision. "Production is being fast-tracked and could begin as early as June with an eye toward a 2011 release," writes Heat Vision. This further pushes Mendes's planned feature adaptation of "Preacher" back into the mists of time. I still question if Mendes is the right guy for "Preacher." I doubt he's right for Bond, too. While he can make beautiful images, I've never really engaged with any of his films.

Release date: TBACOWBOYS AND ALIENSWhile discussing the change of heart many studios are having about 3D in the wake of the monumental success of "Avatar," The Daily Beast mentions "Cowboys and Aliens" could benefit from the acceptance of the technology. "The 'Avatar' factor could make the difference on 'Cowboys and Aliens', a DreamWorks project to be directed by Jon Favreau that starts shooting in July. (Plot line: Settlers and Indians put aside their differences when a spaceship crash-lands in their town.)," writes the Daily Beast. Also of note in that statement is the plan to begin shooting in July.

Release date, 2011THE BOOK OF ELIThe first of several interviews I conducted for the film is up here at CBR. In this first article, I talked with actress Mila Kunis about her work in the film and the weather in New Mexico, where the film was shot. "The weather didn't know what it wanted to be. It would snow one day and then wouldn't the next day. Then sunshine. Then rain," said the actress of the climate.

Directed by the Hughes Brothers, release date: January 15th, 2010THE HOBBITAccording to Production Weekly's helpful Twitter page, "Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of JRR Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' is due to begin a 14 month production schedule this June in New Zealand." These movies cannot come fast enough for me. Release date: December 2011MYSTERIO STRIKES! Ever since the "indefinite hold" on "Spider-Man 4" story broke, I've been blaming Mysterio for any rumor or story filled with uncertainty and conjecture. I think it's pretty handy and a really clear image of just how much confusion exists in the world of feature film production. The "indefinite hold" story is a great example. I'm guessing Sony officially denied the initial report in the hopes the script issues would be cleared up over the holiday break. At that point, surrounded by other odd rumors and even a report that Tobey Maguire was talking to Peter Jackson about playing Bilbo Baggins, every story that week had the definite hint of Mysterio mist. Sometimes, it turns out Mysterio was nowhere to be seen and the wildest stories are true. Meanwhile, if any of you in the great, wide Internet discover something awesome, disheartening, just plain weird, or spot Mysterio up to his usual hijinks, let us know! Take credit, come up with a clever nickname, or go anonymous. The choice is yours. Fresh rumors and movie news every weekday morning. I am Erik Amaya bracing for the future threat of smoke bombs.