Alec Baldwin, Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman, Jude Law and Isla Fischer Join DreamWorks Animation’s RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
by Adam Chitwood Posted: January 26th, 2011
number of actors have just been announced for DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming 3D film Rise of the Guardians. Alec Baldwin, Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman, Jude Law and Isla Fischer will lend their voice talents to the animated flick, which is being executive produced by Guillermo del Toro. Based on William Joyce’s upcoming children’s book series The Guardians of Childhood, the project was originally announced in 2009 with Leonardo DiCaprio voicing Jack Frost, but Pine has now taken over that role. Joyce will co-direct with Peter Ramsey. The screenplay was written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, and follows a group of childhood legends. Variety describes the project thusly:
When Pitch (Law), an evil spirit akin to the Boogeyman, lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.
Baldwin will voice Santa Claus, Fischer takes on the Tooth Fairy and Jackman will portray the Easter Bunny. Rise of the Guardians is set to be released in 3D on November 21, 2012.
Javier Bardem Offered Lead in Ron Howard’s THE DARK TOWER
by Adam Chitwood Posted: January 26th, 2011
Well that was fast. Earlier today, we told you that Christian Bale was the current frontrunner to be cast as the lead in Ron Howard’s ambitious adaption of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower. Now, it’s being reported that Javier Bardem has officially been offered the lead role of gunslinger Roland Deschain in the film. The part has been one of the most hotly sought after in Hollywood at the moment, with the shortlist of actors being considered for the part growing every day. The book series will be adapted into three films by screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind), with a two-season TV series bridging the gaps between each film. Hit the jump for the details on how all of this will work, including how one of the TV seasons might be a prequel.
Included in Deadline’s report that Bardem has been offered the lead role of Deschain are details on exactly how this whole adaptation will work out. Apparently, Howard will direct the intial film, as well as the TV component that bridges the gap between the first and second film. After the second film, another TV component will follow but this one will be a prequel, showing Deschain as a young man. The third and final film would reunite the original cast and conclude the series.
So if Bardem signs on, he will appear in all three films and the first “season” of the TV component. In addition to the films, Goldsman is set to write the TV portions as well. Curiously, Deadline’s report states that Howard “plans at this point to direct the initial film as well as the TV component that will create a bridge to the second feature.” Does this mean that Howard won’t be helming the final two films and/or the second TV “season?” At this point, nothing’s confirmed. What’s likely is that the director’s only contractually obligated to direct the first film and TV component, with an option to return to the director’s chair for the subsequent films if he so desires. However, this is all conjecture. Nothing’s officially been reported as to Howard’s directorial plans past the first film and TV season, so this is purely a guess. Expect more information on the project soon though, as it sounds like things are starting to pick up.
