THE DARK KNIGHT RISES to Film in Bucharest? [Update: Filming "At Least Partially in Los Angeles"]
by Adam Chitwood Posted: January 20th, 2011
Following yesterday’s huge Batman news that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle and Tom Hardy will be playing Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, comes word that director Christopher Nolan may be shooting some of the film in Bucharest. Nolan is known for favoring actual locations rather than filming on backlots/stages (Inception alone was filmed on three different continents), so this news really isn’t all that surprising. And yet, it’s Batman news, so it’s immediately 500% more interesting.
The Bucharest Mayor said that the film’s producers had recently met with city officials to discuss filming. The Romania Business Insider (via SuperHeroHype) reports that filming may take place in Bucharest’s historical center, Edgar Quintet Street or the Palace of Parliament. The report also says that Nolan visited the Turda salt mines in Romania last month, though the visit was “unofficial.” So what does all of this mean? Speculate away, Bat-fans! The Dark Knight Rises is due out July 20, 2012.
[Update: The LA Times reports Warner Bros. has set up a production office in Los Angeles Center Studios, and will film "at least partially in Los Angeles"]
Russell Brand Circling ROCK OF AGES With Tom Cruise
by Adam Chitwood Posted: January 20th, 2011
The ever-growing list of stars that are “circling” or “in talks” to appear in director Adam Shankman’s (Hairspray) adaptation of the stage musical Rock of Ages has just added one more name. Russell Brand is apparently looking at starring in the film as Lonnie, who runs the 80’s rock club The Bourbon. Alec Baldwin is said to be looking at the role of the owner of that club, who sings a rousing rendition of “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon with Brand’s character.
The musical takes place in 1987 and tells the story of “a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80s.” We recently told you that Gwyneth Paltrow was offered a role in the film. Deadline reports that Tom Cruise will close a deal to headline the film as aging rocker Stacee Jax shortly. Mary J. Blige is also in talks to join the cast. The script for the film was originally written by the musical’s book writer Chris D’Arienzo, but has since seen a revision by Toy Story 3 scribe Michael Arndt. Production is looking towards a May start date.
http://collider.com/russell-brand-rock-of-ages/71649/CONFIRMED: Michael Shannon, Benicio del Toro and James Franco Set for THE ICEMAN
by Adam Chitwood Posted: January 20th, 2011
Back in September, we reported that a trio of actors were reportedly looking at starring in The Iceman, the true story of mob contract-killer Richard Kuklinski. Today, we’ve got confirmation that Michael Shannon, Benicio del Toro and James Franco have officially joined the cast. Shannon has been cast in the lead role of Kuklinski, with del Toro set to play Kuklinski’s employer, mobster Roy Demeo, and Franco tapped as Kuklinski’s mentor assassin. Directed by Ariel Vromen (Danika), the film is based on the book The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer by Anthony Bruno, as well as interview footage. Regarding the casting, Vromen said:
“I am honored to work with such a talented cast on such a compelling story. Since the early stages of development I had the dream of casting Michael Shannon as Kuklinski, as I believe there’s no one else that can play this part better than him.”
Kurklinski earned his nickname by freezing the bodies of his victims, disguising the time of death, and throwing police off-track. Hit the jump to read the full press release, which includes a rather terrifying description of Kuklinski.
Here’s the press release:
http://collider.com/michael-shannon-james-franco-benicio-del-toro-the-iceman/71662/
