**Director Patrick Lussier On The Hellraiser Remake: We're Not Retelling Clive Barker's Story **Tom Hooper Turned Down Iron Man 3, Is Looking At Musical Adaptation Of Les Miserables? **The Bodyguard Getting A Remake For Some Reason **Paul Greengrass' Memphis Picked Up By Universal **Chris Columbus To Remake Korean Ghost Movie **Ben Schwartz To Script A Remake Of Soapdish **First Look At Terrence Malick's Untitled Romance **Jessica Biel And Uma Thurman Join Gerard Butler In Playing The Field **Giovanni Ribisi Signs On For Seth MacFarlane's Talking Bear Movie Ted **New Source Code Trailer Shows Off Pixelating Time Travel Effects

Director Patrick Lussier On The Hellraiser Remake: We're Not Retelling Clive Barker's Story

published: 2011-02-23 20:49:27 Author: Eric Eisenberg
As with any remake of a beloved film, there is naturally some concern about the remake of Clive Barker's Hellraiser. So much of what makes the original great is not only Barker's direction, but his passion for material, which he developed first as a book, The Hellbound Heart, before turning it into the 1987 film. Fortunately, this isn't something lost on Patrick Lussier and Todd Farmer, the two men put in charge of the remake last October.

This afternoon I attended the press junket for Lussier and Farmer's new film, Drive Angry 3D and sitting down with them in a 0ne-on-one interview we discussed the project at length. For starters, the pair has two other projects currently in development - Halloween 3D and Condition Dead - and while Hellraiser is most likely going to be their next venture, they also assured me that they would be ready to go with Halloween tomorrow should someone ask. At the same time, they aren't even sure what the future of the project is, Lussier saying, "Given what that is, is the window sort of closed for that? It’s all up to the people that are way above our pay grade."

Following that, the discussion turned to the Hellraiser remake, which they understand irks some people in the wrong way. Asking what they would say to concerned fans, Lussier outlined the difference between certain horror remakes, including their own My Bloody Valentine, and explained that they aren't planning to retell Clive's story.

"I think the biggest thing is, and we talked about this a lot recently, is that we have no intention of remaking Clive’s movie. Clive’s movie is obviously not like remaking My Bloody Valentine, or Happy Birthday To Me, or Terror Train or Prom Night – those are all very specific movies at a specific time with a specific purpose. As fun as they are, and that’s not to take away from them, they were clearly business ventures. Hellraiser, obviously, was not. It was a personal story for Clive and Clive is a true artist. It didn’t feel right to us to retell Clive’s story. That’s Clive’s story. At the same time, there have been a variety of Hellraiser movies and movies that play within the world that he created. And none of them have really gone behind the curtain of what that world is. So that was basically what we offered up to Dimension Films as something unique and different that stays true to Clive’s originality, but, at the same time, pays no disrespect to it."

With that in mind I was naturally curious if that meant Pinhead and the other cenobites would be in the film. While slow to say it (he preceded his answer with a long "Ummmmmm"), Lussier did say yes. The reason for the hesitance? As Farmer explained, "Some things we just want to keep as a surprise." They did, however, confirm that they have begun the character design process.

Stay tuned for my full interview with Patrick Lussier and Todd Farmer tomorrow, where we talk about Drive Angry 3D, Nicolas Cage's hair, and getting beaten up by Amber Heard.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Director-Patrick-Lussier-On-The-Hellraiser-Remake-We-re-Not-Retelling-Clive-Barker-s-Story-23331.html

Tom Hooper Turned Down Iron Man 3, Is Looking At Musical Adaptation Of Les Miserables?

published: 2011-02-23 21:48:03 Author: Eric Eisenberg
Following his huge win at the Director's Guild Awards, The King's Speech director Tom Hooper is the frontrunner to take home the Best Director prize at the Academy Awards on Sunday. Should it come to pass - and, frankly, even if it doesn't - Hooper is going to be hounded by studios trying to get him to make their next big film. Last year, Kathryn Bigelow, who won the prize thanks to her work on The Hurt Locker, received many offers, including the Spider-Man prequel, but turned them down in favor of her passion project Triple Frontier. So what projects are now on Tom Hooper's radar?

The LA Times recently spoke with "a person who has worked closely with Hooper," one offer put in front of the director was Iron Man 3, though he declined, making way for Shane Black to take the helm (is it now a requirement that Oscar nominated directors turn down Marvel movies?). But while Hooper may not want to fly around with Robert Downey Jr. in a gold-titanium alloy suit, another source says that he may be eying a film adaptation of Les Misérables. Unlike the 1998 version, which starred King's Speech Oscar nominee Geoffrey Rush, the new movie would be a big-budget musical. Since wrapping The King's Speech early last year Hooper has not accepted any other projects.

Whatever Hooper decides to do, let's just hope he moves quickly on it. After seeing her stock rise higher than ever before, we're still waiting on Bigelow's next film to go into production. If Hooper wants to keep his name in the trades he needs to strike while the iron is hot.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Tom-Hooper-Turned-Down-Iron-Man-3-Is-Looking-At-Musical-Adaptation-Of-Les-Miserables-23332.html

The Bodyguard Getting A Remake For Some Reason

published: 2011-02-23 17:20:01 Author: Josh Tyler
I had no idea that anyone remembered The Bodyguard for anything other than its soundtrack. Yet, even though the music seemed to get a lot more attention than the movie when it was released in 1992, apparently the film was a huge, global hit for Warner Bros. It made nearly half a billion. So of course they’re remaking it.

The original movie starred Kevin Costner as the bodyguard of Whitney Houston’s music superstar character, while following her life and career. As a plot, it really wasn’t all that noteworthy. These days it’s more of a punchline. Which makes you wonder why the hell Warner Bros. is remaking it. Is The Bodyguard really a franchise? Will name recognition really sell more tickets of they do it again? Somehow I doubt it.

Deadline says Jeremiah Friedman and Nick Palmer, who wrote an unproduced blacklist script called Family Getaway, will rewrite for the remake. As the remake wheel keeps turning, you’ve got to wonder how long it’ll be before Hollywood stops even bothering to rewrite the script. It’d probably be cheaper just to recycle the old one, and it’s not like they’re doing this for anything other than name recognition anyway. Who cares if it’s updated? For now, they’ll go through the trouble to rewrite this one, turning Costner’s bodyguard character into an Iraq war veteran.

The only thing that really matters about this project is who they cast in the leads. I’m picturing Christina Aguilera and Channing Tatum for some reason. It just makes sense. But I’d rather see Justin Bieber as the singer and Michelle Rodriguez as the bodyguard. To get me interested in this project, it’s going to have to be pretty ridiculous.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/The-Bodyguard-Getting-A-Remake-For-Some-Reason-23329.html

Paul Greengrass' Memphis Picked Up By Universal

published: 2011-02-23 16:05:10 Author: Mack Rawden
It’s been a little over a month since we heard any news on Memphis, and with director Paul Greengrass’ track record of habitual project hopping, many speculated that the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. picture could be dead. Not so. It’s back with a renewed vengeance thanks to involvement from Universal. The studio has decided to fund the project, and mega-producer Scott Rudin, the man behind The Social Network and True Grit, has confirmed the speculation and officially boarded.

According to Deadline, the project will get rolling in June, speeding ahead of two similar themed projects from both the independent Selma and Dreamworks’ offering that was the favored choice of the family. It’s not surprising the King’s would have preferred one of the other pictures. Greengrass’ take, researched from his own time working as a reporter, supposedly includes intimate details on the Reverend’s faltering marriage and balls to the wall boozing. That’s not the memory most of us want to take away from Dr. King’s life, but the facts are the facts. Expect a scandal.

With Greengrass out of the Bourne series, he has the perfect opportunity with this project to build on United 93’s Oscar nomination. The subject matter is there, but it remains to be seen whether he can put together an honest biopic worthy of the Civil Rights’ leader.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Paul-Greengrass-Memphis-Picked-Up-By-Universal-23328.html

Chris Columbus To Remake Korean Ghost Movie

published: 2011-02-23 15:35:47 Author: Mack Rawden
Christopher Columbus needs to make a good movie. I’m sick of all his recent efforts being slightly above average. He’s done it before. Both Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire are classics, and I will defend Stepmom down to my last breath. Percy Jackson and Beth Cooper? Not so much. Maybe this foreign adaptation will propel him out of the funk.

According to Deadline, the director is officially on board for Hello Ghost. The Korean language original performed very well in foreign markets, and the remake will likewise be financed through Next Entertainment World. It follows a man after his failed suicide who’s haunted by four apparitions. Each demands a favor before letting him be.

Speaking about the project, Columbus said he “was immediately struck by the film's ability to mix comedy, drama and complex emotional themes." I haven’t seen the source material, but it got nice enough reviews. Hopefully the director can add the right touches to the American version and finally give us another film that will stand the test of time.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Chris-Columbus-To-Remake-Korean-Ghost-Movie-23327.html

Ben Schwartz To Script A Remake Of Soapdish

published: 2011-02-23 14:15:22 Author: Eric Eisenberg
Ben Schwartz is likely going to be a name that you hear a lot in coming years. Much like Donald Glover before him, Schwartz has created a following for himself online, crafting some truly brilliant sketches. He's already begun making his way into the film world with Peep World, in which he has a lead role alongside Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman and Rainn Wilson, and now he's been handed his first feature writing assignment.

THR reports that Paramount has launched plans to remake Soapdish and have hired Schwartz to write the script. The original, which starred the likes of Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Robert Downey Jr., Elisabeth Shue, Whoopie Goldberg and Teri Hatcher, tells the story behind the scenes of a soap opera and the plans of an actress to try and get rid of the star. Alan Greisman and Rob Reiner will produce the remake. Schwartz's writing credits include five episodes of Robot Chicken and the opening number for the 81st Academy Awards, for which he won an Emmy.

The real shame here is that Schwartz is talented enough to be pitching his own feature ideas and shouldn't have to rely on remaking comedies that probably shouldn't be remade. Either way, it will be interesting to see what he can do with the material and, more importantly, if he can somehow squeeze himself into the cast.

For those unfamiliar with Schwartz's brand of comedy, here's a taste:
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http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Ben-Schwartz-To-Script-A-Remake-Of-Soapdish-23326.html

First Look At Terrence Malick's Untitled Romance

published: 2011-02-23 13:18:43 Author: Eric Eisenberg
After years of waiting, Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life is finally set to be released on May 27, but don't think that the director has just been sitting around and twiddling his thumbs while he's been waiting. Instead, he's been hard at work on a new film - a still untitled romance with Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Javier Bardem, Olga Kurylenko and a host of others. The picture isn't due out until next year, which makes 2012 only more tantalizing, but today we have the first still from the film.

THR has premiered the first look at the film and I really wish there was more that I could tell you about it. The plot of the film is still being kept under wraps and this image doesn't really tell us anything outside of the characters played by Affleck and McAdams being romantically linked. At the same time it might be awhile until the next look rolls around, so you better appreciate this one while it's here.

Check out the image below and to see it full size head over to THR.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/First-Look-At-Terrence-Malick-s-Untitled-Romance-23325.html

Jessica Biel And Uma Thurman Join Gerard Butler In Playing The Field

published: 2011-02-23 12:31:52 Author: Eric Eisenberg
In recent years it's been nearly impossible to trust Uma Thurman movies. Sure, she was fantastic in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill movies, but the rest of her filmography in the time since - which includes winners like My Super Ex-Girlfriend, The Accidental Husband, and Motherhood - haven't exactly left audiences climbing over each other to see her next film (none of the eight films starring Thurman released since 2004 have attained a 'Fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes). What's unfortunate is that she is an incredibly talented actress that, seemingly, just hasn't seen a good script in a while. Here's hoping this next project can turn it around.

Variety reports that Thurman and Jessica Biel have joined Gabriele Muccino's comedy Playing The Field. The film stars Gerard Butler as a former professional soccer player who decides to coach his son's team in order to better bond with him. At the same time he has to dodge romantic interest from the other team members' mothers. Biel will play Butler's ex-wife, which Thurman will be one of the aforementioned soccer moms. Robbie Fox, whose previous titles include So I Married An Axe Murderer and In The Army Now, wrote the script.

Much like Thurman, Biel and Butler haven't been having the greatest runs in recent years either, with neither actor sporting a live-action 'Fresh' rating since 2007. The storyline here is a tad generic, but with the right direction, angle and tone it could succeed. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if the director of Seven Pounds can make us laugh.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Jessica-Biel-And-Uma-Thurman-Join-Gerard-Butler-In-Playing-The-Field-23324.html

Giovanni Ribisi Signs On For Seth MacFarlane's Talking Bear Movie Ted

published: 2011-02-23 11:35:39 Author: Katey Rich
Giovanni Ribisi, last seen playing the Paul Reiser Memorial James Cameron Asshole role in Avatar, has signed on to star in Ted, the directorial debut of Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. Oddly enough, though Mark Wahlberg has been talking about starring in the film since December, and Mila Kunis has been rumored for a part since December, Ribisi is actually the first cast member to be official, based on the information we got from Universal.

They also sent along some official information about the plot, which matches what we've been hearing since last fall but is worth taking a look at anyway:

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane brings his boundary-pushing brand of comedy to the big screen for the first time as writer and director of Ted, the story of a grown man who must deal with his cherished teddy bear who came to life as the result of a childhood wish and has never left his side since.

The main question I have now is whether Ribisi has signed on the role for which Adam Scott was apparently in talks back in December. Wahlberg plays the grown man who's attached to his teddy bear, with Kunis as the girlfriend who's sick of dealing with his nonsense. As of December Scott was supposed to play Kunis's jerky boss, but it does sound like a part that Ribisi would be perfect for. Hopefully we'll get some information soon about his role and figure out how all the pieces fit together.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Giovanni-Ribisi-Signs-On-For-Seth-MacFarlane-s-Talking-Bear-Movie-Ted-23322.html

New Source Code Trailer Shows Off Pixelating Time Travel Effects

published: 2011-02-23 11:43:29 Author: Josh Tyler

Here’s a new trailer for Source Code, the new movie from Moon director Duncan Jones which feels a lot like Quantum Leap but is probably more like Groundhog Day with a bomb. This look at the film is really more a teaser, which is strange, since we already have a full trailer and in the normal operation of trailer releasing, teasers usually come first.

Not this time it would seem. Check out the new trailer for Source Code below or in HD on Moviefone. I’ll see you afterward for more on what we just saw.
It’s just a teaser so that doesn’t leave much time for anything substantive. So we got a lot of quick shots and explosions instead. They have included one, pretty pivotal scene though in which Gyllenhaal’s time traveler looks around and realizes that for some reason, on one of his leaps into the train, something has changed. I’ve read the script, but you’ll have to see the movie to understand why that matters. We also just got a pretty good look at the film’s time travel effects, here’s a still shot of the time travel mojo in action, in case you missed it:
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http://www.cinemablend.com/new/New-Source-Code-Trailer-Shows-Off-Pixelating-Time-Travel-Effects-23323.html