Jennifer Lawrence and Hailee Steinfeld Up for Lead in THE HUNGER GAMES [UPDATED]
by Adam Chitwood Posted: March 2nd, 2011 at 4:48 pm
To say that director Gary Ross’ (Pleasantville) adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is being followed closely by fans is a bit of an understatement. Absolutely pivotal to the success of the film adaptation is the casting of the series’ lead role of Katniss. When describing what they were looking for in actresses for the role, Ross previously stated that what makes the character attractive is her strength, assuredness, defiance “and ultimately her compassion.”
The powers that be are currently searching for the right actress, and now word comes that two of this year’s Academy Award nominees, Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) and Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) are in the running. Speaking with MTV, Steinfeld confirmed that she’s met with Ross to discuss the role. For much more, including why Lawrence may be the frontrunner, hit the jump. [Update: Variety has confirmed that Lawrence and Steinfeld are vying for the role, with Lawrence generating the most interest. They also add 14-year-old Abigail Breslin to the list of actresses being considered for the part of Katniss.]
http://collider.com/jennifer-lawrence-hailee-steinfeld-the-hunger-games/78775/
Warner Bros. Based Alcon Entertainment Eyes Rights to BLADE RUNNER Prequels and Sequels
by Adam Chitwood Posted: March 2nd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Alcon Entertainment, the Warner Bros. based financing and production company is now in final negotiations to acquire the rights to “film, television and ancillary” rights to produced sequels to Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner. Though the deal prevents them from directly remaking the original film, Alcon would be free to produce as many sequels and prequels involving the film’s universe as they like. Alcon co-founders/co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove had this to say:
“We are honored and excited to be in business with Bud Yorkin. This is a major acquisition for our company, and a personal favorite film for both of us. We recognize the responsibility we have to do justice to the memory of the original with any prequel or sequel we produce. We have long-term goals for the franchise, and are exploring multi-platform concepts, not just limiting ourselves to one medium only.”
If Alcon is spending all that money to nab the rights, you can bet that they definitely have a sequel/prequel story in mind. Only time will tell what it will involve/how closely related it will be to Scott’s original. Hit the jump for the full press release.
http://collider.com/blade-runner-prequel-sequel/78781/
Possible Titles for Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT Revealed
by Adam Chitwood Posted: March 2nd, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Director Peter Jackson is finally returning to Middle Earth later this month when filming begins on the two-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit. While most assumed that the two-parter would simply be titled “The Hobbit”, it looks like there may in fact be a subtitle. TheOneRing.net was hipped to the fact that New Line Cinema recently registered two film titles: The Hobbit: There and Back Again and The Hobbit: An/The Unexpected Journey.
These sound about right. Though, when you tack on the Part One and Part Two, the titles become rather long (I guess Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring isn’t exactly curt). Nevertheless, Peter Jackson is directing The Hobbit, Howard Shore is returning for the score, and the cast includes Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, and many more. Shot in 3D, the first part of The Hobbit is slated for a December 2012 release, with the second part following a year later in December 2013.
Jake Gyllenhaal in Talks to Headline David Ayer Cop Drama END OF WATCH
by Brendan Bettinger Posted: March 2nd, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Jake Gyllenhaal is in early discussions to star in End of Watch, a gritty cop drama written and directed by David Ayer (Street Kings). Details are scarce, but Variety reports the story centers on the friendship between seasoned partners. Ayer will produce End of Watch with John Lesher; they’re currently putting together financing for the film. No word yet on a potential production date, nor who might play the other partner. The report descri
Gyllenhaal was recently mentioned as one of fifteen candidates for the lead role in The Bourne Legacy. Assuming Universal restricts their consideration to those 15 (they won’t), Gyllenhaal only has a 7% chance at the role. Apart from the generic title, End of Watch sounds like a fine backup plan, and there’s even a role set aside for a fellow Bourne reject. Gyllenhaal will next be seen in Source Code, which opens April 1.
http://collider.com/jake-gyllenhaal-end-of-watch/78805/
Diane Lane Will Play Martha Kent in SUPERMAN
by Brendan Bettinger Posted: March 2nd, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Diane Lane has signed on to play Martha Kent in the Zack Snyder-directed Superman movie. Snyder said in a statement:
“This was a very important piece of casting for me because Martha Kent is the woman whose values helped shape the man we know as Superman. We are thrilled to have Diane in the role because she can convey the wisdom and the wonder of a woman whose son has powers beyond her imagination.”
Henry Cavill (The Tudors) will star as Clark Kent/Superman. Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are producers on the film. David S. Goyer is writing the screenplay based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. The untitled Superman film is scheduled for a December 2012 release. Hit the jump for more on possible stars/characters.
http://collider.com/diane-lane-superman/78824/
Thursday, March 3, 2011
**Jennifer Lawrence and Hailee Steinfeld Up for Lead in THE HUNGER GAMES [UPDATED] **Warner Bros. Based Alcon Entertainment Eyes Rights to BLADE RUNNER Prequels and Sequels **Possible Titles for Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT Revealed **Jake Gyllenhaal in Talks to Headline David Ayer Cop Drama END OF WATCH **Diane Lane Will Play Martha Kent in SUPERMAN
