by Matt Goldberg Posted: March 17th, 2011
Universal has just released a new poster for Fast Five that doesn’t emphasize the cars or even the actors. No, this new poster puts the emphasis on a clear blue, tranquil sky, because when I think of the Fast and the Furious franchise, I think tranquility. Also, I’m definitely not a fan of the “Summer begins April 29th” tagline. The summer movie season begins the first Friday in May. If Universal thought the movie could compete in the summer, then they would have kept it at June 10th. They didn’t because April, while not the summer movie season, has been good for the franchise’s box office. You’re a late-spring movie, Fast Five. Deal with it.
There’s also a new poster for Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. I’m not sure what Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” has to do with the plot (also, Van Gogh was Dutch so again, I’m missing the French connection), but it’s on the poster along with star Owen Wilson. Hit the jump to check out the posters.
............ http://collider.com/fast-five-poster-2/81098/
Samuel L. Jackson to Star in Neo-Noir Thriller SAMARITAN
by Adam Chitwood Posted: March 17th, 2011
Samuel L. Jackson is set to star in the neo-noir thriller Samaritan. Variety reports that Jackson will topline the flick to be directed by David Weaver (Century Hotel). The story centers on Foley (Jackson), a former grifter who, after serving a 20-year prison sentence, sets out to turn his life around. It’s not long, however, before the son of his former partner shows up and complicates things.
Luke Kirby (Shattered Glass) is poised to play Jackson’s former partner’s son, while Ruth Negga (Breakfast on Pluto) will take on the role of an “elusive woman” who crosses paths with Jackson’s character. Weaver co-wrote the script with Elan Mastai (Alone in the Dark). Samaritan is on somewhat of a fast track, with production set to begin next week in Toronto with an eye towards an early 2012 release. Jackson will move straight from Samaritan into Joss Whedon’s The Avengers.
..... http://collider.com/samuel-l-jackson-samaritan/81107/
Confirmed: Kevin Costner to Play Jonathan Kent in Zack Snyder’s SUPERMAN Reboot
by Adam Chitwood Posted: March 17th, 2011
A couple weeks ago, it was reported that Kevin Costner was being considered for a key role in Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot. Well now Warner Bros. has confirmed that the actor has closed a deal to play Jonathan Kent, Clark Kent’s adopted father. Henry Cavill is poised to play the Man of Steel, and Diane Lane recently joined the cast as Kent’s adopted mother, Martha. Regarding Costner’s addition to the cast, Snyder had this to say:
“Jonathan Kent is the only father figure Clark has ever had, the man who was there to help Clark understand what he was meant to do in the world as Superman. Kevin will be able to communicate the quiet strength of this rural American man who raised the greatest super hero of all time.”
It looks like casting is ramping up on the film, so expect more names announced in the coming weeks. Yesterday, Zack Snyder spoke a bit about the project, saying that this flick will assume “there’s been no other Superman movies.” The currently untitled Superman reboot, produced by Christopher Nolan, is set to start filming soon for a December 2012 release. Hit the jump for the full press release.
........ http://collider.com/kevin-costner-superman/81152/
Betty Thomas to Direct DESPERADOS; Described as a “Female HANGOVER” Starring Isla Fisher
by Brendan Bettinger Posted: March 17th, 2011
I think a name like Wayne McClammy destines you to be either a comedy director or a character on Spongebob Squarepants. McClammy chose the former, helming the viral Jimmy Kimmel Live segments “I’m Fucking Matt Damon” and “I’m Fucking Ben Affleck,” a slew of Sarah Silverman Program episodes, and was in talks to make his feature debut with Desperados. Sadly, Universal never reached a deal with McClammy. 24 Frames reports that Betty Thomas (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel) is next in line for the job and sources suggest she will accept the offer.
Desperados is described as a “female Hangover” in which three women travel to Las Vegas “to set right a situation that had one of the women leaving a scathing message for a man she actually likes.” Isla Fisher is attached to star; the studio is currently looking to fill the other two lead roles. The script by Ellen Rapoport (The Jamie Kennedy Experiment) landed on the Black List of Hollywood’s best unproduced screenplays two years ago.
Thomas has a spotty resume of late, but I like her hire if only because it’s always unfortunate when you have to put a man in charge of a distinctly female comedy from a fresh female voice.
........ http://collider.com/betty-thomas-isla-fisher-desperados-movie/81176/
