***New Prometheus Set Photos Scream H.R. Giger ***Wendell Pierce And Clifton Collins Jr. Join Jason Statham In Parker ***Adam Sandler Will Play Dracula For the Creator Of Samurai Jack ***Zombieland 2 Isn't Dead But Jesse Eisenberg Isn't Sure It's Still Relevant ***Man of Steel Set Construction Photos from Plano, Illinois ***Animal Farm Coming from Andy Serkis and Director Rupert Wyatt? ***Prometheus Cave Set Photos

New Prometheus Set Photos Scream H.R. Giger

published: 2011-07-05 16:45:56 Author: Eric Eisenberg
Before Ridley Scott's Alien Prequel morphed into Prometheus it was reported that H.R. Giger, the famous surrealist painter who designed the look of the xenomorphs in Scott's 1979 classic, would be lending his design skills to the new production. Then the nature of the project changed, but over the last few months there has been much debate as to whether or not the new film is still a prequel or not and given the look of these new set photos, I'd say that the two universes are still very much connected.

Posted over on Alien Prequel News (via Rope of Silicon) the two new photos would scream the word "GIGER" if they had mouths. As you probably could expect, there's a lot of variations on the color black, it looks like there are limbs growing out of the walls, and everything seems to be going with a "human spine" flavor. My favorite thing about these photos, though, is the scale. In the picture below you can see a chair under the archway, and unless that's an incredibly small chair, that archway is probably about 20 feet tall at the middle.

Check out the image below and head over to Alien Prequel News for the other.
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/New-Prometheus-Set-Photos-Scream-H-R-Giger-25538.html

Wendell Pierce And Clifton Collins Jr. Join Jason Statham In Parker

published: 2011-07-05 16:16:08 Author: Sean O'Connell
Character actors Clifton Collins Jr. (Star Trek, Capote) and the intrepid Wendell Pierce (HBO’s Treme and The Wire) have signed on for roles in Taylor Hackford’s adaptation of Parker, Variety reports.

Hackford hasn’t pushed himself too hard since collecting a Best Director Oscar nomination for the 2004 musical biopic Ray with Jamie Foxx. Outside of the little-seen Love Ranch, with his beautiful bride Helen Mirren, the Oscar winner has been content to wait for the right project. Now it sounds like he’s ready to climb back behind the camera, and he’s acquiring a fine cast for a crime-thriller with a Robin Hood hook.

Parker, which is in pre-production, stars Jason Statham as a career thief whose code of honor won’t allow him to steal from people who need the money more than he does. The character was conceived by novelist Donald E. Westlake, who wrote 24 Parker stories under the pseudonym Richard Stark. Over the years, actors ranging from Mel Gibson to Lee Marvin have played Parker (or a variation of the character) in films like Payback and Point Blank. Aside from Collins Jr. and Pierce, Statham also will be joined by pop superstar and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez.

While Parker sounds like a straight up genre film, particularly with Statham in the lead, the inclusion of outstanding character actors in supporting roles and the placement of Hackford behind the lens means the film has the potential to rise above standard action fare. Could it climb into the Oscar race like similar efforts The Departed or Gone Baby Gone? We’ll know more when the film reaches theaters in 2012. http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Wendell-Pierce-And-Clifton-Collins-Jr-Join-Jason-Statham-In-Parker-25537.html

Adam Sandler Will Play Dracula For the Creator Of Samurai Jack

published: 2011-07-05 13:17:15 Author: Josh Tyler
Adam Sandler is preparing to get in on the vampire craze, sort of. He’s been hired to play Count Dracula in a new 3D family comedy. Not looking forward to seeing the Sand-man with fangs? Don’t worry, it’s a cartoon.

The film is the latest from Sony Pictures Animation, the people behind Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It’s called Hotel Transylvania and since it’s directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, this could be really, really good. Tartakovsky is the mind behind such brilliant pieces of animation as the underrated series Samurai Jack. Putting him to work with the people who did Cloudy seems like a perfect fit. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs stands tall as one of the best animated movies released in recent years, I’d put it up there on a deservedly lofty plateau with Toy Story 3 and How to Train Your Dragon.

Here's Sony's official description of Hotel Transylvania:

Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's (Sandler) lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free from meddling from the human world. But here's a little known fact about Dracula: he is not only the Prince of Darkness; he is also a dad. Over-protective of his teenage daughter, Mavis, Dracula fabricates tales of elaborate dangers to dissuade her adventurous spirit. As a haven for Mavis, he opens the Hotel Transylvania, where his daughter and some of the world's most famous monsters – Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more – can kick back in safety and peace. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but his world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

I’m less certain about Sandler as the voice of Count Dracula, than I am about this project in general. Presumably this will be a family-friendly, not so scary version of the Count which seems like something Sandler should be able to do. Adam Sandler is great as a live-action cartoon after all, why not make him an animated one? But the Zohan doesn’t have much of a voice work track record. About the only animated work he’s done is in Eight Crazy Nights where, truth be told, I never thought he was very good.

Adam’s providing a voice for one of the monkeys in Zookeeper this weekend, if you’re unfortunate enough to see that movie pay attention to the sounds coming out the mouth of an ape named “Donald”.

UPDATE! David Spade and Kevin James have also joined the cast along with Cee Lo Green, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, Fran Drescher and Andy Samberg.  http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Adam-Sandler-Will-Play-Dracula-For-the-Creator-Of-Samurai-Jack-25534.html

Zombieland 2 Isn't Dead But Jesse Eisenberg Isn't Sure It's Still Relevant

published: 2011-07-05 12:48:07 Author: Josh Tyler
After the surprise box office success of Zombieland in 2009, everyone involved was quick to promise a sequel. Then everyone involved immediately ran off and did other things, managing to find ways not to work on Zombieland 2 at all. It’s kind of like what happened with Star Trek, except Star Trek is Star Trek and that material will be relevant no matter how long it takes them to make the next one. Zombieland 2 on the other hand, maybe not.

Word is that they are now working on some sort of Zombieland sequel script, but star Jesse Eisenberg is starting to sound increasingly less interested in doing it. The thing is, since Zombieland he’s become kind of a big deal, thanks to The Social Network. More than that, he seems to get that there’s an expiration date on how long people will be interested in seeing a sequel to their little zombie film.

Here’s how Eisenberg explained what’s up with Zombieland 2 in an interview with Little White Lies.

They’re writing the script right now but I haven’t seen it and I suspect that the longer we wait, the less relevant it will be. I mean, all the actors would love to do it and the director would love to do it but I’m not sure what’s happening.

That doesn’t sound very hopeful. Couple that with the news from a few months ago that Woody Harrelson is kind of out on the whole thing, and we might be better off leaving Zombieland 2 in the grave. http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Zombieland-2-Isn-t-Dead-But-Jesse-Eisenberg-Isn-t-Sure-It-s-Still-Relevant-25533.html


Man of Steel Set Construction Photos from Plano, Illinois
Jul 6, 2011 by Courtney O.

Take a glimpse at some photos of the Man of Steel set constructions in Plano, Illinois, courtesy of Superman Homepage. Take a look at the sets below!

"It actually changes every day," Mayor Bob Hausler said. "They're doing a fast job of constructing their buildings for their sets." http://www.movieweb.com/news/man-of-steel-set-construction-photos-from-plano-illinois

 

 

Animal Farm Coming from Andy Serkis and Director Rupert Wyatt?

Jul 6, 2011 by Brian Gallagher

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is gearing up for release on August 5, which features Andy Serkis portraying the ape leader Caesar using motion-capture technology. It seems Andy Serkis may team up with Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt on a new adaptation of the George Orwell classic novel Animal Farm.

Both Andy Serkis and Rupert Wyatt discussed using motion-capture techniques to put a new spin on Animal Farm, which was adapted twice before. The 1954 Animal Farm was an animated version, while the Jim Henson Company produced Animal Farm as a TV movie in 1999. The story centers on a group of animals who rise up against their human owners, only to find their system of "equality" to slant more and more towards a totalitarian system.
This new version is likely still quite a ways off, since there doesn't seem to be a screenwriter attached, and this potential project will also likely hinge on how well Rise of the Planet of the Apes does at the box office next month.

http://www.movieweb.com/news/animal-farm-coming-from-andy-serkis-and-director-rupert-wyatt

***First Image of John Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe in THE RAVEN – Updated With Official Synopsis ***Christopher Meloni Up for MAN OF STEEL ***Robin Williams Rows GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM; Ben Barnes Is THE SEVENTH SON ***Paul Haggis in Talks to Pen Spy Film Based on Author Daniel Silva’s Character Gabriel Allon ***Lily Cole and Sam Spruell Added to SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

Christopher Meloni Up for MAN OF STEEL

by Adam Chitwood  Posted: June 24th, 2011

Following his surprising exit from NBC’s Law and Order: SVU, Christopher Meloni just landed himself a not too shabby gig. Deadline reports that the actor is currently in negotiations to star in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. There’s no word on what part he’s up for, but the report states that it’s a “major role” (one hopes it involves fridge-humping). Henry Cavill is set as Superman himself, while Amy Adams will take on Lois Lane. Warner Bros. rounded up some A-list talent for Superman’s parents: Kevin Costner and Diane Lane will play Clark Kent’s adoptive Earth parents, while Russell Crowe is poised to star as biological father Jor-El and Julia Ormond recently entered talks to play his Kryptonian mother Lara Lor-Van.
On the villain side, Michael Shannon will be doing his evil thing as General Zod and Antje Traue is set as Faora. Casting should be close to complete by now, with production set to begin next month in Vancouver. Snyder directs from a script by David Goyer, with Christopher Nolan producing. Man of Steel is eying a holiday 2012 release.  http://collider.com/christopher-meloni-man-of-steel/98734/

Robin Williams Rows GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM; Ben Barnes Is THE SEVENTH SON

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 24th, 2011

We have couple of casting bits to bring you this Friday afternoon. First up, Robin Williams has joined writer/director Justin Zackham’s (writer, The Bucket List) wedding comedy Gently Down the Stream. Williams brings another star to an already stellar cast that includes Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, and Katherine Heigl. Per Variety, the Oscar-winning actor will play the role of Father Monaghan in the pic that tells the story of a long-divorced couple (De Niro and Keaton) who pretend that they’re still married for the sake of their adopted son’s upcoming wedding. Rounding out the Gently Down the Stream cast are Susan Sarandon, Patricia Rae, and Ben Barnes. Production on the film is expected to begin this July.

Speaking of Ben Barnes, The Chronicles of Narnia actor has signed on to star alongside Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore in the Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures fantasy project The Seventh Son. Variety reports that Barnes is in line for the title role (the same one Sam Claffin was once in talks for) which is described as “the seventh son of a seventh son” who learns all things wizard-related. Directed by Sergei Bodrov (Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan), the pic is based on Joseph Delaney’s young adult book series. For more on the project, hit the jump to read a synopsis for the series’ first installment, Revenge of the Witch.  http://collider.com/robin-williams-gently-down-the-stream-ben-barnes-the-seventh-son/98665/

First Image of John Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe in THE RAVEN – Updated With Official Synopsis

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 24th, 2011

The first image of John Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe in the thriller The Raven has landed online. Directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta), the film is set in 1849 and stars Cusack as the iconic author/poet who joins forces with a detective in hopes of stopping a murderer who is inspired by Poe’s work. Luke Evans, Alice Eve, and Brendan Gleeson also star in the pic. I’m really liking the Se7en vibe the logline gives and, as a fan of both Poe and Cusack, I’m pretty excited about checking this one out when it hits theaters on March 9th, 2012.

Update: The official synopsis has been sent out.  It’s below the picture.

Directed by: James McTeigue
Written by:  Ben Livingston and Hannah Shakespeare
Cast: John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve, Brendan Gleeson and Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Produced by: Mark D Evans, Trevor Macy, and Aaron Ryder
Executive Producer: Jesus Martinez

Synopsis:

In this gritty thriller, Edgar Allen Poe (John Cusack, Being John Malkovich) joins forces with a young Baltimore detective (Luke Evans, Immortals) to hunt down a mad serial killer who’s using Poe’s own works as the basis in a string of brutal murders. Directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta), the film also stars Alice Eve (Sex and the City 2), Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges) and Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Faster).
When a mother and daughter are found brutally murdered in 19th century Baltimore, Detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans) makes a startling discovery: the crime resembles a fictional murder described in gory detail in the local newspaper—part of a collection of stories penned by struggling writer and social pariah Edgar Allan Poe. But even as Poe is questioned by police, another grisly murder occurs, also inspired by a popular Poe story.
Realizing a serial killer is on the loose using Poe’s writings as the backdrop for his bloody rampage, Fields enlists the author’s help in stopping the attacks. But when it appears someone close to Poe may become the murderer’s next victim, the stakes become even higher and the inventor of the detective story calls on his own powers of deduction to try to solve the case before it’s too late.

http://collider.com/the-raven-movie-image-john-cusack/98652/

Paul Haggis in Talks to Pen Spy Film Based on Author Daniel Silva’s Character Gabriel Allon

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 24th, 2011

Two-time Oscar-winner Paul Haggis (Crash) is in talks to script a spy film for Universal based on Daniel Silva’s popular character, Gabriel Allon. While possible, it’s unclear whether or not the writer/director would also helm the film given that the project is still in the very early stages of development. For those unfamiliar with the character (a.k.a myself just 30 minutes ago), Allon has appeared in ten of Silva’s novels and is described as a fortysomething Mossad agent who restores art as part of his “quiet job” and covertly investigates terrorist activities as part of his “slightly less quiet job.”

24 Frames reports that the exact details of Haggis’ script are unknown but that Universal is hoping to turn the property into a franchise (surprise, surprise). Former NBC head Jeff Zucker will produce the pic which joins the Bourne franchise as the second spy property in active development at the studio. For a taste of what could be coming in Haggis’ script, hit the jump for a synopsis of Gabriel Allon’s first appearance, the Daniel Silva novel The Kill Artist. http://collider.com/paul-haggis-gabriel-allon-daniel-silva/98632/ 

Lily Cole and Sam Spruell Added to SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 24th, 2011

Lily Cole (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus) and Sam Spruell (The Hurt Locker) have joined the ever-expanding cast of director Rupert Sanders’ Snow White and the Huntsman. Cole and Spruell become the latest in a long line of casting news for the pic which has added the likes of Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Eddie Izzard, Toby Jones, and Ray Winstone this week alone. Per Variety, Cole will play Greta while Spruell will make a turn as Finn, the Queen’s henchman who is responsible for finding and killing Snow White and the Huntsman. In addition to the already mentioned cast, Snow White and the Huntsman also stars Chris Hemsworth (the Huntsman), Charlize Theron (the Queen), and Kristen Stewart (Snow White). The film is slated to begin production this fall while eyeing a June 1st, 2012 theatrical release. http://collider.com/lily-cole-snow-white-and-the-huntsman-sam-spruell/98600/

First Official Photo of John Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe in "The Raven" Thriller

Posted: June 24th, 2011 by WorstPreviews.com Staff






Relativity Media has unveiled the first official photo of John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe in "The Raven" thriller, directed by James McTeigue (Ninja Assassin, V for Vendetta) and set to hit theaters on March 9th, 2012. Check it out below.

The new movie is a fictional story about what would happen if a serial killer challenged poet Edgar Allan Poe (Cusack) to solve a series of killings inspired by his own stories.

"It's sort of 'Se7en' meets a series of Poe stories. It's set in 1850s Baltimore, and it's about creating Poe's version of 1850s Baltimore, him moving through it. So it has a lot of the Poe stories interwoven into it," McTeigue previously stated, adding that Poe's real life will be used in the film as well






Read more: http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=22111&count=0

First Official Look At John Cusack In The Raven

published: 2011-06-24 16:59:21 Author: Eric Eisenberg

Though I'm not entirely sure why, I'm actually looking forward to James McTeigue's The Raven. Admittedly it's kind of strange to take one of history's greatest writers, Edgar Allan Poe, and turn him into a detective, but it could be fun and has a solid cast lined up in John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans and Brendan Gleeson. Back in November, some on-set photographers managed to get a shot of Cusack in costume, but today the first official photo has been released.

Though the new still cuts off at the actor's thighs so you can't see if he's still wearing those sweet black sneakers, you can't say that Cusack doesn't look pretty damn cool in the get up. Based on a script by Ben Livingston and Hannah Shakespeare, the plot is about a serial killer who is basing his crimes on those in Poe's stories. The movie isn't set to be released until March 9, 2012, but it will be featured in a Hall H panel at this year's San Diego Comic Con, so don't be too surprised if footage finds its way online sooner than later.

Check out the image below or click on it to see it full size in our Blend Film Datbase. http://www.cinemablend.com/new/First-Official-Look-At-John-Cusack-In-The-Raven-25399.html

***Aaron Sorkin and John Krasinski Developing HBO Miniseries LIFE AT THE MARMONT ***James McAvoy to Replace Michael Fassbender in Danny Boyle’s TRANCE ***Julia Ormond in Talks to Play Superman’s Mom in MAN OF STEEL ***David O. Russell Testing Actresses for THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Including Rachel McAdams and Olivia Wilde ***Exclusive: Jason Segel Talks BAD TEACHER, THE MUPPETS, THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT, JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME and More

Aaron Sorkin and John Krasinski Developing HBO Miniseries LIFE AT THE MARMONT

by Ethan Anderton    Posted: June 23rd, 2011

He’s already got a new drama series at HBO with More as This Story Develops on the way, but Aaron Sorkin is working on yet another project at the cable network now. THR reports The Social Network scribe and The Office star John Krasinski are developing a new miniseries at HBO called Life at the Marmont, based on the book of the same name by the infamous hotel owners Raymond R. Sarlot and Fred Basten. The landmark Chateau Marmont at the center of Hollywood has long been a popular location always drawing in the biggest names in film, television, music and literature. Apparently the series, which Krasinski which also have a role in, will have a series of interconnected stories of several different hotel guests over several generations. I’m always interested in projects Krasinski takes on outside of The Office, and with Sorkin involved, this is yet another promising piece of entertainment from HBO.

For more on the project, hit the jump to check out a synopsis of the book.  http://collider.com/aaron-sorkin-life-at-the-marmont-john-krasinski/98376/

James McAvoy to Replace Michael Fassbender in Danny Boyle’s TRANCE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 23rd, 2011

It looks like Professor X is taking over a job originally set for Magneto. Variety reports that James McAvoy is in early discussions to join Danny Boyle’s Trance in a role for which Michael Fassbender was previously in talks. The film is a remake of Joe Ahearne’s 2003 TV movie of the same name and centers on an art heist gone wrong. The mastermind of the heist suffers a blow to the head during the operation, and subsequently suffers from amnesia. When his team questions the validity of his claims, and given that he’s the only one who knows where the painting is hidden, a female hypnotist is hired to get into his brain.

Boyle plans to start production in September, and after filming wraps he will immediately move on to directing the opening ceremony for London’s 2012 Summer Olympics. After the Olympics conclude in August, he’ll return to Trance to begin post-production, with a March 2013 release date being eyed. So all-in-all, Boyle has a very busy year coming up. While Fassbender’s a fantastic actor and it would’ve been nice to see him team up with Boyle, McAvoy is no slouch himself, so the casting change doesn’t seem too drastic.

http://collider.com/james-mcavoy-trance-danny-boyle/98338/

Julia Ormond in Talks to Play Superman’s Mom in MAN OF STEEL

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 23rd, 2011

Director Zack Snyder continues to fill out the cast for Man of Steel, and it looks like he’s found Superman’s mom. Deadline reports that Julia Ormond is in talks to star as Superman’s Kryptonian mother Lara Lor-Van, opposite Russell Crowe who was recently cast as father Jor-El. Their counterparts, Clark Kent’s adoptive Earth parents, will be played by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane.

Henry Cavill is set to play the titular Man of Steel, with Amy Adams poised to play Lois Lane and, in an inspired bit of casting, Michael Shannon will be taking on the role of General Zod. Antje Traue will play villain/Zod’s partner Faora. Details on David Goyer’s script are mum, but production is set to get underway next month in Vancouver. Produced by Christopher Nolan, Man of Steel is currently eying a holiday 2012 release.

http://collider.com/julia-ormond-man-of-steel/98328/

David O. Russell Testing Actresses for THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Including Rachel McAdams and Olivia Wilde

by Adam Chitwood   Posted: June 23rd, 2011

Director David O. Russell is readying his follow-up to last year’s The Fighter, and he’s begun searching for his lead actress. Russell will next tackle an adaptation of The Silver Linings Playbook, which already has Mark Wahlberg set to star as a former high school history teacher who has just been released from a mental institution and plans on reconciling with his estranged wife.

Now Risky Business reports that Russell will be testing a number of actresses throughout the weekend to find his leading lady. Those meeting with Russell include: Elizabeth Banks, Kirsten Dunst, Blake Lively, Rooney Mara, Rachel McAdams, Andrea Riseborough and Olivia Wilde. Jennifer Lawrence is also mentioned, but her status is unclear. Filming is set to start in August. Angelina Jolie had recently been mentioned as a possibility as well, but she’s not included in this report. Hit the jump to read a synopsis of the book. http://collider.com/david-o-russell-silver-linings-playbook-rachel-mcadams/98325/ 

Exclusive: Jason Segel Talks BAD TEACHER, THE MUPPETS, THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT, JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME and More

by Christina Radish    Posted: June 23rd, 2011

Jason Segel is such a charming, funny and genuinely nice guy that it’s easy to like him, as a person and as an actor. The fact that he has the talent to back all that up makes it impossible not to be a fan. In the new raunchy comedy Bad Teacher, starring Cameron Diaz as the inappropriately foul-mouthed and ruthless middle school teacher Elizabeth Halsey, Segel plays happy-go-lucky gym teacher Russell Gettis. Unfazed by rejection, he keeps flirting with and pursuing Elizabeth, even though she has told him that it’s never going to happen because he’s just not rich enough for her.

At the film’s press day, Jason Segel spoke to Collider for this exclusive interview, in which he talked about working non-stop while juggling films with his television series How I Met Your Mother, his relationship with Rush since shooting I Love You, Man, how much fun he had working opposite Cameron Diaz for Bad Teacher, and the tremendous respect he has for Justin Timberlake. He also talked about what attracted him to Jeff Who Lives at Home (he’s seen the film and says it’s fantastic), The Muppets being a dream project, how great the Freaks & Geeks / Undeclared reunion was at PaleyFest earlier this year, how much he’s been enjoying shooting The Five-Year Engagement with Nic Stoller, and that he’d really like to eat a Reuben, once he’s done playing a leading man for that film. Check out what he had to say after the jump: http://collider.com/jason-segel-interview-bad-teacher-muppets-5-year-engagement/97423/

***Is the New Judd Apatow/Paul Feig Comedy Made for Jon Hamm and Melissa McCarthy? ***Will Sean Penn Direct Robert De Niro in THE COMEDIAN? ***Russell Crowe to Play Jor-El in MAN OF STEEL ***Ben Affleck Attached to Direct TELL NO ONE for Warner Bros. and Universal ***Steven Spielberg May Direct "Transformers 4"? ***"Hot Wheels" Movie Still in the Works

Is the New Judd Apatow/Paul Feig Comedy Made for Jon Hamm and Melissa McCarthy?

by Jason Barr   Posted: June 15th, 2011

A little over a week ago, we reported that Universal was reuniting with producer Judd Apatow and director Paul Feig following on the heels of their hit comedy Bridesmaids. The only thing we knew about the project at that time was that Feig had worked on the material (described as an “unconventional love story”) for some time and that Universal loved the pitch (and the success of Bridesmaids) enough to acquire it. While we don’t have a ton of new details on the untitled project today, we do have a casting rumor that has peaked my interest. According to Deadline, the project is about a “guy who becomes obsessed with a woman” with the male and female leads being drawn up with Bridesmaids co-stars Jon Hamm and Melissa McCarthy in mind.  More after the jump.
http://collider.com/jon-hamm-melissa-mccarthy-judd-apatow-comedy/96640/

Will Sean Penn Direct Robert De Niro in THE COMEDIAN?

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 15th, 2011

A few weeks ago, we brought you the rumor that Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro may reunite for Art Linson and Jeffrey Ross’ character-driven script The Comedian with the disclaimer that it would most likely turn out to be unfounded. Today, I’m here to strike that rumor and insert yet another: that Sean Penn will direct De Niro in The Comedian. This newest unconfirmed report comes from the New York Post (via The Playlist) which claims that Penn has come aboard to helm the pic with production set to get underway in New York next year. While my gut tells me to take this news with a grain of salt at present, Penn and De Niro do have some history with Linson who produced films such as Heat and The Untouchables (both starring De Niro) as well as What Just Happened which features both actors.

As a refresher, Linson and Ross’ The Comedian would pit De Niro as an aging insult comic that is described as a Don Rickles/Joan Rivers hybrid. Hopefully we have some sort of solid footing regarding both Penn and De Niro’s involvement sooner rather than later. In the meantime, stay tuned for more on the project, including the rumor I start myself which claims that I’ll be directing the film. http://collider.com/sean-penn-robert-de-niro-the-comedian/96612/

Russell Crowe to Play Jor-El in MAN OF STEEL

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 15th, 2011

Emerging from a group of names that included Sean Penn and Clive Owen, Russell Crowe has been tapped by Warner Bros. to take on the role of Superman’s biological father, Jor-El, in Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. Variety confirms Crowe’s casting in the project which is set to begin production next month in Vancouver. While Jor-El’s level of involvement in David Goyer’s script is currently unknown, the “A-list” casting of the role harkens back to Marlon Brando’s turn as Kal-El’s father in Richard Donner’s original Superman.

Crowe joins a cast that already includes Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon and Diane Lane. The role of Jor-El’s wife, Lara, is still up in the air, although Dark Horizons reported earlier today that Crowe’s Gladiator co-star Connie Nielsen may have an offer for the gig on the table as I type. Man of Steel is currently eyeing a holiday 2012 release. http://collider.com/russell-crowe-superman-man-of-steel/96605/

Ben Affleck Attached to Direct TELL NO ONE for Warner Bros. and Universal

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 15th, 2011

Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures have optioned the rights to remake/re-adapt author Harlan Coben’s mystery novel Tell No One with Ben Affleck attached to direct. Affleck will direct a script by Chris Terrio who just so happens to have also penned the director’s next project, Argo. Deadline reports that Terrio’s screenplay will essentially act as a remake of the 2006 French adaptation of the same name directed by Guillaume Canet. Before gallivanting overseas, the property was initially set up at Sony way back in 2002 with now-established names Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Star Trek) set to adapt. As early as August 2010, writer/director Andrew Dominik (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) was reported to be working on the adaptation as well.

Briefly, Coben’s Tell No One tells the story of a pediatrician who becomes suspect number one in a series of murders that claimed the life of his wife…or so he thought. For more on the project, hit the jump for a synopsis of the novel.  http://collider.com/ben-affleck-tell-no-one/96597/

Steven Spielberg May Direct "Transformers 4"?

Posted: June 17th, 2011 by WorstPreviews.com Staff


We already heard that Michael Bay and Shia LaBeouf will not be returning for "Transformers 4," but Paramount Pictures will likely not let a franchise that has already grossed $1.5 billion simply die.

There were talks of a reboot, but in an interview with Movieweb, Tyrese Gibson revealed that Steven Spielberg may step in to direct the fourth film.

"Michael Bay decides to not come back for 'Transformers 4,' there is always Steven Spielberg," said the actor. "I am not saying that Steven Spielberg is for a fact going to direct 'Transformers 4.' But it is a beautiful safety net to know that one of the biggest, most respected directors in the world happens to be an executive producer on 'Transformers.' He is someone who knows this world. And he could easily step in and direct 'Transformers 4' if he decided to."

Gibson continued: "There are a lot of directors who deal with producers who happen to not be Steven Spielberg. So if the director decides to bow out of their film, they are sent scrambling. 'Who can we get to direct this?' What a hell of a safety net this is if Michael Bay decides not to come back. Steven Spielberg could easily step in and make it happen."

This has actually just happened with "The Hobbit." Guillermo Del Toro was attached to direct while "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson was producing. When Del Toro dropped out, Jackson had a tough time replacing him. In the end, Jackson was forced to step in as the director.

Source: Movieweb



Read more: http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=22020&count=0

"Hot Wheels" Movie Still in the Works

Posted: June 17th, 2011 by WorstPreviews.com Staff


First it was Columbia Pictures and director McG (Terminator Salvation) that tried to turn "Hot Wheels," the popular Mattel car toy line, into a feature film. Then Warner Bros and producer Joel Silver took over, but dropped the property as well after "Speed Racer" bombed in theaters.

But now that "Fast Five" has become a major franchise, Legendary Entertainment has entered negotiations with Mattel to acquire the film rights to "Hot Wheels" and develop their own movie. Since Legendary is based at Warner Bros, the studio will still be involved.

A number of filmmakers have been vying to acquire the property, including producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Transformers) and Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland). But Mattel already has an existing relationship with Legendary and Warners. Mattel makes toys based on WB's DC Comics properties like Superman, Batman and Green Lantern.

Source: Variety



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**New Images from TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON and THE THREE MUSKETEERS **Antje Traue to Play Female Villain Faora in MAN OF STEEL [Updated] **New International Trailer for X-MEN: FIRST CLASS **Helen Hunt Joins John Hawkes in THE SURROGATE

New Images from TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON and THE THREE MUSKETEERS

by Phil Brown   Posted: April 27th, 2011

Fans of big dopey 3D action movies can prepare to get giddy, because new images have been released for Transformers: Dark Of The Moon and The Three Musketeers, offering up tantalizing stills of their drug of choice. The films of course come from two of Hollywood’s living legends of dumb entertainment: directors Michael Bay (Bad Boys II) and Paul W.S. Anderson (Mortal Kombat). It’s unlikely that either of these movies will require any mental effort from their audiences, but it’s also very likely those audiences will be distracted by lots of flashing lights and pretty colors.
Hit the jump to thrill at the site of big CGI robots smashing things and pretty Hollywood actors fightin’ n’ posin’ in expensive period costumes. Transformers: Dark Of The Moon stars Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, John Malkovich, Tyrese Gibson, Frances McDormand, Ken Jeong, Alan Tudyk, John Turturro, and a bunch of robots. The film opens in 3D on July 1st. The Three Musketeers stars Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Logan Lerman, Orlando Bloom, and Christoph Waltz and will be released in 3D on October 14th.
........... http://collider.com/transformers-3-movie-image-three-musketeers-movie-images/87804/

Antje Traue to Play Female Villain Faora in MAN OF STEEL [Updated]

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 27th, 2011

Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot, Man of Steel, may finally be zeroing in on an actress to play the film’s female villain.  There’s been some debate over whether or not the role is Ursa (played by Sarah Douglas in Superman and Superman II), the accomplice of General Zod (played in Man of Steel by Michael Shannon) comic book villain Faora (who was the inspiration for Ursa), or an entirely new character.  Deadline doesn’t have the answer, but they do say that whoever the female villain is, German actress Antje Traue (Pandorum) is the frontrunner for the part.  If she does get the role, she’ll be joining a cast that includes Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, and Kevin Costner.
[Update: Variety reports that Antje has the role and that role is Faora.  Variety also speculates that Man of Steel will use "the version of Faora that debuted in Action Comics #779 as a Pokolistanian aide of General Zod. That character was an orphan metahuman with the ability to disrupt molecular bonds, which allowed her to create a mutagenic virus that served as the linchpin of Zod's plan."]
Man of Steel is set to hit theaters December 2012.
........... http://collider.com/antje-traue-superman-man-of-steel/87816/

New International Trailer for X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 27th, 2011

On the heels of a new domestic trailer for Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men: First Class, Fox has also released an international version that sets a slightly different tone, and has some new footage including a first look at Oliver Platt and Ray Wise.  Again, there’s not of elaboration on the role the Hellfire Club will play, but the point of both trailers is clear: mutants prevented World War III.  Thanks, mutants!  Hit the jump to watch.
........... http://collider.com/x-men-first-class-international-trailer/87834/

Helen Hunt Joins John Hawkes in THE SURROGATE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 27th, 2011

Academy Award Winner Helen Hunt has joined the cast of the indie drama The Surrogate. Recent Oscar nominee John Hawkes is set to play the role of Mark O’Brien in the film based on a true story. O’Brien was “a paraplegic polio victim who lived most of his life in an iron lung, paralyzed from the neck down.” Hawkes’ character sets out to find a sex surrogate willing to take his virginity, and Variety reports that Hunt will take on the role of his surrogate. Rhea Pearlman also has a role in the film.
Hunt’s character struggles with her own life, coming to terms with explaining her profession to her 12-year-old son. Ben Lewin wrote and will direct the period flick set in the 1980’s. Lewin himself is a polio survivor.
....... http://collider.com/helen-hunt-john-hawkes-the-surrogate/87839/

**Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Alec Baldwin Join Penelope Cruz in Untitled Woody Allen Film **Hugh Laurie to Star in Andrew Adamson’s MR. PIP **Diane Lane Reveals MAN OF STEEL Will Yet Again Show Superman’s Origin **Sally Field Set to Play Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s LINCOLN

Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Alec Baldwin Join Penelope Cruz in Untitled Woody Allen Film
by Matt Goldberg Posted: April 13th, 2011
Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Alec Baldwin are joining Penelope Cruz in Woody Allen’s next feature film. Variety reports that the film is scheduled to shoot in Rome this summer. As usual, the plot and title are unknown at this point, but I’m willing to bet that if it’s a drama then the story will revolve around morals and murder, and if it’s a comedy there will be a neurotic Allen-surrogate. The casting of Eisenberg makes me think it’s the latter.


The untitled film will be the first collaboration with Allen for Eisenberg and Page, but it will be a reunion for Cruz and Baldwin. Cruz previously starred and won an Oscar for her work in 2008’s Vicky Christina Barcelona while Baldwin co-starred in Allen’s 1990 comedy Alice. Allen’s new film, Midnight in Paris, opens May 20th.
........... http://collider.com/woody-allen-jesse-eisenberg-ellen-page/85866/




Hugh Laurie to Star in Andrew Adamson’s MR. PIP
by Matt Goldberg Posted: April 13th, 2011
Hugh Laurie is set to star in an adaptation of Lloyd Jones novel’ Mr. Pip for writer-director Andrew Adamson (Shrek 2). According to Risky Business, “Mr. Pip tells the story of the last white man left on the war-torn island of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, who reopens a school and reads his favorite novel, Great Expectations, to the students, inspiring a gifted 14-year-old named Matilda.” For who can inspire a classroom full of fertile young minds better than The Last White Man (my rejected title for the film)?


Laurie is continuing to star on Fox’s House, and will co-star in the indie drama The Oranges with Leighton Meester and Catherine Keener. He’s also providing voice work for the upcoming animated film Arthur Christmas. Hit the jump for a statement from Laurie on joining Mr. Pip and a synopsis of the novel.
...... http://collider.com/hugh-laurie-mr-pip-andrew-adamson/85860/








Diane Lane Reveals MAN OF STEEL Will Yet Again Show Superman’s Origin
by Matt Goldberg Posted: April 13th, 2011
It looks like we’re in for yet another telling of Superman’s backstory. Diane Lane, who plays Martha Kent, tells E! Online that the script for Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel is being kept under lock and key and she was given only three hours to read it. Lane says she can’t talk much about it (obviously), but does say Man of Steel “does cover the entire range of years, from infancy on.” I wish we would just get a quick montage of Superman’s youth, but with casting name-actors like Lane and Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, it looks like we’re in for at least 40 minutes of stuff we already know.


Hit the jump for my thoughts on why it’s time to ditch the origin story for Superman. Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill, Michael Shannon, and Amy Adams. The film is set to open in December 2012. For all of our Superman coverage, click here.
.................... http://collider.com/superman-man-of-steel-origin-diane-lane/85855/






Sally Field Set to Play Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s LINCOLN
by Adam Chitwood Posted: April 13th, 2011
Sally Field is officially set to portray Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming biopic Lincoln. After years of development, it looks like Spielberg is finally moving forward with the film. Daniel Day-Lewis is set to play Lincoln himself (long-attached Liam Neeson dropped out of the picture last summer). Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright/screenwriter Tony Kushner (Munich) wrote the screenplay based on the book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Spielberg had this to say regarding Field’s casting:


“I’m excited to be working with Sally for the first time. I’ve admired her films and she has always been my first choice to portray all the fragility and complexity that was Mary Todd Lincoln.”


Field had been mentioned with regards to the role for quite a while, but she’s now officially signed on. The actress recently nabbed the role of Aunt May in The Amazing Spider-Man. Lincoln will focus on “the political collision of Lincoln and the powerful men of his cabinet on the road to abolition and the end of the Civil War.” Filming is set to begin this fall, with an eye towards a fourth-quarter 2012 release. This one just jumped to the top of my “most anticipated” list for 2012. Hit the jump to read the full press release.
.... http://collider.com/sally-field-lincoln/85875/

**Michael Shannon Cast as General Zod in SUPERMAN Reboot MAN OF STEEL **Teaser Trailer for THE WOMAN IN BLACK Starring Daniel Radcliffe **Third X-Men: First Class International Trailer

Michael Shannon Cast as General Zod in SUPERMAN Reboot MAN OF STEEL

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: April 10th, 2011

Viggo Mortensen was never able to find the right hole in his schedule to play General Zod in the upcoming Superman reboot, now officially titled Man of Steel.  Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, however, landed on a fantastic alternative: Michael Shannon.  Shannon was rumored for an unspecified villain role last month — the studios have announced today he will play Zod.  Director Zack Snyder remarked,

“Zod is not only one of Superman’s most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don’t.  Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role.”

I could not agree more.  Henry Cavill will star as Clark Kent/Superman.  The supporting cast includes Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Martha and Jonathan Kent.  Read the official announcement after the jump.

.......... http://collider.com/michael-shannon-superman-man-of-steel/85250/

Teaser Trailer for THE WOMAN IN BLACK Starring Daniel Radcliffe

by Adam Chitwood   Posted: April 10th, 2011

The teaser trailer for the ghost thriller The Woman in Black has gone online. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, the film is based on the classic ghost story by Susan Hill that centers on a young lawyer visiting a remote English town that, naturally, holds many ghostly secrets. The trailer is very much a teaser, and doesn’t really give much of the plot away, but I’m liking the air of creepiness and general unease that it suggests.

Hit the jump to check out the teaser for yourself. The Woman in Black hits theaters in the UK on February 10^th, 2012 with a US release date currently unknown.

...... http://collider.com/the-woman-in-black-trailer/85268/

Third X-Men: First Class International Trailer

Apr 11, 2011 by Courtney O.

Here is a new non-dubbed version of the international trailer for X-Men: First Class, which is now in English. Last week, we revealed the international trailer dubbed in Russian.

X-Men: First Class comes to theaters June 3rd, 2011 and stars Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Caleb Landry Jones, Nicholas Hoult, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, Edi Gathegi, Jason Flemyng. The film is directed by Matthew Vaughn.

Sources: 20th Century Fox

here;

 http://www.movieweb.com/news/third-x-men-first-class-international-trailer