***Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Gillian Anderson, and Mark Williams to Star in 18th Century Zombie Film THE CURSE OF THE BUXOM STRUMPET ***Mel Gibson in Talks for SLEIGHT OF HAND ***Ryan Reynolds to Choose Between "Deadpool" and "The Flash" ***Todd Phillips Says "The Hangover" Will be a Trilogy

Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Gillian Anderson, and Mark Williams to Star in 18th Century Zombie Film THE CURSE OF THE BUXOM STRUMPET

by Matt Goldberg   Posted: May 18th, 2011 at 8:40 am

It looks like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies isn’t the only period-piece/zombie flick mash-up in town.  ScreenDaily reports that Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Gillian Anderson, and Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley from the Harry Potter films) are attached to star in Matthew Butler’s The Curse of the Buxom Strumpet.  The film is based off Butler’s 2010 short comedy E’gad Zombies, which also starred McKellen.  The plot of Buxom Strumpet, co-written by Tori Hart, is about the “inhabitants of a small seaside town who are struck down with a deadly illness.”  No details are provided on that deadly illness, but I imagine it involves glassy eyes, coming back to life, and a hunger for human flesh.
While I’m a fan of this cast, I’m still not sold on the appeal of these movies beyond the novelty they provide.  I can understand Butler using the premise for a short film, but I’m worried that the joke becomes stale when stretched out to feature length.  Hit the jump to read a synopsis of E’gad Zombies and to see a trailer for the short.
http://collider.com/ian-mckellen-judi-dench-curse-of-the-buxom-strumpet/91508/

Mel Gibson in Talks for SLEIGHT OF HAND

by Brendan Bettinger   Posted: May 17th, 2011 at 10:32 pm

Mel Gibson is in talks to star opposite Kiefer Sutherland, Gerard Depardieu, and Thomas Jane  in the heist comedy Sleight of Hand.  According to Variety, the story centers on “a bunch of bungling burglars in Paris who inadvertently steal a rare gold coin belonging to a gangster.”  Til Schweiger, Johnny Hallyday, Jon Lovitz, and Eric Cantona also star.  The initial announcement at the Cannes Film Festival indicates Sleight of Hand will be shot entirely in Paris from July to September.  Brad Mirman (The Confession) will direct from his own script.
It’s hard not to think of every news item involving Gibson as a step in his public image rehabilitation, but I have nothing insightful to say about this possibility.  Everyone loves a good heist film, especially if you let the crew loose in Paris.  I like that the cast skews a bit older, and Gibson seems like a fine fit in however big a role he plays. (See, banal.)
Gibson has How I Spent My Summer Vacation in the can, but the action movie is still in search of distributor for a domestic release.  (The rights to most international territories sold quickly.)  Read the official synopsis for Sleight of Hand after the jump. http://collider.com/mel-gibson-sleight-of-hand/91497/

Ryan Reynolds to Choose Between "Deadpool" and "The Flash"

Posted: May 19th, 2011 by WorstPreviews.com Staff


Ryan Reynolds played Deadpool in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which is why it was surprising that Warner Bros hired the actor to play the title role in "Green Lantern."

But there were also talks of Reynolds playing The Flash, which may be difficult to do if Green Lantern and The Flash both appear in the upcoming "Justice League of America" movie.

We know that the actor has been prepping "Deadpool," which Reynolds says may be the reason why he will have to pass on "The Flash." "I always thought if I did a 'Deadpool' film, I wouldn't do a 'Flash' movie," he told CBR, adding that he's comfortable with playing Deadpool after playing Green Lantern because the characters are so different. "The [Deadpool] movie we're working on is more of a deconstruction of superhero movies."

Source: CBR



Read more: http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=21709&count=0

 

 

 

Todd Phillips Says "The Hangover" Will be a Trilogy

Posted: May 19th, 2011 by WorstPreviews.com Staff


During a press conference for "The Hangover Part 2," director Todd Phillips confirmed that he would like the franchise to become a trilogy if audiences come out to see the second film.

"We always envisioned it as a trilogy," he said. "The third would very much be a finale and an ending. The most I could say about it, and I haven't discussed it with these actors, is that it is not following that template but very much a new idea."

When asked where he would like "The Hangover Part 3" to take place, Phillips joked: "I'm very open, like the Olympic committee, to being pitched and presented cities. Flown around with wine and women and bribed and then I will make my decision."

Source: Collider



Read more: http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=21703&count=0

 

***Oscar Isaac Joins Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis in STILL I RISE ***Mel Gibson in Talks for SLEIGHT OF HAND ***Peter Berg’s Adaptation of LONE SURVIVOR Is a Go at Universal; Taylor Kitsch in Talks to Play Navy Seal

Mel Gibson in Talks for SLEIGHT OF HAND
by Brendan Bettinger Posted: May 17th, 2011 at 10:32 pm


Mel Gibson is in talks to star opposite Kiefer Sutherland, Gerard Depardieu, and Thomas Jane in the heist comedy Sleight of Hand. According to Variety, the story centers on “a bunch of bungling burglars in Paris who inadvertently steal a rare gold coin belonging to a gangster.” Til Schweiger, Johnny Hallyday, Jon Lovitz, and Eric Cantona also star. The initial announcement at the Cannes Film Festival indicates Sleight of Hand will be shot entirely in Paris from July to September. Brad Mirman (The Confession) will direct from his own script.


It’s hard not to think of every news item involving Gibson as a step in his public image rehabilitation, but I have nothing insightful to say about this possibility. Everyone loves a good heist film, especially if you let the crew loose in Paris. I like that the cast skews a bit older, and Gibson seems like a fine fit in however big a role he plays. (See, banal.)


Gibson has How I Spent My Summer Vacation in the can, but the action movie is still in search of distributor for a domestic release. (The rights to most international territories sold quickly.) Read the official synopsis for Sleight of Hand after the jump.
http://collider.com/mel-gibson-sleight-of-hand/91497/






Peter Berg’s Adaptation of LONE SURVIVOR Is a Go at Universal; Taylor Kitsch in Talks to Play Navy Seal
by Brendan Bettinger Posted: May 17th, 2011 at 9:24 pm


Peter Berg has been attached to direct an adaptation of Lone Survivor, the autobiography of Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell, since 2007. Berg bonded with Luttrell during the making of The Kingdom, and penned the adaptation after spending a month with a Navy Seal unit. The idea was to make Lone Survivor his next film, but desert war films (including The Kingdom) were tough sells to moviegoers, and thus to studios. Universal made a deal with Berg: “You direct Battleship, we’ll fund Lone Survivor.” Flash forward a few years — Berg is in post-production on Battleship, and the Navy elite are en vogue following the triumphant and cinematic assassination of Osama Bin Laden by “Seal Team 6.” Disney and Kathryn Bigelow appear to have first dibs on that particular story, but Luttrell’s tale covers the same subject matter with comparable heroism. Luttrell was one of four Seals on a Bin Laden-related reconnaissance mission to a Taliban stronghold — only Luttrell made it back alive.


Lone Survivor is up and running again at Universal; with a script ready, Berg and the studio are targeting a January start date for production. Berg reached out to Battleship star Taylor Kitsch to play one of the Seals; he will continue to meet with other actors to fill out the foursome in the coming weeks.


Hit the jump for quotes from Berg on his approach to Luttrell’s story and a tongue-in-cheek response to the Battleship backlash.
http://collider.com/peter-berg-taylor-kitsch-lone-survivor/91457/






Oscar Isaac Joins Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis in STILL I RISE
by Brendan Bettinger Posted: May 17th, 2011 at 7:45 pm


Oscar Isaac (Sucker Punch) has signed on to play the male lead in Still I Rise. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis star as “two frustrated mothers who team up to transform an inner-city public school.” Variety says Isaac will play a “sexy, ukulele-playing teacher” (is there any other kind of ukulele-playing teacher?) who romances and inspires Gyllenhaal’s character. Director Daniel Barnz (Beastly) is now polishing a rewrite of the original Brin Hill screenplay. Production on the Walden Media/Fox collaboration begins next week in Pittsburgh.


Isaac will next be seen among the impressive likes of Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, and Bryan Cranston in Drive when the movie opens September 16. Later in the year, Isaac will appear as one of the high school reunionites in the ensemble drama Ten Year; the role features a performance of a song Isaac wrote exclusively for the film. (Prior to his acting career, Isaac was the lead singer and guitarist for The Blinking Underdogs.) Finally, Isaac has a role in W.E., the romantic drama co-written and directed by Madonna.
http://collider.com/oscar-isaac-still-i-rise/91449/

**First Clip from Alexander Payne’s THE DESCENDANTS Starring George Clooney **Rachel Weisz in Talks for THE BOURNE LEGACY **Woody Harrelson to Play Haymitch in THE HUNGER GAMES **Stanley Tucci to Play Caesar Flickerman in THE HUNGER GAMES **Kiefer Sutherland, Gerard Depardieu, Thomas Jane, Jon Lovitz and More to Star in SLEIGHT OF HAND

First Clip from Alexander Payne’s THE DESCENDANTS Starring George Clooney

by Adam Chitwood   Posted: May 10th, 2011

The first clip from director Alexander Payne’s The Descendants has been released. The film stars George Clooney as a wealthy landowner who tries to re-connect with his daughters. The clip really doesn’t reveal much in the way of plot. In fact, it’s pretty much just Clooney running. But Payne hasn’t directed a film since 2004’s Sideways, so any peek of his next flick, however small, is pretty intriguing.

Clooney stars alongside Beau Bridges, Judy Greer, Robert Forster and Matthew Lillard. The Descendants is set to be released on December 16^th. Hit the jump to check out the clip.

..........  http://collider.com/the-descendants-movie-clip/90030/

Woody Harrelson to Play Haymitch in THE HUNGER GAMES

by Adam Chitwood   Posted: May 10th, 2011

I guess it’s time for our daily Hunger Games casting story. It now looks like Woody Harrelson will be taking on the coveted role of Haymitch Abernathy, the only tribute from District 12 to ever win a Hunger Games competition who becomes Katniss’ mentor. John C. Reilly was previously being pursued for the role of the alcoholic Abernathy, but it appears that Harrelson will end up with the part. The actor was previously mentioned for a role in the film back in April, and now Heat Vision confirms his involvement.

Gary Ross is directing the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ wildly popular book trilogy. Set for release on March 23^rd, 2012, The Hunger Games also stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Wes Bentley, Elizabeth Banks and Stanley Tucci.  Hit the jump to read a synopsis. .......... http://collider.com/woody-harrelson-the-hunger-games/90040/

Stanley Tucci to Play Caesar Flickerman in THE HUNGER GAMES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted:May 9th, 2011

Stanley Tucci will play interviewer Caesar Flickerman in Gary Ross’ adaptation of The Hunger Games.  Here’s how the press release describes the role:

Caesar Flickerman is utterly familiar to all the citizens of Panem as the host of the Hunger Games. Known for his outrageous appearance and buoyant personality, his upbeat interviews of the 24 tributes – a boy and a girl from each of the country’s 12 districts – are presented on every television in the nation.  He is famous for turning any conversation around to the positive and finding humor in even the most dire circumstances.

It sounds like Tucci is playing the well-worn smarmy announcer character we’ve seen time and time again.  However, I do take comfort in the fact that a talented actor like Tucci has taken the role and will likely bring something new to it.  Hit the jump for the full press release.  The film also stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Wes Bentley, and Elizabeth Banks.  The Hunger Games opens March 23, 2012.

http://collider.com/hunger-games-movie-caesar-stanley-tucci/89659/

Rachel Weisz in Talks for THE BOURNE LEGACY

by Adam Chitwood   Posted: May 10th, 2011

Hot off the heels of the news that Rachel Weisz is in talks to join Sam Raimi’s Oz, The Great and Powerful comes word that the actress is also in talks to star in Tony Gilroy’s The Bourne Legacy. Legacy is a reboot of sorts for the Bourne franchise, with Jeremy Renner recently landing the lead role. In Legacy, Weisz would play “an operative from a covert government program that is even more dangerous than the Treadstone brainwashing program that hatched Bourne.”

However, Deadline reports that scheduling conflicts may prevent the actress from joining both films. Apparently Weisz is in “deeper” talks for Bourne than she is with Oz (if there exists an infographic for the levels of “talks” actors are in, I’d very much like to see it). In Oz, Weisz would play the evil witch Theodora, who teams up with Kunis’ character to take over Oz. Raimi is set to go into production on Oz, The Great and Powerful this summer, while The Bourne Legacy is poised to start filming in September. There is a possibility that she could do both films, but nothing’s certain at the moment.

........... http://collider.com/rachel-weisz-the-bourne-legacy/90045/

Kiefer Sutherland, Gerard Depardieu, Thomas Jane, Jon Lovitz and More to Star in SLEIGHT OF HAND

by Adam Chitwood   Posted: May 10th, 2011

The cast for the international action comedy Sleight of Hand was announced to stay. Poised to star are Keifer Sutherland, Gerard Depardieu, Thomas Jane, Jon Lovitz, Johnny Hallyday, Til Schweiger and Eric Cantona, as well as French actors Jean Luc Couchard, Nora Arnezeder and Patrice Cols. The plot is described thusly:

“The international cast plays a crew of small time crooks in Paris, who inadvertently end up possessing a rare gold coin belonging to a notorious French gangster. The leader of the crew calls his uncle (Depardieu), a retired criminal, to help them raise the money to repay the gangster. The series of mix-ups and double crosses culminate as the gangs are pit face to face, chasing through Paris.”

Brad Mirman (Shadows in the Sun) is directing, with filming set to get underway at the end of July. Hannibal Classics will be selling the film this week at Cannes. Hit the jump to read the full press release. ... http://collider.com/sleight-of-hand-kiefer-sutherland-gerard-depardieu-thomas-jane/90069/