***Sean Penn Briefly Recalls Spicoli from FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH ***Universal to Reboot THE WOLFMAN as WEREWOLF? ***First Official Look at Sacha Baron Cohen as THE DICTATOR [Updated] ***Set Photos from THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson

Sean Penn Briefly Recalls Spicoli from FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: June 9th, 2011

At Spike TV’s “Guys Choice Awards” (because guys so rarely get to decide just about everything) the male cast of Fast Times at Ridgemont High and director Amy Heckerling reunited on stage and Sean Penn brought back his breakthrough role as Jeff Spicoli for about two seconds by saying “Aloha, Mr. Hand” as only Spicoli could say it.  Spicoli is a funny role these days because it’s such a light role and Penn has devoted himself to serious movies and serious issues for the majority of his career.  The last time he did an (intentional) comedy was 1999′s Sweet and Lowdown (2001′s I Am Sam is pretty hilarious).  I can’t help but wonder if audiences could even accept Penn in a comic role today.
Hit the jump to check out the video. http://collider.com/sean-penn-recalls-spicoli-fast-times-ridgemont-high/95668/

Universal to Reboot THE WOLFMAN as WEREWOLF?

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: June 9th, 2011

Universal’s The Wolfman didn’t work out.  Original director Mark Romanek wanted more money to make the film work, Universal didn’t want to give it to him, he left, the studio found a new director in Joe Johnston.  But due to the amount of reshoots and other costs, Universal ended up spending more than if they had just given Romanek the extra money he wanted in the first place.  Oh, and the film wasn’t very good, although it was certainly better than thought considering all of the behind-the-scenes nonsense.
Moviehole reports that Universal hasn’t given up The Wolfman and intends to reboot the series and create a film, tentatively titled “Werewolf” that has more in common with George Waggner’s original 1941 film The Wolf Man than the character’s most recent iteration.  The studio is reportedly talking to prospective directors over the next few weeks and hopes to begin shooting this fall.  That’s a fast track for a product no one really wanted last time.  Presumably, Universal believes that because werewolves are popular in Twilight, their popularity will carry over to a new franchise.  As we all know, it’s the werewolves that people love in Twilight, not the muscular shirtless dudes and sappy romance. http://collider.com/wolfman-reboot-werewolf-universal/95661/

First Official Look at Sacha Baron Cohen as THE DICTATOR [Updated]

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: June 9th, 2011

A couple days ago, we showed you an unofficial set photo from the set of Sacha Baron Cohen’s new movie, The Dictator.  The film has Cohen once again reteaming with director Larry Charles, but it’s Cohen’s first movie that isn’t based on one of his characters from The Ali G Show.  The comedy “tells the heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed. It is inspired by the best selling novel, Zabibah and The King, by Saddam Hussein.”
The Huffington Post, when not dismantling great sites like Cinematical or asking writers to do free work on behalf of a multimillionaire who pretends she’s on the side of the middle- and working-class, gets the occasional entertainment exclusive.  This is one of those days.  Hit the jump to check out the first official look at Cohen as The Dictator.  The movie also stars Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, and Jason Mantzoukas.  The Dictator is set to open on May 11, 2012. [Update: We now have a hi-res version of the image] http://collider.com/dictator-movie-image-sacha-baron-cohen/95618/

Set Photos from THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: June 9th, 2011

Logan Lerman has been tweeting photos from the set of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  Author Stephen Chbosky wrote the script and is directing the adaptation of his 1999 novel of the same name.  The coming-of-age story stars Lerman as “15-year-old Charlie (Lerman), an endearing and naive outsider, coping with first love (Emma Watson), the suicide of his best friend, and his own mental illness while struggling to find a group of people with whom he belongs.”  The film also stars Mae Whitman, Johnny Simmons, Ezra Miller, Nina Dobrev, and Dylan McDermott.
Hit the jump to check out the set photos. http://collider.com/perks-of-being-a-wallflower-set-photos/95606/

***Emma Watson on the set of "Perks of Being a Wallflower" ***Jennifer Lawrence makes an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" ***End of the world for Carell and Knightley ***'The Skin I Live In' photocall and premiere ***Cameron Diaz and Colin Firth pictured on set filming "Gambit"

Jennifer Lawrence makes an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" to promote the upcoming film "Hunger Games"

Jennifer Lawrence makes an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" to promote the upcoming film "Hunger Games"

In This Photo: Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence makes an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" to promote the upcoming film "Hunger Games".

( May 19, 2011 - Photo by PacificCoastNews.com) http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/9f5Pd-bUhlJ/Jennifer+Lawrence+makes+appearance+Late+Show

Fri, 20 May 2011

Jennifer Lawrence: Lovely at 'Letterman'

Jennifer Lawrence shows off her darker ‘do while arriving at The Ed Sullivan Theatre to tape an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman on Thursday (May 19) in NYC.
The 20-year-old X-Men: First Class star recently opened up about training for her other upcoming film, The Hunger Games.
“I love archery! I really love it. And I’m starting to do stunts with the bow and arrow, so I kind of feel like Hugh Jackman, and then I’m doing rock climbing [and] tree climbing,” Jennifer, who’s playing Katniss Everdeen, told Access Hollywood.
In case you missed it, check out a first look of Jennifer as the The Hunger Games‘ heroine on the cover of EW!
FYI: Jennifer is wearing an Altuzarra dress with Alexandre Birman heels.http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/05/20/jennifer-lawrence-lovely-letterman/

Emma Watson finishes getting her makeup done on the set of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" in NYC

 

Emma Watson finishes getting her makeup done on the set of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" in NYC

In This Photo: Emma Watson

Emma Watson finishes getting her makeup done on the set of "Perks of Being a Wallflower" in NYC. The young "Harry Potter" star, allegedly worth more than $32 million, is all smiles as she holds a warm beverage in her hand.

( May 19, 2011 - Photo by PacificCoastNews.com) http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/EFjj50YXBnQ/Emma+Watson+finishes+getting+makeup+done+set

End of the world for Carell and Knightley

End of the world for Carell and Knightley

Steve Carell and Keira Knightley film car scenes for their latest film, "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World".

( May 19, 2011 - Photo by Bauer Griffin)

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/W5gg_l2BS4Y/End+world+Carell+Knightley

'The Skin I Live In' photocall

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/odnMP2Z8IuZ/The+Skin+I+Live+In+photocall

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/6OoC2N4mIKl/64th+Annual+Cannes+Film+Festival+Skin+Live

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/-tJ5F85Ortu/Photocall+Skin+Live+Cannes

64th Annual Cannes Film Festival - "The Skin I Live In" Premiere

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/oHwSczXYy63/64th+Annual+Cannes+Film+Festival+Skin+Live

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/bnzMd9kkLov/Skin+Live+Premiere+64th+Annual+Cannes+Film

Cameron Diaz And Colin Firth Filming Gambit At A London Airport

Cameron Diaz And Colin Firth Filming Gambit At A London Airport

In This Photo: Colin Firth

Cameron Diaz and Colin Firth pictured on set filming "Gambit" at a London airport. Cameron was dressed as a cowgirl whilst Colin was dressed more conservatively.

( May 19, 2011 - Photo by FlynetPictures.com)

 

Cameron Diaz And Colin Firth Filming Gambit At A London Airport

In This Photo: Cameron Diaz, Colin Firth

Cameron Diaz and Colin Firth pictured on set filming "Gambit" at a London airport. Cameron was dressed as a cowgirl whilst Colin was dressed more conservatively.

( May 19, 2011 - Photo by FlynetPictures.com)

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/xLhUGaIvthi/Cameron+Diaz+Colin+Firth+Filming+Gambit+London

**Over 30 New Images from THE HANGOVER PART II **Alexander Skarsgard Joins WHAT MAISIE KNEW Starring Julianne Moore **New Poster for THE DEBT Starring Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington **Dylan McDermott Joins NOBODY WALKS and THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

New Poster for THE DEBT Starring Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 11th, 2011 at 4:03 pm

 

A new poster has been released for The Debt. The film was originally scheduled to come out last year, but the Miramax hubbub put the picture in limbo. Recently, Focus Features acquired the flick and will now release it on August 31^st.
Directed by John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, and Ciaran Hinds as older versions of the characters played by Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington, and Marton Csokas. Hit the jump to check out the poster, as well as Focus’ cut of the trailer.

http://collider.com/the-debt-movie-poster/90298/

Alexander Skarsgard Joins WHAT MAISIE KNEW Starring Julianne Moore

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 11th, 2011 at 4:49 pm

True Blood star Alexander Skarsgard has joined the cast of What Maisie Knew. The dramedy, adapted from the novel by Henry James, stars Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan. The story centers on 6-year-old Maisie, who is dealing with the divorce of her rock icon mother (Moore) and art dealer father (Coogan). THR reports that Skarsgard will play Moore’s new husband. Scott McGehee and David Siegel are directing from a script by Nancy Doyne and Carroll Cartwright. The story will be set in contemporary New York. Hit the jump to read a synopsis of James’ novel.

http://collider.com/alexander-skarsgard-what-maisie-knew/90319/

Over 30 New Images from THE HANGOVER PART II

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 11th, 2011 at 6:28 pm

 

Warner Bros. has released a slew of images from The Hangover Part II. A few of them we’ve seen before, but a number of them are brand new. While I like the idea behind releasing a bunch of images, I hope they’re not spoiling a good deal of the film.
Hit the jump to check out the bevy of images. Directed by Todd Phillips, The Hangover Part II stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Jamie Chung, and Ken Jeong. The film hits theaters on May 26th.

http://collider.com/the-hangover-2-images/90337/

Dylan McDermott Joins NOBODY WALKS and THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

by Brendan Bettinger   Posted: May 11th, 2011 at 7:17 pm

Dylan McDermott (Dark Blue) was recently tapped as the lead opposite Connie Britton in American Horror Story, a new drama Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (Glee) are developing for FX.  Variety reports McDermott has set up two feature roles prior to filming on the pilot.  The first is Nobody Walks, the indie dramedy which centers on “a Los Angeles family that takes in a stranger who winds up disrupting their lives.”  John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Jane Levy also star.  Ry Russo-Young (You Won’t Miss Me) will direct from a script she co-wrote with Lena Dunham (Tiny Furniture).
Next up is the adaptation of the popular Stephen Chbosky young adult novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower about “a boy whose life dramatically changes as he learns about secrets buried deep in his past during his freshman year of high school.”  Logan Lerman is the boy; McDermott will play his father.  Emma Watson, Nina Dobrev, Mae Whitman, and Johnny Simmons also star.  Chbosky will direct.  Read the book synopsis after the jump.

http://collider.com/dylan-mcdermott-nobody-walks-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower/90403/

**International Trailer for WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? **Johnny Simmons Cast in 21 JUMP STREET and THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER **Joel Kinnaman Joins Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds in SAFE HOUSE **Olivia Munn, Alison Pill, Marisa Tomei Joining Aaron Sorkin’s HBO Series MORE AS THIS STORY DEVELOPS

Johnny Simmons Cast in 21 JUMP STREET and THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: April 25th, 2011

Johnny Simmons (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) has scheduled the rest of his 2011 slate — the babyfaced 24-year-old will, like he has for most of his career, continue to play teenagers.  Up first is the 21 Jump Street movie, where Simmons acts opposite Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Scott Pilgrim co-star Brie Larson.  Next, Simmons will shoot the The Perks of Being a Wallflower adaptation with Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Nina Dobrev and Scott Pilgrim co-star Mae Whitman.  Later in the year, Variety confirms Simmons is on board the naughty comedy The Hand Job with Andy Samberg, Donald Glover, Connie Britton, Alia Shawkat, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Scott Porter, Dominic Dierkes, DC Pierson.  Oh, and Scott Pilgrim co-stars Mae Whitman and Aubrey Plaza, not to mention “The Voice” of Scott Pilgrim, Bill Hader.  (Can we take a brief second to re-marvel at the amazing Scott Pilgrim supporting cast?  Ripples for decades!  Okay, back to the piece.)

Hit the jump for more on each project.

.............. http://collider.com/johnny-simmons-21-jump-street-perks-being-wallflower/87584/

THE KILLING Star Joel Kinnaman Joins Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds in SAFE HOUSE

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: April 25th, 2011

The new AMC series The Killing is host to fine some acting — too fine to be confined to television.  Tonight, it was reported Mireille Enos is in talks to join Brad Pitt in World War Z; now Heat Vision adds that her Killing co-star Joel Kinnaman will star opposite Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Tim McGraw, Brendan Gleeson, Ruben Blades and the recently announced Vera Farmiga in Safe House.  The story follows “the only surviving agent of an attack on a CIA safe house (Reynolds) as he tries to transport a lethal prisoner (Washington) to a second destination before being taken out by violent forces that want them both dead.”  Kinnaman will play a man who operates the safe house in what Heat Vision calls “a key role.”

The Swedish actor first gained international attention last year in Snabba Cash.  Safe House just so happens to be the Hollywood debut of director Daniel Espinosa.  Kinnaman will first be seen in The Darkest Hour, an alien invasion thriller due December 23.  Safe House follows on February 10, 2012.  Filming is currently underway in South Africa.

.......... http://collider.com/joel-kinnaman-safe-house/87606/

Olivia Munn, Alison Pill, Marisa Tomei Joining Aaron Sorkin’s HBO Series MORE AS THIS STORY DEVELOPS

by Ethan Anderton    Posted: April 25th, 2011

We already know that Jeff Daniels is slated to lead a new HBO pilot from writer Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network) with Greg Mottola attached to direct. Now the female side of the cast is filling out as Deadline reports Olivia Munn (Date Night), Alison Pill (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) and potentially Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler) are in various stages of joining the project tentatively titled More As This Story Develops. The new series would follow cable news anchor Will McCallister (Jeff Daniels), who has his own show, as well as the show’s female executive producer and staff.

Tomei is currently inching closer to taking the lead female role of executive producer, MacKenzie, for whom producing the news is what she does best and everything else is just noise. Apparently her involvement isn’t official yet, but it sounds like she’ll end up taking the role. Meanwhile, Munn and Pill are already in negotiations for their roles with the former playing a sexy financial analyst on the same cable network as McCallister and the latter taking the role of Maggie, an associate producer on the assignment desk. Sounds like quite a promising series, with a spectacular cast being rounded up. Stay tuned as this project develops.

........ http://collider.com/olivia-munn-marisa-tomei-more-as-this-story-develops/87612/

International Trailer for WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 26th, 2011

An international trailer for the comedy What’s Your Number?.  Anna Faris stars as a woman  who realizes upon sleeping with her 20th guy that she may have missed Mr. Right along the way.  Chris Evans, Zachary Quinto, Matthew Bomer, Chris Pratt, Andy Samberg, Joel McHale, and Thomas Lennon had all been previously announced as being in the cast, but this new trailer shows that Martin Freeman (BBC’s Sherlock) and Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau) are also in the mix.  As for the trailer itself, it looks it could be a solid comic showcase for the talented Faris as long as the script doesn’t fall into too many rom-com cliches.

Mark Mylod (Entourage) directed the script by Jennifer Crittenden (The New Adventures of Old Christine) and Gabrielle Allan (Scrubs).  Hit the jump to check out the international trailer.  What’s Your Number? opens September 30.  Watch the trailer after the jump.

.............. http://collider.com/whats-your-number-trailer/87008/

**Ryan Gosling in Talks to Star in THE LONE RANGER Opposite Johnny Depp **New Images from HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATLHY HALLOWS – PART 2 **Production Begins on BIG SUR Starring Josh Lucas, Kate Bosworth and Jean-Marc Barr **Nina Dobrev Lands Role in THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER **Paramount Picks Up Anna Faris Stalker Comedy

New Images from HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATLHY HALLOWS – PART 2

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 15th, 2011

New images from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 have been released.  If you want to get a good look at Harry fighting through Gringotts, Draco holding hands with his Slytherin compatriots, or Neville looking like a total badass, then hit the jump.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 opens in 3D on July 15th.

........more; http://collider.com/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-part-2-images/86297/

Production Begins on BIG SUR Starring Josh Lucas, Kate Bosworth and Jean-Marc Barr

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 15th, 2011

Filming has commenced on director Michael Polish’s (The Astronaut Farmer) adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s Big Sur. The film stars Jean-Marc Barr as Kerouac, Josh Lucas as Neal Cassidy, and Kate Bosworth as Billie, the love interest of both men. Deadline reports that production just recently began on the film, which tells the story of Kerouac’s move from New York City to Northern California.

Polish wrote and is directing the film, which features a supporting cast that includes Anthony Edwards, Rahda Mitchell, Balthazar Getty, Patrick Fischler, Tana Katic, John Robinson and Henry Thomas. This marks the second Kerouac adaptation in a year, as Walter Salles recently filmed an adaptation of On The Road. That film stars Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund and Sam Riley, Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen. Hit the jump for a synopsis of Big Sur.

........... http://collider.com/josh-lucas-kate-bosworth-jean-marc-barr-big-sur/86304/

VAMPIRE DIARIES Star Nina Dobrev Lands Role in THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 15th, 2011

Actress Nina Dobrev, star of The CW’s The Vampire Diaries, has landed a role in Stephen Chbosky’s adaptation of his novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The cast now includes Emma Watson, Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson series), and Mae Whitman (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World). Deadline reports that Dobrev will play Candace in the coming of age story “about 15-year-old Charlie (Lerman), an endearing and naive outsider, coping with first love (Watson), the suicide of his best friend, and his own mental illness while struggling to find a group of people with whom he belongs.” Summit Entertainment is distributing the film.

The report also mentions Paul Rudd as being a part of the cast, though doesn’t specify which role he will play. Whitman is poised to take on the role of Mary Elizabeth, a tattooed vegetarian who acts as the protagonist’s first girlfriend. Hit the jump for a synopsis of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. ........... http://collider.com/nina-dobrev-perks-of-being-a-wallflower/86317/

Paramount Picks Up Anna Faris Stalker Comedy

by Adam Chitwood   Posted: April 15th, 2011

Paramount has picked up a comedy pitch from Anna Faris, centering on a troublesome roommate. The actress developed the pitch after recounting a real-life incident that happened to her. No plot details are known at this time, but THR reports that the story revolves around Faris and a new roommate who turns out to be “the stalker from hell.” I’m hoping that’s a literal description, because demonic roommates are always funny.

The pitch was further developed by screenwriter Deanna Kizis (Camp Rules for Montecito) who will now write the script. Joe Roth and Palak Patel are producing through Roth films, while Faris will star in and executive produce the comedy. The actress will next be seen in the comedy What’s Your Number? alongside Joel McHale, Chris Evans, Zachary Quinto, and Matt Bomer.

.............. http://collider.com/paramount-anna-faris-stalker-comedy/86322/

Ryan Gosling in Talks to Star in THE LONE RANGER Opposite Johnny Depp

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 15th, 2011

Ryan Gosling is currently in talks to star in Disney’s The Lone Ranger alongside Johnny Depp. The actor would be taking on the title role, with Depp having been set to play Tonto for quite some time now. Gore Verbinski (the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies) is set to direct the film, with Jerry Bruckheimer producing. The Wrap reports that Gosling is in talks to star in the film, but his schedule may not allow him to take the role given that The Lone Ranger is poised to start shooting this fall.

Depp had previously mentioned George Clooney and Brad Pitt as possible actors to star with him in the film, but I quite like the choice of Gosling. He and Depp are both versatile guys, and if Gosling ends up with the role it’ll be fun to see the two play off each other in a fun adventure flick. Verbinski previously described the Justin Haythe-scripted story as Don Quixote-esque, with Depp’s Tonto serving as the unreliable narrator for the film. Depp has also expressed his desire to salute Native American culture with the film. Here’s hoping everything with Gosling works out.

........... http://collider.com/ryan-gosling-the-lone-ranger/86327/

**Casting Call: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Judy Greer Join PLAYING THE FIELD; Mae Whitman Signs on to THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER **Addison Timlin in Talks to Star Opposite Anton Yelchin in ODD THOMAS **Meg Ryan Will Make Her Feature Directing Debut with INTO THE BEAUTIFUL

Casting Call: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Judy Greer Join PLAYING THE FIELD; Mae Whitman Signs on to THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 5th, 2011

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Judy Greer have joined Gerard Butler in Gabriele Muccino’s Playing the Field.  The comedy centers on a former soccer star (Butler) who decides to coach his son’s little league soccer team, but ends up becoming the object of attraction for the town’s local women.  24 Frames reports that Zeta-Jones will play a vixen newscaster while Greer will play a hot-and-bothered housewife.  The cast also includes Uma Thurman as another wife who’s attracted to Butler’s character, Dennis Quaid as Thurman’s husband, and Jessica Biel as Butler’s estranged wife.  Additionally, The Kids Are All Right co-writer Stuart Blumberg recently came on to write a new draft of Rob Fox’s script.  Filming on Playing the Field began shooting this week.

Hit the jump for casting news on the coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

............ http://collider.com/catherine-zeta-jones-judy-greer-playing-the-field-mae-whitman-wallflower/84369/

Addison Timlin in Talks to Star Opposite Anton Yelchin in ODD THOMAS

by Brendan Bettinger   Posted: April 5th, 2011

Lily Collins was poised to land the female lead in the feature adaptation of Dean Koontz novel Odd Thomas.  In the days since the report, with the upcoming shoot of The Mortal Instruments to still fresh on her mind, Collins was cast as Snow White in The Brothers Grimm: Snow White. And so director Stephen Sommers (G.I. Joe) must look elsewhere for his Stormy Llewellyn.

Variety reports that Addison Timlin (Californication) has emerged from a shortlist that also includes Emma Roberts, Kat Dennings, and Portia Doubleday in addition to Collins.  Stormy is the girlfriend of the titular Thomas (Anton Yelchin), “a short-order cook with clairvoyant abilities who encounters a mysterious man with a link to dark, threatening forces.”  The story is set in a California desert town; Odd Thomas will shoot in Santa Fe, New Mexico with a May 2 start date.  Read the book synopsis after the jump. http://collider.com/addison-timlin-odd-thomas/84489/

Meg Ryan Will Make Her Feature Directing Debut with INTO THE BEAUTIFUL

by Brendan Bettinger        Posted: April 5th, 2011

Meg Ryan will make her feature directorial debut with the comedy-drama Into the Beautiful.  The script by Anne Meredith (Cavedweller) is described as “a contemporary Big Chill with longtime friends reconnecting.”  At the sound of that logline, I thought a star studded cast of Ryan and famous friends (Tom Hanks!) might be in store.  At this time, however, there are no plans to include Ryan in the cast.

Producer Wendy Finerman (P.S. I Love You) told Variety: “I’m often drawn to pictures that make you laugh and cry.  I think this is the perfect project for Meg to bring to life. She’s poignant and funny and heartfelt.”  Natalie Marciano and Lisa Zupan will also produce.  Into the Beautiful is scheduled to begin shooting this September in New York.  Ryan will next appear on screen in Lives of the Saints.

http://collider.com/meg-ryan-into-the-beautiful/84574/

*Summit Entertainment Acquires THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman **Jason Statham in Talks to Star in ECHELON ***Rumor: Joseph Gordon-Levitt to Play Alberto Falcone in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES?

Summit Entertainment Acquires THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 10th, 2011

The European Film Market is going down right now so that means we’re in for some heavy acquisition news over the next few days.  The latest pick-up comes from Summit Entertainment who have acquired the distribution rights to The Perks of Being a Wallflower starring Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson) and Emma Watson.  Stephen Chbosky will write and direct the adaptation of his own 1999 novel of the same name.  Chbosky also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Rent.
Per the fact sheet, Wallflower “is a coming of age story about 15-year-old Charlie (Lerman), an endearing and naive outsider, coping with first love (Watson), the suicide of his best friend, and his own mental illness while struggling to find a group of people with whom he belongs.”

...............
http://collider.com/perks-of-being-a-wallflower-emma-watson-2/75494/

Jason Statham in Talks to Star in ECHELON

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 10th, 2011

Jason Statham is reportedly circling the thriller Echelon.  The project will mark the directing debut of stunt coordinator Simon Crane.  As you may recall, Crane was originally set to direct the adaptation of Kane & Lynch, but dropped off the project.  According to Deadline, the film is based off novel Firewall and would have Statham playing “Nick Stone, an SAS soldier who finds himself caught between the Russian Mafia and western secret agents trying to get their hands on the Echelon computer program.”  Presumably the role requires lots of punching, kicking, shooting, and growling in a menacing-yet-charming brogue.  Firewall is the 3rd book in a 13-book series by former SAS soldier Andy McNab, so if the movie is successful, Statham could be looking at a potential franchise.
......... http://collider.com/jason-statham-echelon/75503/

Rumor: Joseph Gordon-Levitt to Play Alberto Falcone in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES?

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 10th, 2011

Last week, we reported that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was in talks to join The Dark Knight Rises.  Comic Book Movie is now reporting the rumor that he’ll play Alberto Falcone, son of crime boss Carmine Falcone (played by Tom Wilkinson in Batman Begins).  Alberto would be returning to Gotham to take control of the criminal underworld after his father’s absence.  In the comics, Alberto was also the “Holiday Killer” and committed murders on various holidays (it wasn’t the most creative name). It’s important to stress that this is a rumor and while CBM has reported solid stories in the past, the fact that they allow fan-submitted rumors means their true-to-false ratio tends to dip towards false.  We’re all anxious to know who Gordon-Levitt will play, but we’ll need to be patient.  In the meantime, we should just be happy that yet another talented actor is in the flick.
The Dark Knight Rises is due out July 20, 2012.  The film also stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, and Morgan Freeman.  Hit the jump for more about Falcone.

................. http://collider.com/the-dark-knight-rises-joseph-gordon-levitt-alberto-falcone/75508/

***Summit to Pick Up PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman ***James Franco and Kate Hudson in Talks for Linda Lovelace Biopic LOVELACE

Summit to Pick Up PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: January 24th, 2011

In May we heard Emma Watson (the Harry Potter series) and Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) are teaming up for an adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  John Malkovich is independently producing the feature, but Perks was unable to land a studio home before the end of 2010 — even with this package.  That should change.  And soon.

Vulture hears Summit Entertainment is in talks to pick up the coming-of-age film with plans for a June shoot.  Chbosky plans to write and direct the adaptation.  The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells the story of a teen who assumes the alias “Charlie” (Lerman), and describes the various events of his high school life in letters to an anonymous person.  Watson would play Charlie’s friend Sam.  Hit the jump for the full synopsis and a look at the two stars’ upcoming projects.

James Franco and Kate Hudson in Talks for Linda Lovelace Biopic LOVELACEBrendan Bettinger

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http://collider.com/perks-of-being-a-wallflower-emma-watson/72440/

 

 

 

 

by     Posted: January 24th, 2011

James Franco is in talks to play pornographer Chuck Traynor in Lovelace, a biopic of 1970s porn star Linda Boreman (stage name: Linda Lovelace).  An offer is out to Kate Hudson to play the title role.  Should he sign on, Lovelace would reunite Franco with Howl directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.

Boreman starred in what may be the most famous pornographic film of all time: 1972’s Deep Throat.  She later claimed that she did not consent to the acts you see in Deep Throat — that instead she was coerced by abusive husband Traynor with “an M-16 rifle at her head.”  More background after the jump:

http://collider.com/james-franco-kate-hudson-linda-lovelace/72452/

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