Scott’s News Roundup – April 09 – week 1
HEY, EVERYBODY!!! THE WOLVERINE MOVIE WAS LEAKED ON THE INTERNET!!! OMG!!! OMG!!!
::: passes out :::
Even though everyone seemed to be obsessed with that world-breaking event last week, you won’t find anything about it in this week’s roundup. Let’s face it, the story was carried anywhere and everywhere people had eyes to see. The way I see it, if you know about you’ve probably already read about it, so I aim to show you something else.
What happened last week? The “Transformers 2″ and “DragonBall Evolution” media blitz has started to kick into high gear. Sascha Baron Cohen caught some flack for his new film “Bruno.” The Easter Bunny is evidently Hollywood’s new Hot Property. Anita Blake may be coming to the small screen. And there are stirrings in the Spider-Man and Iron Man franchises.
…Oh yeah, and Ted Nugent has a Reality Show.
Film News:
Some Transformers RotF links:
USA Today runs down all the robots from the film:
http://tinyurl.com/ctksua
Yahoo! Movies has its own list:
http://tinyurl.com/dfcxbe
As well as CinemaBlend.com:
http://tinyurl.com/dcrg9k
Michael Bay Reveals ‘Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen’ Death
‘I didn’t like Arcee, so I kill her,’ director says of short-lived pink Autobot.
“You know what? It’s like actors,” he explained, comparing his Transformers to flesh-and-blood stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. “There are certain actors that blossom on screen, and there are certain others where you’re like, ‘Yuck, I’m cutting them out of the movie.’ ”
[Caveat here: He may just be messing with fans. More Arcee spoilers at the link]
‘Inglourious Basterds’ invades Cannes
Quentin Tarantino war film to compete at fest
Quentin Tarantino’s WWII epic “Inglourious Basterds” is headed to the French Riviera. [The film] has been invited to play in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Tarantino… has accepted the offer and… the pic will be ready for its world premiere during the May fest
George Lucas’ ‘Red Tails’ adds trio
Howard, Gooding, Cranston cast in WWII film
Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Bryan Cranston have joined the cast of George Lucas’ “Red Tails,” the WWII action-adventure about the Tuskegee Airmen.
Three line up for ‘Clash of the Titans’
Mads Mikkelsen (the villain in “Casino Royale”), Gemma Arterton (“Quantum of Solace”) and Alexa Davalos (“Defiance,” “The Mist,” “The Chronicles of Riddick”) are boarding “Clash of the Titans,” the Greek-god epic being directed by Louis Leterrier. Sam Worthington is toplining as Perseus, who is put on a quest to save a princess and defeat Hades, the god of hell. Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay wrote the script.
Edward Furlong set for ‘Janjaweed’
Uwe Boll film stars Kristanna Loken, Billy Zane
Drama is lensing in Cape Town, South Africa. The film follows American journalists confronting atrocities in Sudan.
MPAA Slaps “Bruno” With An NC-17
The ratings board apparently objected to a number of sexual sequences in the film which has the “Borat” comedian playing the gay Austrian fashionista character.
Freddy Krueger Casting Enters Final Talks!!!
Jackie Earle is now in final talks to play Freddy Krueger in New Line Cinema’s reboot of A Nightmare on Elm Street.
‘Star Trek’ sequel on track
Paramount hires trio to pen screenplay
the studio is moving forward with a sequel, and has hired Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof to pen the screenplay. J.J. Abrams, who directed and produced the latest chapter, is onboard to produce the follow-up alongside his Bad Robot partner Bryan Burk. No decision has been made yet on whether Abrams will return behind the camera for the sequel.
Miramax cooks up ‘Baster’
Studio acquires rights to Aniston, Bateman film
Miramax Films has acquired North American rights to Mandate Pictures’ romantic comedy “The Baster,” starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. Based on a short story by Jeffrey Eugenides, the story revolves around friends Wally (Bateman) and Kassie (Aniston), whose plan to have a baby on her own is complicated when Wally secretly swaps Kassie’s chosen sperm donation with his own.
Aaron Eckhart going down ‘Rabbit Hole’
Actor in talks to play Nicole Kidman’s husband in drama
Aaron Eckhart is in negotiations to star opposite Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole…” The story… traces the life of a happily married couple that is disrupted by an unexpected tragedy and the emotional journey they must undertake to regain happiness.
Kevin Spacey parents ‘Father’ film
Oscar-winner to produce, star in indie comedy
Kevin Spacey will star in and produce the indie comedy “Father of Invention.” Story centers on a humble inventor-turned-egomaniacal billionaire who loses it all when one of his inventions goes horribly awry. After eight years in federal prison, he returns bankrupt, homeless and determined to rebuild his reputation and fortune.
Franco, McBride re-team on comedy
‘Pineapple Express’ director behind ‘Highness’
James Franco is joining Danny McBride in “Your Highness”… Scripted by McBride and Ben Best, the comedy follows two spoiled and arrogant princes in a medieval fantasy setting. When an evil wizard casts a spell on their father and kidnaps the older prince’s fiance, they’re forced to go on a quest to save their family and the kingdom.
Three circle Nolan’s ‘Inception’
Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy in talks
Warner Bros. is in talks with Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard and Cillian Murphy to join the cast of “Inception,” Christopher Nolan’s latest project which stars Leonardo DiCaprio… a veil of secrecy exists over loglines, although it is described as a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within “the architecture of the mind.”
Megan Fox will be Mickey Rourke’s angel
The “Transformers” actress is attached to play an angel opposite Rourke in “Passion Plays,” an indie drama that Mitch Glazer is writing and directing… Rourke will play a down-on-his-heels trumpet player, and Fox will play an angel in 1950s Los Angeles, with Rourke finding redemption in Fox after he attempts to save her from a gangster.
Cast set for Joel Schumacher’s ‘Twelve’
Pic will star Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Ellen Barkin and Kiefer Sutherland.
Story follows a high school dropout-turned-drug dealer. His lucrative life sours when the dealer’s cousin is brutally murdered on an East Harlem playground and his best friend is arrested for the crime.
‘Mutant Chronicles’ director signs on to indie thriller
Simon Hunter has signed to direct indie thriller “Curve.”
“Curve”… centers on a young woman’s struggle to survive when she finds herself at the mercy of a psychopathic killer after taking a detour into the backwoods outside New York City.
Mike Newell opens magic ‘Box’
Director signs on to helm kiddie classic
Newell (“Prince of Persia,” “Goblet of Fire”) will direct “The Box of Delights,” based on John Masefield’s classic 1930s children’s novel about a boy entrusted with a magic box that allows him to travel through time. “Box of Delights” was adapted as a BBC TV skein in 1984 as well as an earlier radio play.
Christina Ricci is Adam Sandler’s ‘Star’
Actress to topline porn-tinged comedy that Adam Sandler co-wrote
The story centers on a small-town nerd who stumbles upon a family secret: His quiet and demure parents were famous porn stars in the 1970s. This motivates him to leave Northern Iowa for Hollywood, hoping to follow in their footsteps and fulfill his destiny as the biggest adult-film star in the world.
Film world jumping for Easter Bunny
Sony Ani nabs ‘Hip Hop’; Illumination goes for ‘I Hop’
Sony Animation is pre-emptively picking up “Hip Hop” at the same time Universal-based Illumination Entertainment purchased “I Hop” as its first live-action pic. In “Hip Hop,” the Easter Bunny decides to retire and hides out as a pet with a suburban family, turning their lives upside down. In “I Hop,” the Easter Bunny is hit by a car driven by a slacker. When the bunny can’t hop because his leg is broken, the driver must train to take over the job and save Easter.
[Wasn't this called "Santa Clause" a few years ago?]
Television News:
Sky One will board MGM’s ‘Stargate’
Snaps up rights to sci-fi saga
the flagship entertainment channel of satcaster BSkyB, has snapped up exclusive free and basic pay U.K. rights to the latest installment of the “Stargate” saga — “SGU: Stargate Universe.”
‘Reaper’ duo inks deal at 20th TV
Michele Fazekas, Tara Butters sign two-year overall pact
“Reaper” creators/executive producers Fazekas and Butters’ exclusive deal with 20th TV effectively seals the fate of their bubble CW series as it calls for them to leave “Reaper,” produced by ABC Studios
IFC adapting ‘Anita Blake’ books
IFC is teaming with Lionsgate for a TV movie based on the “Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter” books. The telefilm could be the basis for more Blake projects if successful.
Blue unveils pieces of ‘Home’
Ad agency shows documentary clip at Mip TV
Christophe Lambert, co-founder of Paris-based advertainment agency Blue with producer/director Luc Besson, showed a clip of its first branded documentary, “Home,”… the EUR 13 million ($17.2 million) doc is made up of aerial shots of 50 countries and aims to raise awareness of environmental issues.
AMC renews ‘Breaking Bad’
Move comes four episodes into the second season
Following a well-received first season that earned the series a Peabody Award and an Emmy for star Bryan Cranston, “Breaking’” second season has garnered even more critical acclaim and commercial success.
[This really is an excellent series well worth your time to watch!]
Peter Gallagher hits ‘Californication’
Kathleen Turner, Diane Farr also join cast
Turner is set to play a lit agent who has a thing for David Duchovny’s skirt-chasing lead, while Gallagher will play a university dean who tangles with Duchovny. Farr will play a sex-crazed grad student.
Anil Kapoor joins Fox’s ’24′
Bollywood star in first U.S. TV gig
In his first American TV gig, “Slumdog Millionaire” co-star Anil Kapoor has joined Fox’s drama “24″ as a regular on the show’s upcoming eighth season.
Comic Book Movie/TV/Stage:
The Wolverine story you WEREN’T hearing about this week
It’s easy to forget an earlier controversy surrounding the movie: namely, the alleged battle between director Gavin Hood and Fox studio topper Tom Rothman over how dark the movie should be.
Chow Yun-Fat Talks Dragonball Evolution
CBR News had the opportunity to visit the set of “Dragonball Evolution” in Mexico last year, and sat down with Chow to talk about his career, comic book movies and the process of bringing “Dragonball” to the big screen.
James Marsters: It was not easy being green in Dragonball Evolution
James Marsters, who stars as the evil Lord Piccolo in the upcoming fantasy film Dragonball Evolution, told SCI FI Wire that the movie was one of the toughest jobs of his …But he said the trouble was well worth it, as he’d been a fan of the Japanese manga/anime franchise and was eager to see it realized on the big screen.
Dragonball Sequels Exclusive
Marsters wants seven installments in the series.
IGN recently spoke to James Marsters and Justin Chatwin — who play Lord Piccolo and Goku in Dragonball Evolution — and the pair spilled the beans on the future of the movie franchise.
Ben Affleck Swears Off Comic Book Films, Says ‘Daredevil’ Was ‘Not Much Fun’
Once upon a time, Ben Affleck was thrilled to play Daredevil, one of Marvel’s most complex superheroes. These days, the newly-rebirthed star of the political drama “State of Play” isn’t so eager to discuss his days spent in red latex.
Michael Caine expects to play Alfred in a third Batman, but not soon
“If they do another, I’ll probably be the butler. I hope I’m still alive. Michael Gough, who played Alfred before me, the last time he played Alfred he was 84.”
Vin Diesel Interested in Playing Doctor Doom, Has Discussed Namor/Sub-Mariner Movie
“I have some superhero favorites,” Diesel admitted. “I talked to Jonathan Mostow about ‘Sub-Mariner,’ which could be interesting because of its World War II-New York connection.”
Tay Diggs joins Cast of “Dead of Night”
Sam Huntington, Taye Diggs and Anita Briem have joined the cast of the supernatural whodunit, “DEAD OF NIGHT”. The film…is based on the best-selling Italian comic book series, ‘Dylan Dog’, created by Tiziano Sclavi and published by Italy’s Sergio Bonelli Editore.
‘Iron Man 2′ Won’t Feature ‘Demon In A Bottle’ Storyline, Reveals Robert Downey, Jr.
“We’re going for the interim space [between the origin and "Demon"],” explained Downey, “which is more a look behind the mask of someone who says he’s Iron Man and what it really is to become a superhero.”
Also here: http://tinyurl.com/cuzz6d
Iron Man’s Terrence Howard speaks out about how he got recast
“Marvel happened with it. They made a choice. They made a very, very bad choice. They didn’t keep their word. They didn’t honor our contract. They sent everyone out into a field and told them to work and produce a great bounty. You produce a great bounty, and then when it’s all in the storehouse, you are not allowed into the storehouse.”
Sam Raimi says Spider-Man 4 script due by summer
Raimi said that the film has to make its previously announced May 6, 2011, release date. Tobey Maguire has reportedly signed on to reprise the title role. Raimi added that it’s a bit early to discuss other casting, though he does plan to reassemble the core cast, which includes Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane.
Sam Raimi Ponders Another Bruce Campbell Cameo For ‘Spider-Man 4′
“I would love to have Bruce in ‘Spider-Man 4,’” Raimi told MTV News. “I haven’t talked to him about it yet, but he’s such a source of humor for me. I love working with the guy.”
Will Arnett joins ‘Jonah Hex’
Will Arnett and Oscar nominee Michael Shannon are boarding “Jonah Hex,” Warner Bros. and Legendary’s action Western based on the DC Comics character. Jimmy Hayward is directing “Hex,” whose cast also includes Josh Brolin, John Malkovich and Megan Fox.
Green Lantern Animated Film Gets New Street Date
The street date for Green Lantern: First Flight, the fifth entry in the popular DVD series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies, has shifted to July 21, 2009. A co-production of Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, the illuminated hero’s first-ever full-length animated film will be distributed by Warner Home Video. Green Lantern: First Flight will be available as a special edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray(tm) Hi-Def (including more than three hours of bonus features as well as a Digital Copy Download), as well as single disc DVD.
Paul Bettany joins ‘Priest’ ‘hood
Paul Bettany is in negotiations to star in “Priest”…An adaptation of a TokyoPop comic book, “Priest” is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampire and follows a warrior priest (Bettany) who turns against the church to track down a murderous band of vampires who have kidnapped his niece.
Superman & Jerry Siegel Take to the Stage
Playwright David Bar…has penned “The History of Invulnerability,” a new (non-musical) play about Superman and his co-creator Jerry Siegel. The drama focuses on Siegel’s “tumultuous relationship with his legendary comic-book character” juxtaposed against Superman’s impact on our planet in the 1940s.
‘Spider-Man’ to star unknowns
Julie Taymor initiates casting call for musical
A nationwide casting call has been announced running April 9 through May 27 in Orlando, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and Austin for “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”
Two actors get tough for ‘The Losers’ film
Idris Elba, Zoe Saldana eyeing comic book adaptation
Idris Elba (“The Wire”) and Zoe Saldana (“Star Trek” 2008) are in negotiations to… join Jeffrey Dean Morgan for the action film, which follows a Special Forces team betrayed by its handler and left for dead.
Signs of the Apocalypse:
MTV renews ‘Real World’ for four seasons
MTV is ordering four more seasons of its veteran reality hit “The Real World.” The order will extend the 17-year-old docudrama…to an incredible 26 cycles. MTV also is ordering another four rounds of Bunim-Murray’s “The Real World/Road Rules Challenge,” bringing the competition series to 21 cycles.
Katims lights on ‘Oz’ update at NBC
‘Dorothy Gale’ a modern-day take on classic
Script follows the story of Dorothy, a girl from Kansas who tries to tackle modern-day Manhattan (her version of the Emerald City). Dorothy finds a job in the art world — and must deal with a wicked boss.
CW slates reality duo
‘Hitched,’ ‘Mafia’ set for summer
The CW has slated two original reality shows this summer: “Hitched or Ditched” and the docusoap “Blonde Charity Mafia.”
“Hitched” centers on couples who have been dating for years – and are given an ultimatum by a friend to either get married within the week, or break up. “Blonde Charity Mafia” centers on a group of women in Washington, D.C., as they float about the city’s social circuit.
Paul Weitz eyes ‘Fockers’ gig
Paul Weitz is in talks to direct “Little Fockers,” the third installment of the franchise. Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Teri Polo and Blythe Danner are so far set to reprise.
Ted Nugent is ‘Running Wild’
Reality series to air this August on CMT
CMT has ordered eight episodes of “Runnin’ Wild …From Ted Nugent,” a reality-competition series that will feature the right-wing rock star and hunting advocate teaching contestants how to survive in the wild, then chasing after them along with his 18-year-old son, Rocco.
Business of the Business:
‘Knowing’ flap muddles Oz tax credit
Director’s failed rebate bid puzzles filmmakers
“Knowing” helmer Alex Proyas’ failed bid to tap Australia’s generous 40% producer offset for Nicolas Cage starrer “Knowing” is generating confusion among international filmmakers planning to shoot in Oz.
Bollywood producers go on strike
Filmmakers fight for better revenue-sharing deal
Currently Hindi film producers and exhibs split box office 40-60. Producers want the split to be even while exhibs want to peg revenue to performance.
Planet of the Odd
FUNimation to stream Toei cartoons
Anime unit inks deal for online content
Texas-based anime distrib FUNimation Entertainment has inked to stream Japanese studio Toei Animation’s toons on its web site. All toons will be subbed in English.
Don Rickles to receive Legend Award
TV Land Awards honors insult comic
Rickles, 82, has made a lengthy career as an insult comic, and spent much of his career performing in Las Vegas. As an actor, Rickles has appeared in “Kelly’s Heroes,” “Casino” and contributed voicework in the “Toy Story” franchise. He also won an Emmy last year for his role in a doc about his life.
NBC Announces “Heroes” Score Album, In Stores April 7
The “Heroes” original score album features ten powerful tracks, including the “Heroes” title and the memorable “Fire & Regeneration” theme. Each of the additional tracks is built around one of the heroes, and carries the instrumentals and rhythms that are particular to that character…
Ofcom fines BBC for prank call
Amount is pubcaster’s biggest for single show
The controversial BBC radio broadcast in which comic Russell Brand and presenter Jonathan Ross made a prank call has landed the pubcaster with a £150,000 ($222,000) fine, its biggest for a single show. On the show, Brand and Ross left a message on actor Andrew Sachs’ phone claiming that Brand had slept with Sachs’ granddaughter, burlesque performer Georgina Baillie.
The Fine Print:
This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive roundup of the entire weeks’ news. All stories are chosen by me for no other reason than that they got my attention and might capture yours. If something you think is more important is not here, well, that’s your opinion and you think more highly of it than I do.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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Looper – Podcast Review
The Hobbit & 2012 In Review – LIVE SHOW
Skyfall – Podcast Review
Seven Psychopaths – Podcast Review
The Cabin in the Woods – Podcast Review
After Dark – Courtney Solomon Interview
Interview with Andrew Constant about Torn – Comic Podcast
Priest – Cam Gigandet WonderCon Roundtable
Priest – Paul Bettany WonderCon Roundtable
Weird Al Yankovic – The Interview
Dr Who Season 7 – TV Trailer
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 – Animated Movie Trailer
Skyfall – Domestic and International Movie Trailers
Cloud Atlas – Movie Trailer
Oz the Great and Powerful – Movie Trailer
Calling all Reaper fans! Our show needs our help. The creators are leaving, and while this doesn’t look good for our show, you can still let the CW know you want Reaper to continue even without them.
Domestic and International fans, use email:
[email protected]
http://www.cwtv.com/feedback/comments
Please don’t stay silent. They’ll never know how much you’d like Reaper to stay if you never tell them. Executive Producer Tom Spezialy’s still around, and lots of shows do just fine even after a change in the guards.
Domestic fans: since snail mail campaigns work best, here’s the address for Dawn Ostroff at the CW:
Reaper
Attn: Dawn Ostroff
CW Network
3300 W. Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91505
Please consider taking a moment to send in a letter or postcard. Even as simple a line as “please renew Reaper” helps.
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Final Deadline €“ May 8, 2009
13th LA Shorts Fest July 23-30, 2009 the largest short film festival in the world. Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences accredited. In past years, 33 participants have earned Academy Award nominations including 11 Oscar winning short films! The festival annually attracts more than 10,000 moviegoers, filmmakers and entertainment professionals looking for the hottest new talent. We have honored some of Hollywood’s legends of the past: Charles Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Robert Wise; along with actors Martin Landau, James Woods, Gary Oldman and directors Tim Burton, Bryan Singer, Jan de Bont, Paul Haggis and Shane Black.
Submit Online http://www.LAshortsFest.com