Lars Von Trier's‘Melancholia’ Reviews, Buzz Overshadowed by Nazi Jokes

Lars Von Trier’s newest feature film,Melancholia, played to“enthusiastic applause” and eventually rave reviews on Wednesday at the Cannes Film Festival, but the ever-controversial filmmaker upstaged his own work by making comments about being a Nazi and sympathizing with Adolf Hitler.

At the post-screeningpress conference, a soft-spoken Lars Von Trier fielded the first question by saying he had nothing to say, a far cry from this time two years ago when he dubbed himself,“the best film director in the world.” The panel continued to answer the usual questions about working with the director and the themes of the film, and Von Trier occasionally chimed in with a quip, including one where he imples his film“may be crap.”

But, roughly twenty minutes later, a more playful Von Trier finished a question about the film’s aesthetic by deadpanning a joke scenario about his next film being a porn flick that Dunst“insisted” on making immediately. Dunst brightened with embarrassment and Gainsbourg chuckled beside him.  The two ladies’ plan to have lots of“unpleasant sex” was clearly in jest, even if his last film, the provocative Antichrist, opened with an explicit hardcore sex scene between Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe.

But, nearing the end of the conference, eyebrows met already skyward noses at Cannes as Von Trier took a question about his German roots from a British member of the press.

“The only thing I can tell is that I thought I was a Jew for a long time. I was very happy being a Jew. Then later on came {Oscar-winning director} Susanne Bier, then suddenly I wasn’t so happy about being a Jew. No, that was a joke.” Some scattered laughter came from the audience.“Even if I was a Jew,” Von Trier continued,“I would be a second rate Jew because there’s a hierarchy in the Jewish population. Then I found out I was really a Nazi.”

“What can I say, I understand Hitler. I think he did some wrong things, yes. Absolutely. I can see him sitting in his bunker at the end.” It’s here a visibly uncomfortable Dunst tries to stop him.“I think I understand the man. He’s not what you would call a good guy, but I understand much about him and I sympathize with him a little bit. But I’m not for the second World War and I’m not against Jews. No, not even Susanne Bier. That was also a joke. I’m very much for Jews. No, not too much because Israel is a pain in the ass. How can I get out of this sentence?” Given an out for his foot-in-mouth comments, Von Trier concluded by adding, flippantly,“Okay, I’m a Nazi.”

What doesn’t come across in writing is that his pitch-black humor is accompanied by his low-key smirk and laughter from the audience throughout his off-topic descent into uncomfortable Nazi declarations. But, like his porn movie follow-up bit, Von Trier couldn’t let it go.“Yes. We Nazis like to do things on a big scale. Maybe I could do The Final Solution, but with journalists.” After the conference ended, live microphones picked up Dunst telling him,“Oh Lars, that was intense.”

Von Trier has since publicly apologized for his remarks in a statement, but much of the media’s focus is already off the movie itself, whichSaloncritic Andrew O’Hehir called a“magnificent apocalyptic fable” and something“truly special” even amongst stiff Cannes competition.Indiewire’s Eric Kohn andEntertainment Weekly’s Lisa Schwarzbum dubbed the film a“masterpiece.” But, while Von Trier may have impishly stirred the public relations pot for himself, his comments upstage Dunst’s performance, whichHitFix’s Drew McWeeney calls“the best work of her career” in his review.

Headlines haven’t been kind to the director today, but neither were reviews posted byThe Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw or theHollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy, who called the feature“a giggling aria of pretend pain and faux rapture” and, simply,“a bore,” respectively. It’s a shame the conversation has shifted because of a few innocuous remarks.

Update: Cannes hasbanned Von Trierfrom the remainder of the festival.

Source

MGM Remaking‘Carrie,’ Stephen King Reacts

Thirty-five years after Brian De Palma’sCarrie, MGM is planning a remake of the horror flick and a“new take” on Stephen King’s first published novel.

The 1976 original starred Sissy Spacek as a shy teenager who develops telekinetic powers after being bullied by her classmates. John Travolta and Piper Laurie also starred.

TheHollywood Reporterbroke the news of the redo, butEntertainment Weeklyscored a reaction quote from King himself. After pointing out that announced remakes ofItandThe Standhaven’t seen much movement, King said,“Who knows if it will happen? The real question is why, when the original was so good? I mean, not Casablanca, or anything, but a really good horror-suspense film, much better than the book.”

He’s not entirely against the idea though, even suggesting some bold casting. ”Although Lindsay Lohan as Carrie White… hmmm. It would certainly be fun to cast. I guess I could get behind it if they turned the project over to one of the Davids: Lynch or Cronenberg.”

Aside from being famously against Stanley Kubrick’s version ofThe Shining, King has been rather quiet about his oeuvre being mined time and again for, usually, cheap made-for-television movies.  When J.J. Abrams asked to option the rights to King’sThe Dark Towersaga, widely considered his masterpiece, the author sold it for $19.

There was a hilariously bad sequel toCarriein 1999 titledThe Rage: Carrie 2and a TV remake in 2002 that ended much differently as a setup for a potential“Carrie” series.

Playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who just joined the writing staff on“Glee” and recently rewrote the Broadway disaster“Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” is working on the new adaptation. He previously adapted King’s work,“The Stand,” for Marvel Comics. This will be his first feature screenplay.

A rehash of Carrie was to be expected considering Hollywood’s hurry to redo recognizable horror titles of the’70s and’80s. A successful update will, of course, depend on their choice of director.  King wants David Lynch or Cronenberg.  Who would you pick?

Source

Michael Fassbender in Talks for Danny Boyle's Next Film

Rising starMichael Fassbender, who is playing Magneto in this summer’sX-Men: First Class, is in discussions to lead the next film from Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle.

If a deal is made, the 34-year-old actor will star inTrance, a remake of a made-for-TV British movie directed by Joe Ahearne about a gang of thieves who conspire with an auction house employee to steal art. But when the assistant suffers a blow to the head and can’t remember anything, the gang leader (Fassbender) hires a female hypnotist to extract the information of a rare painting.

TheHollywood Reportercalls the film an“edgy thriller” in the same vein as Boyle’sTrainspotting. If everything goes as planned, Boyle will shoot the film this fall before working onthe opening ceremonyfor the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Trancewould be finished after the Olympics.

Fassbender, or“Fassy” as the ladies love to call him, is a perfect choice to work with Boyle. He brings a certain intensity that is present in most of Boyle’s ouvre, but I felt was sorely lacking in127 Hourswhere that sort of ferocity would have made sense. Plus, Fassbender is equally capable of playing crafty with the kind of charisma to lead a group of art thieves, while still being able to erupt in frustration when the plan starts to fall apart.

Source

'The Dark Knight Rises' Viral Reveals Bane

Principal photography on Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight Risesonly startedyesterday, and the movie’s viral marketing campaign is already underway.

This morning, fans atJoBlobegan noticing a strange repeating chant on the film’s official website,TheDarkKnightRises.com.A member of theSuperHeroHype forumshas since deciphered the audio message and there is a Twitter hashtag embedded in the spectrum.  Tweeting #thefirerises uncovers a tiny pixel on aseparate page(you may also want to followTheFireRiseson Twitter).

As of right now, the pixels are still slowly forming something against a black background. But once you have Internet sleuths digging for clues, they don’t stop. Before the pixel puzzle could be completed, fans discovered the secret image.

It’s Tom Hardy as Bane. See for yourself (click to enlarge).

Presumably, alternate reality gaming company 42 Entertainment is behind the puzzle, since they were the masterminds orchestratingThe Dark Knight’s successful viral campaign, including the series of“Why So Serious?” websites and clues that revealed the first photo of Heath Ledger as The Joker and elaborate scavenger hunts built around Harvey Dent’s faux political campaign. 42 Entertainment also staged the“Flynn Lives” Comic-Con festivities surrounding Disney’sTron: Legacy. I’m sure there’s more to come.

Source

Arnold Schwarzenegger Puts All Movie Projects on Hold

What a difference an illegitimate baby makes. Last month we were speculating which movie project would mark the triumphant return of former governor of CaliforniaArnold Schwarzeneggerto the silver screen.

However, now that the secret is out that Schwarzenegger had a love child with a former housekeeper (Mildred‘Patty’ Baena), the 63-year-old actor is reconsidering his high-profile Hollywood comeback he’s been promising sinceJanuary.

He is putting his acting career“on hold” while he focuses on his personal life, according to a statement released by his talent representation.“At the request of Arnold Schwarzenegger we asked Creative Artists Agency to inform all his motion picture projects currently underway or being negotiated to stop planning until further notice,” said Patrick Knapp, entertainment counsel to Schwarzenegger (viaLA Times).“Governor Schwarzenegger is focusing on personal matters and is not willing to commit to any production schedules or timelines. This includesCry Macho, The Terminator franchise and other projects under consideration. We will resume discussions when Governor Schwarzenegger decides.”

As of late April, Schwarzenegger was securinga $10-12 million deal(plus 25% of first dollar gross) to star inCry Machoas his first live-action feature since retiring to pursue his political career. The film was intended to challenge and showcase Schwarzenegger’s acting chops as a horse trainer who wins the Kentucky Derby but slips into an alcoholic depression after the death of his wife and child. In exchange for some much-needed cash, his character agrees to kidnap the 11-year-old son of a hedge fund manager in Mexico.Machowas supposed to start shooting near the end of August.

Schwarzenegger was also attached a rights package that was shopped around in April for Terminator 5 with Justin Lin (Fast Five) on board to direct. After a heated bidding war, Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures won the battle less than a week ago and just three days before Schwarzenegger publicly admitted to the scandalous extra-marital affair. That potential project is also on hold, and I can’t imagine Ellison is happy about it after spending $29.5 million to purchase the rights.

Plus the actor already secured a deal for“The Governator,” a cartoon series for kids that re-imagines Schwarzenegger as a well-equipped hero who fights crime with his own brand of vigilante justice. No word on how this hiatus will affect that sure-fire Emmy contender.

What I don’t understand is the timing. If Schwarzenegger knew he was going to come clean to his wife, Maria Shriver, upon leaving the governor’s office, why immediately start booking family cartoons and rifling through multi-million dollar offers? Why not deliver the hard news, make the official apology, then take a few months of vacation from the public eye while enjoying some sexagenarian bachelorhood?

Source

First Look: Jennifer Lawrence in 'Hunger Games'

Entertainment Weeklyhas scored the first image of Jennifer Lawrence as 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen in Lionsgate’sThe Hunger Games. Lawrence has somehow found a way to look comely while competing in a bloodsport to the death with 23 of her peers.

Source

Vertigo Films Developing 'Monsters' Sequel

U.K. based Vertigo Films announced Friday it is developing a sequel to Gareth Edwards’ sleeper hit Monsters.

Unfortunately, Edwards will only executive produce the follow-up, which will be directed by short film makers Brent Bonacorso and Jesse Atlas. Meanwhile, Edwards is directing Legendary Pictures’ reboot ofGodzillatentatively scheduled for 2012.

The sequel centers on a walled in city and two brothers who“find each other” in a sort of“Heart of Darkness” tale, according toVariety. The budget is being expanded from sub-$1 million to $5 million to up what producer Allan Niblo calls“the action ante,” and it will be much more of a“straight genre picture” than the last, which basically misses the point.

The originalMonsterswas a minimalist drama about two survivors stumbling through a North American“containment zone” filled with massive extra-terrestrials. I loved its intelligence and Daniel raved about its less-is-more approach in hisreview. You should seek it out (hint: it’s on Netflix’s Watch Instantly).

Source

ABC Cancels Seven, Orders 12 New Shows

It was a bloodbath on Friday (the 13th) as ABC began announcing which shows survived their rookie season and those pilots that would get their own. After the dust settled, seven shows were cancelled and the network had seven new dramas and five new comedies in its stable of Fall shows.

“Brothers& Sisters” was probably the most high-profile cancellation, ending the show abruptly after five seasons. Deadlinereported executives discussed the possibility of a shortened sixth to finalize the drama, but high testing amongst new shows ultimately meant trying something fresh in the cushy post-”Desperate Housewives” slot. (By the way, drama on Wisteria Lane will continue until at least 2013.)

But also dumped unceremoniously was the dual-season show“V,” along with freshman series ”Detroit 1-8-7,” sitcom“Better With You,” Matthew Perry’s“Mr. Sunshine,” superhero show“No Ordinary Family,” and medical drama“Off the Map.”

However, midseason comedy“Happy Endings” received a renewal, meaning FOX will have to find a new actor to replace Damon Wayan Jr. in“The New Girl” and NBC will be on the lookout to replace Adam Pally in their new comedy“BFFs.” I need to see this apparently.

As for new shows, ABC will try out a revival of the’70s series with a modern“Charlie’s Angels” (read more about it here) and the fun, fairy tale-inspired“Once Upon a Time” with the adorable Ginnifer Goodwin and heaps of nostalgia. ”Pan Am,” a’60s throwback like NBC’s“The Playboy Club,” is a primetime soap about flight attendants and pilots working for Pan Am Airlines, before the political correctness when sex was used to sell tickets. Christina Ricci stars as a beatnik stewardess named Maggie.

“Good Christian Bitches,” a premise (title) that drew early, expected ire from the prudish Parents Television Council, has been renamed“Good Christian Belles” and picked up to series. Like“Housewives,” it’s a sexy soap about a woman’s second chance and, of course, the gossip that ensues. Leslie Bibb and Kristin Chenoweth star.

Meanwhile, suburbia is being mined for laughs in“Suburgatory,” the story of a misanthropic teenager uprooted from the city and moved to the‘burbs. It’s a mildly funny pilot, but can a show be sustained simply on pure contempt for soccer moms and annoying neighbors? It can withCheryl Hinesin the mix, along with Jeremy Sisto and Alan Tudyk.

The new Tim Allen comedy“Last Man Standing” is also preparing for its fall debut. It’s about a manly-man in today’s modern world, which just makes me sort of miss“Home Improvement.” This is rather close to another new ABC comedy called“Man Up” about a group of men coming to terms with their middle-age status. Dan Fogler, Teri Polo, and the lovely Amanda Detmer star.

“Apt 23,” another show that dropped the dreaded B-word (spare me), is moving forward. Krysten Ritter stars in what is essentially an unfunny“Friends” or“How I Met Your Mother” about a girl who moves into a NYC apartment complex. The only difference is that James Van Der Beek plays himself.  Yay?

But it’s not all suburban shows and gender-based comedies. ABC also ordered“Revenge,” the story of a young woman seeking vengeance for the destruction of her family, based onThe Count of Monte Cristo. ”Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shondra Rhimes’ new series,“Scandal,” centers on the beautiful Kerry Washington as a Washington D.C. PR crisis consultant. There’s also“Work It,” a cross-dressing comedy about two men who lose their jobs and return as“female” pharmaceutical reps.  Sounds wacky.  Last but not least,“The River,” a thriller adventure through the Amazon to find a missing (Lost?) traveler.

ABC rejected pilots for“Poe” about the gothic poet, a“Modern Family”-like comedy called“Smothered,” and another family comedy titled“Other People’s Kids.”

Source

Rachel Weisz in talks for‘The Bourne Legacy’

Now thatJeremy Renneris set totake over the leadin Universal’s lucrative Bourne series, Rachel Weiszmay be the next addition toThe Bourne Legacy, the fourth installment and the firstwithout Matt Damon. Tony Gilroy, who contributed to each of the trilogy’s screenplays, is directing.

Deadlinereports Weisz, 41, is in“deeper talks” to star alongside Renner in the quasi spin-off, which centers on a new brainwashed covert operative from a different program than Treadstone (the black ops org. responsible for Bourne).

Legacyis scheduled to shoot this September for an August 8, 2012 release, which may take Weisz out of the runningto play Evanora, the Wicked Witch of the East, in Disney’sOz the Great and Powerful. Sam Raimi is directing that film this summer with James Franco and Mila Kunis, and Weisz was announced in early May as the villainess.

Still, the pairing of top talents Renner and Weisz is a step in the right direction for Bourne 4, especially since the absence of Damon will continue to raise skeptical eyebrows until next summer. Renner’s everyman qualities certainly take the sting out of the old switcheroo and she’s easy on the eyes in addition to being a capable Oscar winner. Weisz tends to accept more indie roles with an occasional mainstream movie mixed in to pay the bills, so the possibility of two Weisz flicks in multiplexes next year is exciting news.

Source

Mark Wahlberg, Justin Bieber Team for Basketball Movie

Looking to continue capitalizing on the popularity of teen singing sensationJustin Bieber, Paramount Pictures is working out a deal for the 17-year-old to star alongsideMark Wahlbergin an untitled movie about street basketball.

According toDeadline, the idea came from when Wahlberg and his producing partner Stephen Levinson saw the Biebs play basketball during a celebrity game during NBA’s All-Star weekend. Bieber was named the Most Valuable Player.

Described asThe Color of MoneymeetsThe Karate Kid, the yet-to-be written movie would likely focus on Bieber as a street-hustling hoops talent given the chance to become a star by a savvy mentor (Wahlberg) with his own history in the game. Ian Edelman, writer/producer of HBO’s“How to Make it America,” will write the script andhopefully(fingers crossed for Wahlberg’s sake) it will be set in Boston. Bieber is from Ontario, Canada.

The studio banked $97 million worldwide for February’s 3D concert documentaryJustin Bieber: Never Say Never(on a budget of $13M), so it’s only natural Paramount executives want to stay in business with the hit recording artist as he ventures into a more dramatic acting career. However, thus far Bieber’s resume only consists of two guest roles on CBS’“CSI” during February sweeps and timed with his doc’s release. Oh, and he was terrible.

As Deadline’s Mike Fleming pointed out, Wahlberg was originally known as hip-hop star“Marky Mark” before people started taking him seriously (well, almost) as an actor withBasketball Diaries. Could this be Bieber’s chance? Or will it be another8 Mile?

Bieber is alsoreportedly working ona“top secret” project with mega-star Will Smith, but there have been no developments since the initial announcement. In fairness, Smith is plenty busy turning his own children into movie stars.

Source

Teaser Trailer for Cameron Crowe's Documentary 'Pearl Jam Twenty'

To celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band, Pearl Jam is releasing a retrospective documentary fittingly titledPearl Jam Twenty(or PJ20) and directed by Oscar-winningAlmost Famousfilmmaker Cameron Crowe. In addition to the compilation film, which is tentatively scheduled for a September 2011 debut (possibly at the Toronto International Film Festival?), Pearl Jam is hosting its own summer festival close to Labor Day and already re-released deluxe versions of their second and third albums (Vs. and Vitalogy).

Crowe recently premiered his Elton John documentaryThe Unionat the Tribeca Film Festival and is preparing to release his next feature,We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

By the way, this will eventually make one hell of a double feature with Foo Fighters’ kick-ass documentaryBack and Forth, which chronicles the various permutations of the17-year-old band lead by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl.

Source

Fox Cans Shows for More Future Cancellations

After a promising pilot season, Fox is the first television network to unveil their crop of new shows, and I imagine the omissions will affect fans more than the additions.

For starters, Fox cancelled every series on the proverbial“bubble” after lackluster ratings, except for cult favorite“Fringe.” This means the end of Shawn Ryan’s crackling cop drama“The Chicago Code,” Tim Roth’s body language procedural“Lie to Me,” action drama“Human Target,” 30-somethings sitcom“Traffic Light,” and Christian Slater’s third consecutive dud,“Breaking In.” Ryan said onTwitter,“Fox suits love the show but they have a business to run.” Five series canned.  AsDeadlinepoints out, that is as many live-action cancellations as those returning (e.g. House, Raising Hope). Originally programming, we hardly knew ye.

Naturally, this makes more room for constant episodes of talent shows“The X Factor” and“American Idol,” plus what is essentially the scripted version of those singing contests:“Glee.” I guess if it doesn’t sell albums and other merch, it’s expendable?

The rest of the Tuesday and Wednesday line-up will be loaded with more female-driven series, like“The New Girl” starring the always adorableZooey Deschanelas a“quirky teacher who moves in with three guys.” Since Fox is easily the most litigious of the studios, we haven’t posted any script reviews and I’m not really at liberty to share my thoughts.

But the show, created byNo Strings Attachedwriter Liz Meriwether, was originally called“Chicks and Dicks.” Nowthatwas a rather witty script, which showcased Meriwether’s knack for dialogue that was unfortunately mangled in the Natalie Portman rom-com. Despite a notable case of attention deficient disorder, this show could find an audience.

Another is“I Hate My Teenage Daughter” with Jamie Pressly, a shrill concept with (allegedly, wink) unlikable characters. Test screenings were just okay.

Fox has also officially ordered 12 episodes of“Lost” co-creator J.J. Abrams’“Alcatraz,” another quasi sci-fi series about a group of people who mysteriously appear on an island. This it’s centered on prisoners who vanished thirty years ago and the law enforcement officials assigned to track them down. Jorge Garcia(who played Hurley on“Lost”) is part of the cast, as well as Jurassic Park heroSam Neilland“Sons of Anarchy” alumSarah Jones.

But Fox passed on its other bizarre drama,“Locke& Key,” which Iloved unabashedly. Mark Romanek (Never Let Me Go) directed the pilot that they passed on. It could wind up in the mid-season line-up or at another network, but chances are disappointingly slim.

Otherwise, Fox has already committed to the Steven Spielberg-produced dinosaur drama“Terra Nova,” a“Bones” spin-off-but-not-really titled“Finder,” Jonah Hill’s cartoon comedy“Allen Gregory,” and acartoon Napoleon DynamiteI already loathe (sight unseen).

Source

Will Smith Eyes Lead in Quentin Tarantino's 'Django Unchained'

Will Smithis eying the titular role in Quentin Tarantino’s next film, a bold Western calledDjango Unchainedset during and almost entirely about slavery in the South.

If Smith accepts, he would play Django (pronounced“jango”), a freed slave who partners with a German bounty hunter to journey back to Mississippi to rescue his wife. The character is a hat-tip reference to the Spaghetti Western hero of the 1960s films starring Franco Nero, though there’s nearly no relation between the two outside of the genre.

Christoph Waltz, who won an Oscar for playing Col. Hans Landa in Tarantino’sInglourious Basterds, is on board as the sly German, Dr. King Schultz, though he and Taratino have publicly denied his involvement thus far.  Samuel L. Jacksonis reportedly“circling” a key role as well, according to theHollywood Reporter, which can only be Stephen, an Uncle Tom and the head slave on a plantation who squares off against Django.

Deadlineconfirms that the Weinstein Company has secured a deal with Sony Pictures to co-finance the film and distribute it internationally sometime in 2012.  Universal, who had the same arrangement forBasterds, was heavily in the mix, but apparently the deal was signed with Sony to lure Smith, whose production company Overbrook Entertainment is set up at the studio. But is it the right play for Will Smith?

Though he hasMen in Black IIIcoming out next year for Sony, Smith hasn’t been on screen since 2008’sSeven Pounds, an intentional grab for awards attention that flopped with critics and at the box office. But Will Smithcanact. We’ve seen him do it inPursuit of Happyness, certainly inAli, and even in the rare moments when“Big Willie Style” isn’t spouting charming one-liners in his more mainstream efforts. But this sort of role screams career transition.  Suddenly, Hollywood hero Will Smith isn’t concerned with playing it safe.

The countless people who have read the script by now will tell you Django is not a typical Western. There are quick-draw gunfights, saloons and Tarantino-style horseback chats, but they’re all deeply embedded in a dark, uncomfortable slog through one of the worst times in American history. Tarantino intends to uncover all the cruel, grotesque wounds of slavery, including and especially the abhorrent language.  Sure, there is some catharsis for Django and the audience, but the role immediately associates squeaky-clean Will Smith with the inevitable controversy, just as he’s trying to launch the careers of his children.

I would love for Smith to take a shot at this, but I won’t be surprised if he passes. There’s too much at stake. Perhaps this is an opportunity for other solid actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Ealy, or Michael Kenneth Williams (Omar on“The Wire”).

Source

Star Wars Blu-ray Details Announced

Today is officially Star Wars Day, the annual celebration of George Lucas’ sprawling sci-fi saga that spawns from the pun“May the Fourth Be with You.” To further commemorate the event, Lucasfilm announced details on the nine-disc Blu-ray set scheduled to hit shelved on September 16.

The“collection” features all six episodes of the series in high-definition, 6.1 DTS surround sound— though, unfortunately, they are the special editions complete with egregious new additions like an amorphous CGI Jabba the Hutt, Greedo firing first, the“Jedi Rocks” musical number in Jabba’s palace, and the ghostly presence of Hayden Christensen in the Endor celebration.

The complete saga will be available in stores for $139.99, which includes documentaries, deleted and alternate scenes, and a compilation of Star Wars spoofs from pop culture over the years from shows like“Family Guy” and“Robot Chicken.” Of course, the original trilogy (Episodes IV through VI) and the prequels will be available in separate box sets, but you’d be missing out onStar Warriors, a documentary about sweaty uber-fans who hit each other with plastic lightsabers.

I’m not going to post the entire press release here, but if you’re interested you can read every last detail about each disc onStarWars.com. However, you should check out the Blu-ray cover art embedded below.

Just in case the Blu-rays aren’t enough, Lucasfilm is also retrofitting the entire saga for3D re-releasesbetween 2012 and 2017 starting withStar Wars: Episode I– The Phantom Menacenext February 10. Finally, we’ll be able to relive the magic and majesty of Jar Jar Binks… in 3D.

Source

'The Hunger Games' Movie Finds its Seneca Crane

Wes Bentley, best known as“that creepy guy with the camera inAmerican Beauty,” has landed a key role in Lionsgate’s coming-together cast forThe Hunger Games.

Bentley, who also played a villain in the originalGhost Rider, has signed for the role of Seneca Crane, a“dark genius” and the master-of-ceremonies for the film’s titular televised bloodsport that pits teenagers against one another in a deathmatch arena.

Competing in the Games are“tributes” from each of the twelve districts, including main protagonists Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). (For the expanding list of unknowns playing the other tributes, click over to the film’s officialFacebook page.)

Lionsgate is hyping each and every one of these cast members as the production nears its start date, hoping the silver screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ young adult series will celebrate the same success as the Twilight saga. But rumors of offers going out toJohn C. Reillyand Woody Harrelson were debunked, while whispers of Stanley Tucci and Lenny Kravitz still linger. Will one play President Snow, the oppressive leader of the Capitol?

Elizabeth Bankswas officially announced as District 12 escort Effie Trinket, along with Liam Hemsworth (brother of Thor) as Katniss’ buddy, Gale Hawthorne.

Bentley is a surprise choice for Seneca, but his far-off stare consistently treads that thin line between an intense look and one especially creepy gaze. He squints them and it’s just broody eye contact. He widens them slightly and suddenly he wants to devour you.  I can almost see him leering out over his gaming empire wishing for bloodshed.

Source

Zoe Saldana Kicks Ass in This 'Colombiana' Trailer

A smashmouth trailer has arrived forColombiana, an assassin thriller starring Zoe Saldana and directed by Olivier Megaton (still the best name in the biz). It’s a disorienting teaser of quick cuts and just enough information about Saldana’s ruthless killer character to know you definitely don’t want to mess with her. In short, it’s a typical Luc Besson production.

Besson is, of course, the writer/producer of the entertaining thrillerTaken, which re-purposed then 56-year-old Liam Neeson as a viable over-the-hill action hero beforeThe ExpendablesandRedupped the aged ante. Now he seems to be making a solid case for Saldana to be the next female ass kicker— just as we were discussing thelack of competitionfor Angelina Jolie. Why not?  Audiences may have overlooked the tongue-in-cheek action flickThe Losers, but Saldana was solid, and she showed plenty of physicality forAvatar, even if her movements were touched up in post-production renderings.

Check out the Colombiana trailer below:

Colombianawill be in theaters September 2, 2011.

Source

Keanu Reeves Taking Lead in 'Akira' Remake?

Keanu Reeves is reportedly in talks for a lead role in Warner Bros’ live-action remake of the anime/manga property Akira.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Reeves has discussed playing Kaneda, the rebellious leader of a bike gang. While there is no offer yet,“talks are going well” with his reps.

However, the possibility is head-scratching for anyone familiar with the story since Reeves is 46 years old and Kaneda is a teenager. Younger, hipper actors like Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine and Justin Timberlake were short-listed inMarch. When did the protagonist go from a boyish hero to an over-the-hill cardboard cutout?

The rumor is also sure to light a thousand more proverbial torches in mobs already angered by WB’s apparent insistence on only considering Caucasian actors for traditional Asian roles. I suppose it’s no consolation that Reeves is partially of Chinese descent? You may recall Reeves is playing a half-European/half-Japanese character in47 Roninand once pursueda live-action takeon Cowboy Bebop.

Vulturesays Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt have declined the role, as well as Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Franco and Robert Pattinson. Warner Bros can’t seem to nail down a lead and this latest decision reeks of desperation.

Albert Hughes (Book of Eli) is directing the possible two-part PG-13 remake, which sets the action in dystopian Neo-Manhattan, but with countless delays and rewrites who knows if this $230 million monster will ever see the silver screen. Not if Akira fans had their say.

Source

Fox to Release a 3D 'Glee' Movie in August

Twentieth Century Fox is preparing to produceGlee Live! 3D!, a 3D movie featuring the expanding cast of Fox TV’s hit series during their 18-city tour across the country this summer.

The studio will release the concert film on August 12 for a“two week engagement,” but the same limited time frame was said for similar 3D movies lead by Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and the late Michael Jackson before encore extensions were granted. Kevin Tancharoen, who directed the musical Fameand, randomly, those“Mortal Kombat” web shorts, will be behind the camera as the stage tour gets underway on May 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada (three days before season 2’s finale episode).

Here is the cast of the tour and, subsequently, the movie: Lea Michele(Rachel),Amber Riley(Mercedes),Cory Monteith(Finn),Kevin McHale(Artie),Chris Colfer(Kurt),Mark Salling(Puck),Jenna Ushkowitz(Tina),Naya Rivera(Santana),Dianna Agron(Quinn),Harry Shum Jr.(Mike), Heather Morris(Brittany),Darren Criss(Blaine),Chord Overstreet(Sam), andAshley Fink(Lauren), plus the all-male a capella group The Warblers.

“Glee” creator Ryan Murphy struck downrumors of a featurebased on the singing/dancing club nearly a year ago. But a concert movie presents a lucrative opportunity to further capitalize on the massively successful“Glee” franchise by simply filming and editing together performances and behind-the-scenes antics during an already-existing tour.

Bieber’sNever Say Neverwas produced by Paramount for a measly $13 million and grossed $98 million worldwide and Miley’s movie scored roughly the same result in 2008. It’s essentially a sure thing and just the icing on the proverbial cake for Fox, which is already banking from advertising during the show, record DVD sales, chart-topping soundtrack/compilation albums, an upcoming young adult novel series, and countless other merchandise items like a Macy’s clothing line and even a“Glee”magic 8-ball.

The over-punctuated movie and tour are well-timed considering the increasing criticism from“Gleeks,” who feel the show is weakening with age, and its Nielson ratings have been dropping rather steadily throughout season 2 (except for a spike following Super Bowl XLV). ”The members are becoming caricatures and story lines are being recycled,” one regular viewer told me, a problem with Murphy’s previous award-winning series,“Nip/Tuck.” Is the show becoming too commercial? Too over-saturated? Will you see the“Glee” movie?

Source

John C. Reilly in Talks for 'The Hunger Games' Movie

The daffy and talentedJohn C. Reillyis in talks to play Haymitch Abernathy in Lionsgate’s adaptation of the young adult novel The Hunger Games.

In the first book by Suzanne Collins, Haymitch is the only member of District 12 to ever win the Hunger Games, a televised last-man-standing bloodsport that pits teenagers against one another in a force field-enclosed arena. Twenty four years later, Haymitch is the drunken, slovenly mentor for District 12“tributes” Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

If Reilly signs for the dystopian thriller, asVulturepredicts, the Oscar nominee will join the cast alongsideElizabeth Banks, who was added to the rapidly assembling productionlast weekas Effie Trinket, and the film’s main stars,Jennifer Lawrence(Katniss) andJosh Hutcherson(Peeta).

Reilly was also considering a role in Disney’sOz the Great and Powerfulalongside James Franco, but discussions have stalled. A deal with Lionsgate means an opportunity to appear in the inevitable second and third stories adapted from Collins’ trilogy, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, which include an expanded role for a more fatherly Haymitch Abernathy.

While Reilly is more known for his wacky antics in mainstream comedies likeStep Brothers,Walk Hard, andCedar Rapids, a deeper dive into his body of work shows much more versatility than just clownish caricatures, particularly when you study his performances in Paul Thomas Anderson filmsMagnoliaandHard Eight. Another great casting choice.

Lionsgate and director Gary Ross have also castPaula Malcomsonas Katniss’ mother and newcomerWillow Shieldsto play 12-year-old Primrose, Katniss’ younger sister.

Source

11 New Images from 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn'

Summit Entertainment has released eight shiny new images fromThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn– Part 1to supplement the three last week inEntertainment Weekly. Many of them feature Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) in intimate embraces on their honeymoon as Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) hurries around in the rain, but some offer our first glimpses of new additions to the massively successful saga.  For example, the last shot is of Irina (”Lost” actress Maggie Grace) and the other members of the Denali coven, who align with the Cullen family in the series’ climactic face-off with the Volturi.

Though, undoubtedly, the biggest controversy in Part 1 is the birth scene. As written by Stephenie Meyer, it’s a gruesome, bloody sequence, but Stewart put that issue to rest in EW.“It’s funny because when {the PG-13 issue} comes up, everybody thinks it’s all about the sex… The birth is really effective, and I’ve heard it really hits you in the face. But what it could have been? It could have been shocking and grotesque, because that’s how it was written in the book…I would have loved to have been puking up blood.”

Bill Condon’s two-part finale was budgeted at $263 million, nearly 300% more than the third installment,The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Of course, that bankroll was set aside for the entire back-to-back production of both parts with an extensively expanded cast andsignificant salary increasesfor its stars. The saga wrapped shooting in April.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn– Part 1will be in theaters November 18, 2011.

Source

Quentin Tarantino's Western Titled 'Django Unchained'

The word is out on the title and focus of Quentin Tarantino’s next movie. His previously announcedSpaghetti Western homage will be calledDjango Unchained, according to the front page of the script and the film’s distributor, The Weinstein Company.

The leaked page comes from fansiteThe Quentin Tarantino Archivesand Tarantino’s“last draft” completed on April 26. Production is expected to start this summer or fall.

Varietyreports Tarantino“has not yet made any casting decisions,” but the 48-year-old filmmaker has mentioned hisInglourious Basterdsstar Christoph Waltz for the lead. Tarantino“discovered” the Austrian actor for his revisionist WWII epic three years ago and Waltz ultimately garnered supporting actor recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Awards. Franco Nero (of the originalDjango), Keith Carradine and Treat Williams are also expected to officially join the cast soon.

Details on the plot are unconfirmed, but Indiewire’sShadow& Actmay have the synopsis from someone who’s read the script.“Django is a freed slave, who, under the tutelage of a German bounty hunter (Waltz) becomes a bad-ass bounty hunter himself, and after assisting Waltz in taking down some bad guys for profit, is helped by Waltz in tracking down his slave wife and liberating her from an evil plantation owner.” The concept certainly fits with what Tarantino has been publicly saying about his next project, specifically that it deals with“America’s horrible past with slavery.”

The originalDjangocentered on a drifter with a gattling gun and a grudge against a Mexican bandit leader. With a body count totalling 183, the Western gained a reputation for being one of the most violent movies at the time (1966) and spawned at least 31 related sequels.

The ear-related scene in Tarantino’sReservoir Dogsis said to be influenced byDjango, as are scenes in“Cowboy Bebop” and the video game“Red Dead Redemption” and the first name of Jango Fett inStar Wars: Episode II– Attack of the Clones.

Source

German Actress Cast as 'Man of Steel' Villainess

German actressAntje Trauehas been cast as a Superman villainess in Zack Snyder’sMan of Steel.

Traue, 30, will play Faora, the basis forSuperman IIman-hater Ursa. AsVarietypoints out, there are several versions of the character in Action Comics lore. The first is a Kryptonian serial killer, martial artist, and torturer of men who is imprisoned in the Phantom Zone, along with General Zod (to be played byMichael Shannonin the upcoming reboot), and, as a result, survives the destruction of her home world. But Faora is Zod’s enemy in the prisoner’s realm, so this version seems unlikely for the December 2012 release.

However, in July 2001’s Action Comics #779 Faora is a“metahuman,” or super-powered mutant, and an aide to General Zod’s nefarious plot to unleash a mutagenic virus on Earth.

Traue is a virtual unknown in the States, but she played a supporting role in the sci-fi horror filmPandorum— I don’t recommend it. Deadline also reports Traue tested for the wife of Brad Pitt inWorld War Z, a part that eventually went to“The Killing” actressMireille Enos.

Latino Reviewfirst reported Warner Bros’ Superman reboot would include the return of Zod to the silver screen and a villainess sidekick of sorts. They also confirmed through their well-informed source thatMan of Steelwould, in fact, show Superman’s origins on the planet Krypton, which they describe as having a similar skyline to the futuristic capitol of Coruscant in Star Wars mythology. This fits with mylong-winded theorythat Snyder’s superhero restart is based on the miniseries“Superman: Birthright,” at least in part.

Short version: A prologue will likely introduce Superman’s birth parents, Jor-el (Daniel Day-Lewis was reportedly considered for the part!) and Lara, as they delicately place their infant son into an interstellar pod and rocket him away from the exploding planet of Krypton. Flash forward to a 25-year-old Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) intervening in a West African conflict.  Given his first taste of true heroics, Kent returns to the Kansas town of Smallville to create his costume and diminutive ”human” identity with the help of Martha Kent (Diane Lane) and Pa Kent (Kevin Costner). When his alter-ego is ready, Clark ventures into the city of Metropolis where, we can only assume, General Zod descends on the city.

It’s veryBatman Begins, but that’s to be expected from the same screenwriter, David Goyer, and producer, Christopher Nolan. Filming starts this summer in Chicago and Plano, IL.

Source

'Ender's Game' Movie Lands at Summit Entertainment

Summit Entertainment is in talks to acquire the rights to Orson Scott Card’s popular sci-fi novelEnder’s Game.

The deal comes after director Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and producers Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci (Star Trek,Transformers,“Fringe”) shopped the package around to interested studios inFebruary. Hood wrote the adaptation and will direct, which, if it’s finally made, would end a long, arduous journey to the silver screen that dates back to Card’s own attempt with Warner Bros in 2002.

The story tells of a fearful human race preparing for another imminent attack from the Formics, a fleet of insectoid aliens.  To fortify their instellar defenses, the international military commissions a “Battle School” to train gifted children, like the novel’s central hero, Ender Wiggin, who excels and ascends through the ranks.

Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the incredibly successful Twilight saga, is putting those millions towards hunting for the“next big thing.” Lionsgate seems to have found it withThe Hunger Games, but Summit is aiming for an entirely new genre starring younger actor and appealing to older sci-fi fans. Card’s Hugo Award-winning book, first published in 1985, comes with a devoted following and a series of five more novels to draw from should the original outing become a blockbuster.

Hood’sWolverinewas excoriated by critics in 2008, but reports suggest that the director, whose foreign filmTsotsiwon an Oscar, wrestled for control of the cut with 20th Century Fox executives.  The result was a mess, especially the special effects.  This time, Deadlinereports, Hood is partnering with Digital Domain, the effects company co-founded by James Cameron and VFX visionary Stan Winston.

Summit plans to put the movie in production by early next year.

Source

Arnold Schwarzenegger Securing Deal for 'Cry Macho'

After eying several roles for his acting comeback, Arnold Schwarzenegger is negotiating to star in a film titledCry Machowith Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer) on board to direct. Al Ruddy, who producedThe GodfatherandMillion Dollar Babyis overseeing the project.

Based on the 1975 novel and its screenplay adaptation by the late N. Richard Nash, the film would require 63-year-old Schwarzenegger to show considerably more dramatic chops than the movies he starred in before he became the Governor of California, likeTerminator 3: Rise of the Machinesand the forgettable revenge thriller Collateral Damage.

Schwarzenegger would play a horse trainer who wins the Kentucky Derby but slips into an alcoholic depression after the death of his wife and child. In exchange for some much-needed cash, his character agrees to kidnap the 11-year-old son of a hedge fund manager from the man’s rich, Mexico-based ex-wife. Schwarzenegger was attached to star in the movie years ago, but his political ambitions put the plans on hold. The film also attracted Clint Eastwood for the lead at one point, long before he retired from acting to focus on his directorial career.

Deadlinereports the deal is worth $10 million up front for Schwarzenegger, who famously didn’t accept a salary as governor, plus 25% of the first dollar gross. That’s a far cry from the $25-30 million he commanded in his action hero heydey, but Arnold’s been absent from films for eight years and dramatic acting… well, it’s never been his strong suit.

Schwarzenegger is also attached to acirculating package forTerminator 5(or, if you prefer its working title, Terminator 2012), along withFast Fivedirector Justin Lin.Latino Reviewhas learned the“time travel back to present day” pitch has the“entire original cast” attached as well, which may include originalTerminatorhero Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton (who lent her voice toTerminator: Salvation) and, possibly,Terminator 2’s Edward Furlong.

Arnold is also considering a WWII drama titledWith Wings as Eagleshe has been wanting to make as far back as 1997, probablyThe Expendables 2with his friends and former business partners Sly Stallone and Bruce Willis, and a well-written thriller calledThe Last Standabout a small town sheriff’s resolve to stop an escaped felon from reaching the border. Though technically Schwarzengger already revealed his first post-gubanatorial project this month, the the laughable TV cartoon “The Governator” for kids, with the threat of an eventual feature version.

Source

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 Trailer

This week, Warner Bros released the first official trailer forHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows– Part 2, the epic, yet bittersweet finale of the beloved wizardry series. The last installment of the most successful franchise in movie history hits theaters July 15, 2011.

Source

Arnold Schwarzenegger in for 'Terminator 5'

Just months after declaring“I won’t be back” to his political life,Arnold Schwarzeneggeris attached to star in Terminator 5. The package, which also includes director Justin Lin (Fast Five), is being shopped around to any interested Hollywood studios this week, but Universal, Sony, Lionsgate, and CBS Films are seriously considering the franchise revival. Warner Bros, which distributed 2009’sTerminator Salvationin the U.S., is notably absent.

Schwarzenegger, 63, has been extremely vocal about his acting comeback since officially finishing his term as the governor of California in January. The former action hero bragged that he had around 15 offers since giving the go-ahead to his talent agency, CAA, including thisfifth Terminator, a WWII drama titledWith Wings as Eagleshe’s been wanting to make as far back as 1997, probablyThe Expendables 2with his friends and former business partners Sly Stallone and Bruce Willis, and a last-man-standing thriller calledThe Last Standabout a small town sheriff’s resolve to stop an escaped felon from reaching the border. Of course, Schwarzengger recently rolled out the laughable TV cartoon“The Governator” with the threat of an eventual feature version.

The package, according toDeadline, is worth $25 million up front for an eventual $36 million pricetag, not including salaries for Lin and Schwarzenegger. Arnold made $30 million in salary alone forTerminator 3, though I highly doubt he’s worth that kind of payday now, especially since that was his last starring role in 2003. Lin is coming off a record-setting opening forFast& Furiousand this weekend’s fifth installment,Fast Five, is poised for a similar smash. There is no writer or script yet for Terminator: Again? (working title).

But the question everyone, from execs to fans, will be asking is: do people want to see a 63-year-old Terminator? Can cyborg assassins age? 63 isn’t old in the real world, by any means, but it’s ancient in Action Hero Land (where I want to live someday). Just look at the flack Stallone (64) faced when he returned to Rambo, Rocky, and other smash-mouth flicks.

Plus how many more ways can the humans thwart Skynet? I know the focus is on Arnold’s comeback but I’m just as intrigued by their willingness to churn out a fifth movie where, somehow, resistance fighters and robots clash yet again. (By the way, Skynet was implemented on April 19, 2011 and attacked humanity on April 21, so hopefully we’re safe.)

Pacificor, a Santa Barbara-based hedge fund, bought the Terminator rights for $29.5 million inFebruary 2010after a bidding war during the bankruptcy of 2007-2010 owner Halcyon Company. Sony and Lionsgate were embroiled in the battle and subsequent negotiations, but ultimately walked away disgusted with Pacificor’s terms. Universal likely came along due the involvement of F&F golden boy Lin and the interest of screenwriter Chris Morgan, who wasinitially attachedto the package and has his a first-look deal with the studio.

The rights to The Terminator will ultimately revert back to creator James Cameron in 2018, but after potentially six movies and a failed TV series will it be worth anything to him?

Source

Details on Joseph Kosinski's New Project 'Archangel'

There are suddenly a lot of options forTron: Legacydirector Joseph Kosinski. Four years ago he was directing CGI-laden commercials for popular video games properties, before his Tr2Nconcept video wowed Disney executives and Comic-Con geeks.

Fast forward to 2008 and he’s officially the director of Disney’s $170+ million revival of a decades-old science fiction classic, one that ultimately stopped short of $400 million worldwide. Tron: Legacywasn’t particularly a smash hit once you tabulate all the numbers, but big enough for Disney toplan another sequeland land Kosinski plenty more high-paying jobs.

As of right now, Kosinski is lining up to directOblivion(also calledHorizons) possibly at Universal with mega-star Tom Cruise attached to lead the bleak, post-apocalyptic story of an Earth populated by alien scavengers. Disney scooped up the pitch, which came in the form of a stylized graphic novel (images here) and eventually a rewrite byThe Departedscreenwriter William Monahan, but later dumped it when the violent future didn’t fit with the Mouse House’s squeaky-clean image. But, no hard feelings from the studio, since Kosinski is attached to direct Tron 3 and has long been involved with The Black Hole, a“re-imagining” of the 1979 sci-fi film about a lost spaceship hovering on the edge of an abyss.

Where was I? Oh, right.  Now that you have the backstory,Deadlinereports Joseph Kosinski is attaching himself to direct another science fiction story: Archangelfor New Regency, originally written by Andrew Will and set for a rewrite by Adam Cozad.

The real-world concept introduces a secret military group operating out of Area 51 that monitors the skies for incoming bogeys. When alien spaceships sneak through a sophisticated satellite targeting system, it’s up to an elite unit called the Archangels to swoop in on the UFO and erase their existence. With the help of a scramjet— a supersonic aircraft outfitted with reverse-engineered alien tech that allows the squad to reach a destination anywhere in the world in 30 minutes— Lt. William Koenig and company descend on the“Greys,” a race capable of quickly morphing to appear human. While there are other military grunts, Koenig is the heart of the story, a stoic soldier recruited after the deaths of his wife and daughter to an otherworldly biological plague.

Will’s script is gripping and it’s easy to see why it caught the attention of those involved, but, in the explosive third act, Koenig devolves into an unstoppable Rambo type and the plot becomes a run-and-gun actioner as the two sides sling plasma rounds at one another. The plot’s tense, militaristic atmosphere and slick, clandestine operations are abandoned just as the gravity of the Earth-ending scenario should hit. However, I’m not sure the talented Cozad is the right screenwriter for the redo since his ownDubai(which has been refashioned asMoscowfor the new Jack Ryan adventure) suffered from the same issue.

Scott Free Productions, the joint operation of director brothers Ridley Scott (recentlyRobin Hood) and Tony Scott (Unstoppable), are producing the sci-fi thriller, hoping to advance another budding career in the process. Scott Free is the same company that scoured for young talent, then pushed Ridley Scott’s son-in-law Carl Erik Rinsch into feature filmmaking (he’s at the helm of47 Ronin). I, for one, am ready to see more of what Kosinski can do.

Source

'The Hunger Games' Movie Finds Its Thresh, Rue

Lionsgate has announced the addition of two unknowns to its highly-anticipated adaptation of Suzanne Collins’The Hunger Games. Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla Stenberg, 13, have been cast as District 11 tributes Thresh and Rue, joining a cast that already includes Oscar nomineeJennifer Lawrence as the lead, Katniss Everdeen,Josh Hutchersonas Peeta Mellark, andLiam Hemsworthas Gale Hawthorne.

In Collins’ young adult novel and the script by Billy Ray, teenage representatives from twelve districts are selected from a lottery to participate in a last-person-standing competition to the death forced by an oppressive central government known as The Capitol. Katniss and Peeta are the“tributes” from District 12 and the newly-cast Thresh and Rue are the picks for District 11, a large agricultural region in the dystopian nation of Panem.

Thresh is described as quiet and solitary with immense strength. Rue, 12, reminds Katniss of her sister, Prim, and the two form an alliance in the televised bloodsport.

This should provide some consolation for fans of the Collins trilogy who felt the studio and director Gary Ross had“whitewashed” the cast with Caucasian actors, particularly after the announcement of the extremely capable Lawrence to play the“olive-skinned” lead. Organizations likeRacebending.comhave taken the production to task for ignoring its“commitment to diversity” while Collins has downplayed the novel’s biracial descriptions of the futuristic characters.

Lionsgate will be rolling out and hyping upcoming tribute castings on the film’s Facebook page, if you care to follow along, though I doubt we’ll see any surprises in the bunch.

Stenberg played a young Zoe Saldana in the upcoming thrillerColombiana, which, according to her official website, required stunt training and has appeared in a number of commercials (embedded below). Okeniyi’s only credit is a short drama titledEyes to See.

Here is Stenberg’s commercial reel, if you’re interested:

Source

Elizabeth Banks, Two More Join 'The Hunger Games' Movie

Elizabeth Banks is joining the cast of Lionsgate’s adaptation of The Hunger Gamesalongside Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) is directing.

Varietyreports the affable blonde is in talks to play Effie Trinket, the escort assigned to groom the teenage“tributes” from District 12, Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), for the televised last-person-standing bloodsport. Billy Ray’s script describes her as being“bright and bubbly” (Banks is perfect) and wearing a pink wig.

Lionsgate has also been rolling out the names of the relatively unknown actors playing the various other tributes this week. Yesterday camethe announcementof District 11’s Thresh (Dayo Okeniyi) and Rue (Amandla Stenberg).

Today, the officialFacebook pageunveiled District 1 competitors Glimmer (TV actressLeven Rambin) and Marvel (Jack Quaid, son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan). The children from D1, a region that focuses on producing diamond-encrusted luxury items for the oppressive Capitol (hence the names Glimmer and Marvel), are unkindly referred to as“Careers” because they are supposedly, illegally trained to compete in the Games.

Liam Hemsworth is also set to play Katniss’ best friend, Gale Hawthorne. Still left to cast are Haymitch Abernathy (District 12’s drunken mentor), the sinister master of ceremonies Seneca Crane, and eighteen more tributes from Districts 2 through 10.

Studio executives are hoping and hyping this as the next young adult franchise to hit on the big screen, following the massive success of Twilight and Harry Potter— though Suzanne Collins’ dystopian future is nothing like those vampire and wizarding worlds. Lionsgate has already staked out March 23, 2012 (a cushy spot it holds to itself, for now) as its opening date and you can bet we’ll hear plenty more about this project before then.

Source

'Batman: Year One' Images and Voice Cast

Warner Bros has announced the voice cast for their animated adaptation of Frank Miller’sBatman: Year One. ”Breaking Bad” starBryan Cranstonwill play Lieutenant James Gordon,“The O.C.” actorBen McKenziewill voice Bruce Wayne (a.k.a. Batman),Eliza Dushkuis set as Catwoman, and“Battlestar Galactica” beautyKatee Sackhoffis providing the voice of Gordon’s love interest, Detective Sarah Essen.

Written by Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, the four-issue miniseries, published in 1987, recounted the beginnings of Bruce Wayne’s crime fighting career. After training and studying abroad, Wayne returns home to Gotham City and begins to venture out in disguise on surveillance missions. One night, Wayne is attacked by a gang of prostitutes, including Selina Kyle (a.k.a Catwoman), but a bleeding Bruce escapes the melee and police capture and drags himself to Wayne Manor where a timely bat appearance inspires his alter-ego. But the story is as much about the rise of local hero Gordon to police captain amidst rampant political corruption and organized crime.

“The source material is surprisingly cinematic; it’s a pretty straight forward literal retelling,” said executive producer Bruce Timm.“Mazzucchelli‘s artwork is beautifully composed and we were able to refer to the comic for about 80 percent of the camera setups.”

According to theHollywood Reporter, the PG-13Batman: Year Oneis scheduled to celebrate its world premiere at Comic-Con in July before being released to home video in the fall. Miller’s influential series was once the basis for a feature film reboot in 2000 to be directed by Darren Aronofsky, but the concept was eventually shelved. Of course, Christopher Nolan would eventually reboot the franchise in 2005 withBatman Begins.

Frankly, I’m surprised Warner Bros and their subsidiary, DC Comics, would use Miller’s version as a basis for an animated feature, rather than saving and adapting the beloved series for the inevitable, already-announcedBatman rebootNolan will produce sometime after 2012’sThe Dark Knight Rises. Not that I’m complaining. I cannot wait to see this.

Here are two stills from the movie:

Source