BEAUTIFUL CREATURES Casts Emma Thompson; Jenna Fischer and Rita Wilson Join KISS ME

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 9:06 pm

Two-time Oscar-winner Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility) is the latest to join Beautiful Creatures, a supernatural love story based on the first novel in a best-selling series. Thompson will join Academy Award-nominee Viola Davis (The Help), as well as Jack O’Connell (Eden Lake) and newcomer Alice Englert. Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You) will direct the adaptation from the stories written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

In other casting news, Jenna Fischer (The Office) and Rita Wilson (Sleepless in Seattle) have joined the indie drama, Kiss Me, directed by Jeff Probst (“Survivor”). The coming-of-age tale follows a teen with scoliosis as she navigates adolescent relationships. Hit the jump for more on both projects.

Woody Harrelson Talks RAMPART, SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS, HUNGER GAMES, and Whether or Not He Can Still Dunk a Basketball

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 7:50 pm

Opening tomorrow, in limited release, is director Oren Moverman‘s (The Messenger) fantastic new movie, Rampart.  Led by a brillaint Woody Harrelson, Rampart is about a corrupt cop whose past is finally catching up with him in the wake of a department-wide corruption scandal.  The film also stars Sigourney Weaver, Robin Wright, Steve Buscemi, Cynthia Nixon, Ben Foster, Anne Heche, Ice Cube, and Ned Beatty.

Recently, I got to speak with Harrelson. We talked about how he got involved in the project, what is was like to try and stick to the script while also finding the truth in the moment, what did he think of the film when he first saw it, filming on location in Los Angeles during the day, karaoke (he sings some Queen), and whether or not he can still dunk a basketball.  In addition, Harrelson talked about The Hunger Games and Martin McDonagh‘s Seven Psychopaths.  Hit the jump to watch.

Gary Oldman Thrills NY Crowd With Stories of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, His Paralyzing Fear Of TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY and How CALL OF DUTY Made Him A Very Cool Dad

by Ron Messer    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 7:16 pm

Gary Oldman wrapped up his 3-day, 7-film retrospective at New York’s Landmark Sunshine Cinema with a fun, extended Q&A after Wednesday night’s screening of his Oscar-nominated performance in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

The first time Academy Award nominee fielded questions from a theater filled with hundreds of his fans with nearly an hour.  Oldman also hung around for autographs, pictures and additional questions.  Hit the jump for stories from the set of The Dark Knight Rises, his paralyzing doubt on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and what he thought while watching Heath Ledger as The Joker.

PUSHER Remake Picked Up by Weinstein Co.’s VOD Label, Radius-TWC

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 6:35 pm

Before there was Drive, there was director Nicolas Winding Refn’s Pusher trilogy. The 1996 original followed Frank (Kim Bodnia), a drug-dealer who finds himself on the wrong end of a botched deal. The film that launched Refn’s career is going through an English-language remake by director Luis Prieto, starring Richard Coyle (Prince of Persia), Agyness Deyn (Clash of the Titans), Bronson Webb (Kingdom of Heaven) and Paul Kaye (Match Point). The remake has recently been picked up by The Weinstein Co.’s Radius-TWC, a VOD-oriented label that snagged the US and Caribbean rights. They are planning a release later this year. Hit the jump for more on Pusher including a trailer for the original trilogy.

STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D Interview with Joel Aron (CG Supervisor THE CLONE WARS)

by Steven Shaw    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 6:33 pm

With the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D this weekend, Twentieth Century Fox recently hosted a press junket at Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm.  In an effort to promote the experience for the next generation, my seven year-old daughter, Cyan, interviewed four people who helped bring George Lucas’ vision to life.  Her final interview was with Joel Aron, CG Supervisor for Star Wars: The Clone Wars the animated series.  They discussed how Darth Maul could come back if he’d been cut in half, the most rewarding part of working on Star Wars, who his favorite character is, his Sith name, and more.  Hit the jump to watch.

Ridley Scott Confirmed to Next Direct Cormac McCarthy’s THE COUNSELOR; Michael Fassbender May Star

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 5:57 pm

Author Cormac McCarthy’s first screenplay is looking like it’s on the fast track to production. McCarthy, whose books have been adapted into such fantastic films as No Country for Old Men and The Road, sold the spec screenplay The Counselor last month, and a multitude of directors jumped at the chance to take the helm. Ridley Scott entered talks a few weeks ago, and now Deadline reports that Scott is confirmed to make The Counselor his next film. Furthermore, Scott is apparently talking to his Prometheus star Michael Fassbender about starring in the drama.

The story is described as “No Country for Old Men on steroids” and centers on a respected lawyer who thinks he can dip a toe in to the drug business without getting sucked down. He soon finds he’s in over his head and tries his best to get out of a desperate situation. Apparently a number of top actors are vying for roles in the pic, and Scott hopes to begin production on May 1st. Fassbender is a tremendous actor, and the idea of him tackling Cormac material is certainly exciting. He’s next set to reteam with Shame director Steve McQueen on the period drama Twelve Years a Slave. I sincerely hope he’s able to fit both films into his schedule.

First Trailer for SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 5:31 pm

The first trailer for the apocalyptic dramedy Seeking a Friend for the End of the World has landed. The film stars Steve Carell as a man who sets out with a woman (Keira Knightley) to search for his high-school sweetheart during Earth’s final days. It’s a premise you’d expect from a big budget sci-fi pic or a zany road trip comedy, but the tone on display in this trailer is nothing short of fantastic. Director Lorene Scafaria has populated the flick with a brilliant ensemble, as we see Patton Oswalt, Rob Heubel, Connie Britton, Gillian Jacobs, Rob Corddry, and more pop up in this short trailer alone. There are genuinely funny moments, but an underlying sadness permeates throughout that hints at some strong character work as well. I love the way the apocalypse is tackled here and can’t wait to see more.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer. The film also stars Adam Brody, Derek Luke, Melanie Lynskey, T.J. Miller, and Melinda Dillon. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World opens June 22nd.

Patton Oswalt in Talks for Ben Stiller’s THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 4:56 pm

Coming off a terrific dramatic turn in Jason Reitman’s Young Adult, Patton Oswalt is now looking to star in Ben Stiller’s next directorial project. Showblitz reports that Oswalt is in talks to star in Stiller’s The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. The film is a remake of the 1947 Danny Kaye film which centers on a LIFE Magazine proofreader who, incapable of standing up for himself in the real world, retreats to a fantasy where he becomes his poised, confident opposite. Stiller stars as the proofreader, Kristin Wiig is onboard as his love interest, and Shirley MacLaine is set as Stiller’s mother. Oswalt will play Todd, “a friendly eHarmony counselor who helps the protagonist create an online dating profile.”

It seems like a perfectly suitable role for Oswalt, who I sincerely hope gets the chance to shine after holding his own opposite Charlize Theron in Young Adult. Oswalt will next be seen in the Dean Koontz adaptation Odd Thomas, and also stars alongside Steve Carell and Keira Knightley in Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. Production on Walter Mitty will begin in April in New York and Iceland.

DreamWorks and Working Title Set Steven Knight to Write New Adaptation of REBECCA

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 4:37 pm

A new version of Rebecca is on its way courtesy of DreamWorks and Working Title. The Gothic novel by Daphne Du Maurier was famously adapted into a Best Picture winner by Alfred Hitchcock in 1940, and now Showblitz reports that Eastern Promises scribe Steven Knight has been tapped to pen a new adaptation. Knight will return to Du Maurier’s novel for the update, which centers on a young woman who marries a rich widower, only to find that her husband’s late wife still haunts their mansion estate. I’m not the biggest fan of Du Maurier’s novel, but there’s something encouraging about the fact that DreamWorks and Working Title are bent on making a Gothic drama. Though in lesser hands Rebecca could easily turn into a cheap spook-fest, Knight is a promising addition. In a film landscape filled with sequels and explosions, I’m pulling for something different with Rebecca.

Obviously it’s early in the game, so no director is attached at the moment. Knight has written a few high profile scripts as of late, including the Dan Brown adaptation The Lost Symbol and an untitled thriller starring Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall. He’s set to make his directorial debut on the thriller Hummingbird with Jason Statham in the lead. Hit the jump to read a synopsis for Du Maurier’s Rebecca.

George Lucas Addresses Changes to STAR WARS; Maintains Greedo Shot First

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 2:24 pm

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace opens yet again this Friday, and the film is destined to make even more money because all the marketing for the 3D re-release has been aimed directly at kids. Even the junket interviews were conducted by children (you can watch our interviews here, here, and here). George Lucas hasn’t given too many interviews regarding the 3D release, but one hit today that’s sure to grind fanboy gear. During the discussion, Lucas defends the edits he’s made to the Star Wars saga, and specifically addresses CGI Yoda and why Greedo shot first. Hit the jump to see what he had to say.

John Cusack and Evan Peters Join ADULT WORLD Starring Emma Roberts

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 1:34 pm

John Cusack and Evan Peters will co-star with Emma Roberts in Scott Coffey‘s satirical comedy Adult World.  Per Deadline, the film “examines the contemporary state of post graduate life in America.”  Roberts will play Amy Anderson, a recent college grad with a degree in poetry because I guess she was trying to find something even more useless than a B.A. in philosophy.  Since she doesn’t turn out to be “the next star of the literary world” (Quick! Name a famous poet under the age of 30!), she moves back in with her parents and is forced to get a real job.  The job: working at an erotic bookstore called Adult World.  Cusack will play Amy’s hero and mentor Rat Billings, “who was one of the greatest poets of the early 90s.”  I assume his day job was working at a Borders.

Kidding aside, I hope this film honestly hits the emotions and reality facing recent college grads.  The world ill needs another movie as unrelenting shitty as Post Grad.

Lea Michele in Talks for SPRING AWAKENING; Scott Eastwood to Join Clint Eastwood in TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 1:16 pm

We’ve got a couple of casting stories to share with you today. First up, Glee star Lea Michele may finally get her wish of reprising a Broadway role in the feature film adaptation. Michele was previously up for the role of Eponine in Tom Hooper’s movie musical Les Miserables (she starred as Young Cosette on Broadway and as Eponine at the Hollywood Bowl), but stage star Samantha Barks ultimately won the part. Now the actress is apparently in talks for the movie version of Spring Awakening. Michele originated the female lead in the smash hit Broadway musical, and director McG recently told E! Online that he’s in talks with the actress to reprise the role for his feature adaptation.

The This Means War director stressed that they have to see if Michele’s Glee schedule interferes with his shooting schedule, but he’s hopefuly things will work out. Steve sat down with McG recently and the director gave updates on all of his upcoming projects, including Spring Awakening. He said that he’s planning on putting a Baz Luhrmann-esque spin on the movie. No word on how soon filming will begin, but I sincerely hope Jonathan Groff reprises his Broadway lead in the film as well. Hit the jump for casting news regarding Clint Eastwood’s baseball drama Trouble with the Curve.

Paul Giamatti, Paul Rudd, and Sally Hawkins to Star in Comedy LUCKY DOG

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 12:07 pm

Paul Giamatti, Paul Rudd, and Sally Hawkins are set to lead Phil Morrison‘s comedy Lucky Dog.  Per Deadline, “the story centers on a pair of French-Canadian conmen pals who, despite being on the outs with each other, hatch a get-rich-quick scheme to sell Christmas trees in NY.”  I’m not sure what’s quick about selling Christmas trees, but I’ll go along with it even though I thought Morrison’s previous film, Junebug, was an absolute chore with the exception of Amy Adams‘ performance.  Filming on Lucky Dog begins next month in New York City.

As we reported last month, Giamatti is set to play Friar Lawrence (the guy who cooks up the idiotic fake-death potion) in the period adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.  Rudd is leading Errol Morris‘ non-documentary feature Freezing People Is Easy, and he’ll be seen later this year in the comedies Wanderlust and the Knocked Up spinoff, This Is Forty.  As for Hawkins, she’s co-starring in Mike Newell‘s adaptation of Great Expectations.

Legendary Pictures Scraps Alex Proyas’ PARADISE LOST Starring Bradley Cooper

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 12:02 pm

In the climate of budget conscious studios hesitant to gamble money on anything that doesn’t have a “2” in the title, more and more ambitious projects are having trouble crossing the finish line. Universal passed on Guillermo del Toro’s At the Mountains of Madness, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are struggling to get their blended, multi-part film/TV adaptation of The Dark Tower off the ground, and most recently we saw Warner Bros. put their fantasy pic Arthur & Lancelot on hold in order to work out budget issues.

Now you can add Paradise Lost to the list of blue balled titles, as Legendary has pulled the plug. The ambitious adaptation of John Milton’s classic epic poem was to begin shooting in January, but Legendary decided in December to push production back in order to reduce the budget. Now the studio has scrapped the project all together. Hit the jump for more, including why Legendary backed out.

THE ARTIST Star Jean Dujardin Auditions for Every Villain Role Ever

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 11:34 am

A staple of foreign actors making it big in America is signing on for the obligatory villain role. Christoph Waltz followed up Inglourious Basterds with The Green Hornet, Javier Bardem did No Country for Old Men shortly after The Sea Inside, and now The Artist’s Jean Dujardin is poised to follow suit. He’s a Best Actor nominee (and possible winner) for the likely Best Picture champion, and the charismatic Frenchman has teamed up with Funny or Die to poke fun at the whole “foreign star as the next big villain” thing. It’s an amusing video, and we see Dujardin tackle everything from Bond villain to the baddie in Jack and Jill 2. One thing’s for certain: Dujarin could charm the pants off of just about anyone.

Hit the jump to check out the video.

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