Gerard Butler

More Posters from Cannes: SPRING BREAKERS, DRACULA 3D, Brian De Palma’s PASSION and WHITE HOUSE TAKEN (OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN)

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: May 16th, 2012 at 11:16 pm

With the Cannes Film Festival officially kicking off today, there is plenty of big, bold movie marketing to be found.  For those of you who couldn’t make it to France (including me), we thought we’d bring you some of the sights.  Our international correspondent Magdalena (who you can follow on twitter) has been busy snapping some shots of promotional material at the festival.  We already brought you the first iteration here, but now we have some more goodies to check out.  They include shots of Spring Breakers, Dracula 3D, Brian De Palma’s Passion and Olympus Has Fallen starring Gerard Butler. Hit the jump to check them out.

Finances Secured for Computer-Generated 3D Action Thriller THUNDER RUN, Starring Matthew McConaughey, Gerard Butler and Sam Worthington

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: May 15th, 2012 at 7:09 pm

Financials have been squared away for the all-computer-generated, 3D action thriller, Thunder Run, starring Matthew McConaughey, Gerard Butler and Sam Worthington.  Brian Presley’s Freedom Films was able to secure a P & A arrangement, just prior to the start of Cannes, in a deal that shares the financial burden between Freedom and Fred Malmburg’s Paradox Entertainment.  A good thing, since VFX work has already begun on the ambitious project, an adaptation of a non-fiction  book by Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent, David Zucchino. “Thunder Run – The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad” tells of the capture of the Iraqi capital by American forces at the onset of the Iraq War in April of 2003.  Zucchino’s novel was adapted by Academy Award-winner Robert Port (Twin Towers) and Black Hawk Down screenwriter, Ken Nolan. Hit the jump for more on Thunder Run.

Gerard Butler May Star in Action-Thriller, MANHUNT

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: April 17th, 2012 at 8:51 pm

The most wanted man in Hollywood is about to join the Manhunt.  Gerard Butler, who is attached to a staggering number of films at present, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to star in Manhunt, an action-thriller scripted by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby (both from Children of Men). Directed by Breck Eisner (The Crazies), Manhunt follows an FBI team into the North Carolina wilderness where they track James Tollan, a domestic terrorist and ruthless survivalist who has evaded capture with the help of local townspeople; his repeated attacks on the federal government have marked him as the FBI’s most-wanted. The team enlists a reluctant local bear hunter to help capture Tollan, but finds that the terrorist will stop at nothing to defend his home turf once they enter his woods.  While the report doesn’t specify the role, I’m going to assume that Butler is up for “friendly bear-hunter” and not “ruthless murderer.” Hit the jump for more, including a recap of all of Butler’s current projects.

Tommy Wirkola to Rewrite and Direct Sci-Fi Comic Adaptation AFTERBURN Starring Gerard Butler

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: April 16th, 2012 at 7:24 pm

Gerard Butler began negotiations with Relativity to topline the adaptation of the sci-fi comic Afterburn in 2010.  Antoine Fuqua was attached to direct at the time, but has since moved on.  Butler is still interested in the project if he can work it into his schedule, so the studio is motivated to find a Fuqua replacement.  Heat Vision reports that Tommy Wirkola is now attached to direct and rewrite the script.  The Norwegian director parlayed the buzz surrounding his 2009 Nazi zombie flick Dead Snow into a high-profile English-language debut, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.  Wirkola also directed a Norwegian parody of Kill Bill, so it’s clear the man likes to blur his genres.  In fact, though “set in a future where solar flares have left half the world a ravaged wasteland filled with mutants and pirates,” Afterburn sounds like the most straightforward story he’s ever faced.  Hit the jump for the full synopsis of Scott Chitwood and Paul Ens‘ graphic novel.

Gerard Butler in Talks to Lead MOTOR CITY

by Matt Currie    Posted: March 29th, 2012 at 2:24 pm

It’s rough out there for a single film. Just ask revenge flick Motor City, which has been on the lookout for a leading man to settle down with for months now. It thought it had found Mr. Right late last year with up-and-comer Dominic Cooper, but just when things seemed to be getting serious, he was all like “I can’t do this” and left (he just left!). Painful as that was, Motor City refused to sulk and admirably kept itself open, out there, and available. Alas, after promising flirtations with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jeremy Renner ended with an “Oh hey, you’re a real special flick but I’m kind of committed to another film right now,” it seemed like it was time to break out the sweatpants and Haagen-Dazs. But now, when things are at their bleakest, Gerard Butler (a nice enough guy who Motor City totally never thought of as more than a viewer), is starting to look like the one they were meant to be with all along.

Variety reports that the 300 star is in talks to come aboard the Albert Hughes-helmed actioner, as a man who is released from prison and proceeds to hunt down those responsible for putting him there. The pic is slated to start production this June. Hit the jump for more on Motor City.

Gerard Butler to Topline White House Action Film OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 17th, 2012 at 11:28 am

If you’re a fan of the high concept action films of yesteryear (ie. the 1990s) like Con Air and Air Force One, this story may be of particular interest to you. Variety reports that Gerard Butler has signed on to star in the actioner Olympus Has Fallen. The story is described as Die Hard in the White House and centers on a “down-on-his-luck ex-Secret Service agent who becomes America’s only hope when 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. is taken over by terrorists.” Despite the absurdity of the premise, I think this sounds like a sufficiently fun action pic. In a sea of gritty/realistic/gimmicky action movies, an over-the-top story fronted by a hardened lead is actually kind of refreshing.

The script was written by first-timers Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt, but no director has signed on just yet. Hopefully they get someone who doesn’t take the film too seriously, and decides to have some fun with it. Butler will be seen later this year in the surfer film Of Men and Mavericks and the romantic comedy Playing the Field. He recently replaced Eric Bana in the diamond heist pic Brilliant, which begins shooting this spring.

Jay Baruchel Talks JAY AND SETH VS THE APOCALYPSE and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Sequel and TV Series

by Christina Radish    Posted: March 1st, 2012 at 10:35 pm

At today’s press day for the hockey comedy Goon, currently available in VOD and arriving in theaters on March 30^th, Collider was able to talk to the film’s producer/co-writer/actor Jay Baruchel after the roundtables and get quick updates on Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse, and the How to Train Your Dragon sequel and Cartoon Network animated series. For his responses about each, check out what he had to say after the jump.

Gerard Butler Replaces Eric Bana in Heist Thriller BRILLIANT

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 29th, 2012 at 1:48 pm

A bit of a casting switcheroo is taking place on Robert Luketic’s (21) diamond heist-thriller Brilliant. Variety reports that Gerard Butler is replacing Eric Bana as the star of the film, as Bana apparently bowed out after previously entering negotiations last fall. The story involves a small-time criminal who joins up with polished thieves in order to attempt a diamond heist. The logline isn’t exactly thrilling and Luketic’s filmography includes Legally Blonde and The Ugly Truth, so Bana may have been on to something when he vacated the project. The film may have a more intriguing hook that they’re keeping close to the vest, but its success will probably hinge on who they cast to team up with Butler. Producers are currently looking for a female lead and I sincerely hope Luketic doesn’t feel compelled to pair Butler with Katherine Heigl once again.

The 300 actor has quite a few films on the horizon. He’s already completed the surfing pic Of Men and Mavericks and the romantic sports comedy Playing the Field, and he’s poised to star in Antoine Fuqua’s Hunter Killer, the 3D motion-capture war movie Thunder Run, and a fact-based mercenary pic for director Ridley Scott.

Ridley Scott and Gerard Butler Team Up for Fact-Based Mercenary Pic

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: November 17th, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Although director Ridley Scott is currently busy with the production of Alien-pseudo-prequel, Prometheus, that doesn’t stop him from taking on new projects. Especially when that project stars Gerard Butler (300) as a former British Army officer who puts together a group of mercenaries to attempt a coup against an African nation’s government. Scott is attached to direct and produce the thriller based on the real-life exploits of Simon Mann. The script, written by Robert Edwards (The Bomb in My Garden) will follow Mann through the failed coup, his imprisonment and eventual pardoning. Hit the jump for more.

Promo Posters for ASS BACKWARDS, CARNAVAL, and THUNDER RUN Starring Sam Worthington and Gerard Butler

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: November 6th, 2011 at 8:34 am

We’ve got another round up of stuff from the American Film Market to share with you today in the way of promo posters for Ass Backwards, Thunder Run, and Carnaval. Thunder Run is the 3D motion-capture war film starring Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey. Directed by Simon West (Con Air), the film centers on the 2003 capture of Baghdad. The comedy Ass Backwards stars Alicia Silverstone, Jon Cryer, Casey Wilson (Happy Endings) and Vincent D’Onofrio and centers on two best friends who head back to their hometown in an attempt to win a pageant they never won as children.

Carnaval stars John Cusack and Johnny Knoxville and centers on a sports scout (Cusack) who is forced to head down to Rio de Janeiro to recruit the world’s top soccer player. The scout’s best friend (Knoxville) comes along for the trip, and hijinks ensue. Josh Stern (Swing Vote) will direct.  Hit the jump to check out the promo posters.

Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey to Star in 3D Motion-Capture War Movie THUNDER RUN

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: October 27th, 2011 at 1:13 pm

A trio of burly men have signed on to the Iraq war movie Thunder Run. Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey are set to star in the action-thriller from director Simon West (Con Air). However, this isn’t your typical war pic, as Thompson on Hollywood reports that the film will be made using 3D motion-capture technology. The film centers on the 2003 capture of Baghdad, and is based on David Zucchino’s novel Thunder Run - The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad. Black Hawk Down scribes Robert Port and Ken Nolan are handling screenwriting duties, and the film has apparently been in development for five years. Freedom Films’ Brian Presley had this to say:

“[This will be the] first ever conventional war film made to utilize this revolutionary facial and motion capture technology and state of the art CG and 3D.”

I’m not exactly sure how they plan to make this movie not look like Call of Duty, but it’s certainly a unique idea. Since the motion-capture process necessitates a lengthy post-production, it may be awhile until we actually see the film on the big screen. Hit the jump to read the synopsis of Zucchino’s novel.

Gerard Butler to Star in HUNTER KILLER; Sam Worthington Being Eyed to Co-Star

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: October 13th, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Gerard Butler has signed on to lead Antoine Fuqua’s submarine thriller Hunter Killer.  Per Variety, “the story follows an untested submarine captain who must work with a Navy SEAL team to rescue Russia’s president, who’s taken prisoner during a military coup. The two sides team to stop a rogue Russian general from igniting World War III.”  Russia really needs to sort out their whole rogue military officer problem.  Butler would play the submarine captain, and Sam Worthington is circling the role of Bill Beaman, leader of the Navy SEAL team.  I don’t have much faith Fuqua, but Butler really impressed me with his performance in Machine Gun Preacher and I’m always excited to see a new submarine movie.

Butler has been keeping busy as of late.  He recently wrapped on the soccer comedy Playing the Field, he’s about to start shooting on Curtis Hanson’s surfing drama Of Men & Mavericks, and he’ll next be seen in Ralph Fiennes modern-day adaptation of Coriolanus and the Peter Farrelly and Charles B. Wessler comedy omnibus.  Relativity is aiming for a winter start date for Hunter Killer and plans to release the film on December 21, 2012.

TOP 5: Fantastic Fest Coverage, 50/50, MACHINE GUN PREACHER, GHOST RIDER 2, Tom Hiddleston Talks THE AVENGERS and THOR 2

by Jason Barr    Posted: October 1st, 2011 at 3:56 pm

With the fall film season now in full swing, I’m 100% ashamed to admit that I’ve yet to see two of my most anticipated fall films: Moneyball and 50/50. Now, I have every intention of ending this charade at some point this weekend but, for now, I hope you’ll give me a pass. If I’ve still yet to check them out when we meet here next week, I’ll understand if you choose to revoke my “mildly credible film blogger” credentials. In the meantime…

…In this week’s “Top 5″ installment, you can find all of our Fantastic Fest 2011 coverage. After that, interviews abound with the cast of Jonathan Levine’s dramedy 50/50, the cast, creators, and real-life inspiration for Machine Gun Preacher, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance director Brian Taylor, and Thor/The Avengers‘ Tom Hiddleston. Check out a brief recap and link to each after the jump.

Gerard Butler and Michelle Monaghan Talk MACHINE GUN PREACHER, Video Games and Karaoke

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: September 26th, 2011 at 6:58 pm

At this year’s Toronto Film Festival, I was able to speak with Gerard Butler and Michelle Monaghan about director Marc Forster’s Machine Gun Preacher.  The movie is based on the real-life story of Sam Childers (played by Butler), a former drug-dealer who turned his life around and now dedicates it to saving kidnapped and orphaned children in Sudan.  Monaghan plays his wife Lynn.  It’s a hell of a story and one that I’m glad got told.  You can watch some clips here.

During the interview, they talked about how they got involved in the project, what was it like to work for Marc Forster, and we had some fun talking about karaoke and video games.  Butler revealed he has a thing for Galaga. Hit the jump to watch.

Six Movie Clips from MACHINE GUN PREACHER

by Jason Barr    Posted: September 14th, 2011 at 11:44 am

Six new clips from director Marc Forster’s Machine Gun Preacher are now online. Starring Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon, the “based on a true story” pic centers on Sam Childers (Butler), a once upon a time drug dealer who turns his life around and dedicates it to saving kidnapped and orphaned children in Sudan. Hit the jump to watch some new footage from the film. Machine Gun Preacher hits limited theaters in the U.S. on September 23rd and opens in the U.K. on November 18th.

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