Oliver Stone

Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES Bumped up to July 6th

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 31st, 2012 at 9:07 am

Oliver Stone‘s adaptation of Don Winslow‘s crime novel Savages has been moved up from September 28th to July 6th.  Deadline reports that Universal changed the date after a test screening late last week.  The film centers on two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins (Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson) who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Blake Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel.  The film’s impressive cast also features Benicio Del Toro, Demian Bichir, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Salma Hayek, and Emile Hirsch.

Hit the jump for an official synopsis and what Savages will be up against at the box office.

First Look at Blake Lively and Benicio Del Toro in Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 27th, 2012 at 11:14 am

The first image from director Oliver Stone’s Savages has been released, and it’s heavy on the carcinogens. Based on the novel of the same name, the film centers on two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins (Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson) who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Blake Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel. This image shows a battered Lively being taunted by a smoke spewing Benicio Del Toro, who plays the cartel’s leader. While Stone has been pretty hit-or-miss the past few years, he seems like the perfect guy to take on the world of drug trafficking. The logline and fantastic cast (John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Salma Hayek, and Emile Hirsch co-star) already had me intrigued, and this new image firmly cements the film as one of my most anticipated of the year. I sincerely hope it harkens back to the more ballsy material of Stone’s early career.

Hit the jump to check out the image. Savages opens September 28th.

Oliver Stone to Direct THE POWER BROKER for HBO, a Biopic About Robert “Master Builder” Moses

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: October 26th, 2011 at 8:04 pm

Oliver Stone has signed on to produce and direct The Power Broker for HBO, based on the 1974 Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Robert Caro.  The book tells the story of Robert Moses, the man who designed New York: “At one time was dubbed the city’s ‘master builder,’ [Moses] was among the most powerful men in 20th century urban planning and politics, having influenced New York’s infrastructure as much as any other individual.”  Nicholas Meyer will adapt the screenplay; THR lists James Gandolfini, Nancy Sanders, Mark Armstrong, and Peter Gruber as fellow producers.  Gandolfini now has a number of projects in development at his former Sopranos home, including Taxi 0-22, Eating with the Enemy, and Big Dead Place.

I’ll confess that I learned Moses’ name tonight, but he sounds like a fascinating subject.  Stone has struggled in the last decade to earn the critical acclaim that marked the first half of his career.  But if inspired, the director is surely at home in the tale of a man of great power.  Stone’s next feature, Savages, opens on September 28, 2012. Read the synopsis for Caro’s The Power Broker after the jump.

More Synopses for Universal 2012 Films Including SAVAGES, DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX and Untitled Judd Apatow Comedy; Title Change for EVERYBODY LOVES WHALES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: September 15th, 2011 at 11:17 am

Earlier this year, we posted the first synopses for a few of Universal Pictures’ films slated for release next year. Today, we’ve got a few more synopses to share with you from some the studio’s upcoming slate. Included is Oliver Stone’s drug-smuggling drama Savages, the 3D animated feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, and the Knocked Up spinoff Untitled Judd Apatow Comedy. Additionally, we have a new synopsis and a title change for Big Miracle, the Drew Barrymore-starred family film that was formerly titled Everybody Loves Whales.

Hit the jump for a rundown of the cast and synopsis for each film. Big Miracle opens February 3, 2012, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax opens March 2, 2012, Savages opens September 28, 2012, and Untitled Judd Apatow Comedy opens December 21, 2012.

Casting Call: Scarlett Johansson in CAN A SONG SAVE YOUR LIFE?, Jake T. Austin is Huck in TOM SAWYER & HUCKLEBERRY FINN, Mia Maestro Joins SAVAGES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 28th, 2011 at 4:21 pm

We’ve got a few casting stories for you this evening. First up, Scarlett Johansson is set to star in John Carney’s (Once) music-oriented film Can a Song Save Your Life?. The Sunday Business Post Online (via The Playlist) reports that Judd Apatow will produce the pic, which centers on “a washed-up A&R man who forms a passionate bond with a young singer-songwriter (Johansson) from out of town.” Carney wrote the screenplay, and Mark Ruffalo and Jim Carrey have been rumored for the male lead. Filming begins in New York next year.

Additionally, Wizards of Waverly Place star Jake T. Austin has landed the role of Huck Finn in Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn. Joel Courtney (Super 8) is in talks to take on the role of Tom Sawyer. Variety reports that Austin is in final negotiations to star in the adaptation of the Mark Twain classic, which Jo Kastner is directing with filming expected to get underway this August in Bulgaria. Hit the jump for the casting news of Mia Maestro joining Oliver Stone’s Savages.

Demian Bichir in Talks to Join Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 9th, 2011 at 6:49 pm

Director Oliver Stone is filling out the cast for his adaptation of Don Winslow’s Savages. Variety reports that Demian Bichir (Che, Weeds) is in talks to join an increasingly impressive cast that now includes Benecio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Emile Hirsch, John Travolta, and Uma Thurman. The story centers on two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins (Kitsch and Johnson) who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel. Hayek plays the leader of the cartel, Del Toro plays her right-hand-man, and Bichir is in talks to play Hayek’s two-timing attorney.

Stone has revised the script that was written by Winslow and Shane Salerno. The book’s publisher, Simon & Schuester, recently commissioned Winslow to write a prequel to the book, so if Savages is a success at the box office, we may be seeing a follow-up. Despite Stone’s lackluster work as of late, this fantastic cast gives me high hopes for the film. Production on Savages is scheduled to start on July 6^th. Hit the jump to read a synopsis of the novel.

Emile Hirsch Joins Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 22nd, 2011 at 1:28 pm

Oliver Stone’s Savages continues to round up an impressive cast even though Stone hasn’t made a good film in over a decade.  According to Variety, the latest talented actor to board the flick is Emile Hirsh.  There are currently no details on which role he’ll play, but he’ll be starring alongside Benecio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, John Travolta, and Uma Thurman.  The film is based on Don Winslow’s novel which centers a pair of marijuana growers (Kitsch and Johnson) who are forced to work in a Mexican cartel after their friend is kidnapped.  Stone is revising the script Winslow co-wrote with Shane Salerno.

Hirsch recently wrapped filming on William Friedkin’s dark comedy Killer Joe and he’s currently at work on The Motel Life alongside Stephen Dorff and Dakota Fanning.  Hit the jump to read the synopsis for Savages.

Blake Lively, John Travolta, and Uma Thurman Join Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson SAVAGES

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: April 21st, 2011 at 7:29 pm

We heard last week Blake Lively was the frontrunner to play Ophelia in Oliver Stone’s adaptation of Savages, though for scheduling she had to choose between Savages and Oz: The Great and Powerful.  It seems Disney must look elsewhere for a Glinda the Good Witch, because Lively has signed on to Savages.  Additionally, John Travolta and Uma Thurman have joined a cast that is blossoming terrifically.  Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Salma Hayek, and Benicio Del Toro have long eyed roles in the film; Deadline writes confidently tonight that all four are on board.

Shane Salerno adapted the screenplay with Savages author Don Winslow.  The story centers a pair of marijuana growers (Kitsch and Johnson) who get into trouble with a Mexican drug cartel.  Read the full synopsis after the jump.

Blake Lively Chooses Between SAVAGES and OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: April 11th, 2011 at 8:07 pm

In casting Savages, director Oliver Stone lost potential female lead Jennifer Lawrence to The Hunger Games.  Since then, Stone and Universal Pictures have cast out a wide net for young actresses to fill the role including Olivia Wilde, Teresa Palmer, and Blake Lively.  Lively has emerged as the frontrunner to play Ophelia, the kidnapping victim that catalyzes the drug running drama.  The pursuit of Ms. Lively, however may end in the same heartbreak.  Lively is also considering the role of Glinda the Good Witch of the East in Disney’s Oz: the Great and Powerful.  Overlapping schedules this summer will likely preclude the actress from signing on to both films.  Hit the jump for more information on both Savages and Oz.

Universal Nabs Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES; Blake Lively and Teresa Palmer Join Olivia Wilde In Casting Consideration

by Jason Barr    Posted: March 28th, 2011 at 3:18 pm

After winning a bidding war with two other unnamed studios, Universal Pictures has landed domestic distribution rights to Oliver Stone’s adaptation of the Don Winslow novel Savages. Slated to begin shooting this June, Savages casting is still a bit of an open book as Aaron Johnson, Benicio del Toro, and Taylor Kitsch have all been offered roles in the film but are still in negotiations. Stone’s female lead is currently vacant as well with Jennifer Lawrence having to end talks after being cast in Gary Ross’ The Hunger Games.

According to Variety, both Blake Lively and Teresa Palmer have read for the part and join Olivia Wilde as potential candidates to make a turn as “O.” In Winslow’s novel, “O” is a “free-spirited friend” of Laguna Beach pot dealers, Ben and Chon. As the story goes, the dealers’ life of stoned luxury takes an unexpected turn when the Baja drug cartel kidnaps “O” in an attempt to coerce the pair to sell their product through them. For more on the project, hit the jump to check out a synopsis for Winslow’s novel.

Benicio Del Toro in Talks to Join Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 22nd, 2011 at 5:01 pm

Director Oliver Stone seems to be rounding out the cast for his upcoming adaptation of Don Winslow’s novel Savages. Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) and Taylor Kitsch (TV’s Friday Night Lights) are set to play two pot-growers whose shared girlfriend is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel demanding that they grow exclusively for them. Now Deadline reports that Benicio Del Toro is in talks to take on the role of the leader of the drug cartel and villain of the film.

Salma Hayek is also in discussions with Stone to play the matriarch of the cartel that becomes maternal to the boys’ kidnapped girlfriend Ophelia. Jennifer Lawrence was originally in talks to portray Ophelia, but her casting in The Hunger Games prevented her from taking the role. Stone is said to be “casting a wide net” to look for actresses to take on the leading female role. The script is currently being honed by Stone, Winslow and Shane Salerno (Shaft). Filming is set to begin in June. Hit the jump for a synopsis of the book.

Taylor Kitsch, Salma Hayek, and Olivia Wilde Under Consideration for Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: March 19th, 2011 at 2:03 pm

We heard earlier in the week Aaron Johnson (Kick Ass) was offered the role of Ben in Oliver Stone’s adaptation of Savages.  Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights) is now in talks to play Chon, who grows marijuana with Ben in Laguna Beach in the novel by Don Winslow.  The story centers around the boys’ struggle with a Mexican drug cartel that tries to muscle in on Ben and Chon’s business, even kidnapping their “beautiful young playmate and accomplice” Ophelia.  Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) was in talks to play Ophelia, but had to drop out due to her commitment to The Hunger Games.  Deadline indicates that Stone is looking at Olivia Wilde (Tron: Legacy) and other unspecified candidates similar to Ms. Wilde for the role.  Likewise, Stone is talking to Salma Hayek to play the cartel matriarch, “an iron-fisted beauty who becomes intrigued and practically maternal over the kidnapped [Ophelia].”

Universal Pictures is reportedly the frontrunner among three studios to land the distribution deal for Savages.  Filming is scheduled to begin in June.  Read the book synopsis after the break.

Aaron Johnson Offered Lead in Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES; Johnson and Jude Law in Talks for Joe Wright’s ANNA KARENINA

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 17th, 2011 at 6:29 pm

Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young actors at the moment, Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) has been offered the lead role in two high-profile projects. First up, Deadline reports that Johnson is mulling over one of the two lead roles in director Oliver Stone’s adaptation of the Don Winslow novel Savages. The flick tells the story of two pot-growers whose shared girlfriend gets kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel. Jennifer Lawrence was in talks to take on the role of the girlfriend, but her attachment to The Hunger Games throws her involvement into jeopardy given that both flicks will be shooting this summer.

Variety reports that Johnson and Jude Law are in talks to star in director Joe Wright’s (Atonement) adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic tragic love story Anna Karenina. Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love) wrote the screenplay and Keira Knightley is set to star. Anna Karenina will shoot this fall, so Johnson could feasibly do both films. Hit the jump for a synopsis of both novels.

Jennifer Lawrence in Talks to Star in Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Jason Barr    Posted: February 10th, 2011 at 4:23 pm

Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) is in talks to star in Oliver Stone’s adaptation of the Don Winslow novel Savages. If the deal comes through, Lawrence would play the role of “O,” the double-duty girlfriend of buddy pot growers Ben and Chon. For those unaware, Winslow’s Savages focuses on the aforementioned Ben and Chon as they attempt to quietly enjoy the fruits of their weed labors in Laguna Beach. The Savages screenplay was penned by Winslow alongside Shane Salerno (CBS’ Hawaii Five-O and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem) who is also acting as executive producer on the project alongside Stone and Moritz Borman.

While the roles of Ben and Chon have yet to be cast, Deadline reports that actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Aaron Johnson, Tom Hardy, Garret Hedlund, and James Franco have all met with Stone regarding the characters. With Stone expected to begin shooting Savages this June, we may be hearing more news on the casting front sooner rather than later. For more on the project, hit the jump to check out a synopsis for Winslow’s novel.

Oliver Stone Revisits PINKVILLE With Shia LaBeouf

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: December 30th, 2010 at 12:45 am

In 2007, Oliver Stone was prepping to shoot Pinkville, a film about the Vietnam War’s My Lai Massacre.  Bruce Willis and Woody Harrelson were set to star before the 2007-08 writers’ strike derailed production.  It seemed like Pinkville might be shelved forever, but Stone may have found the ticket to revive the project: Shia LaBeouf.

Stone revealed in the commentary track for the Blu-ray release of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps that he and LaBeouf have discussed reuniting to film Pinkville.  LaBeouf is drawn to the subject matter because his father was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  More after the jump:

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