Oliver Stone

New Images and Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES, Starring Taylor Kitsch and Blake Lively

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 25th, 2012 at 1:16 pm

Just yesterday we posted the very first TV spot for Oliver Stone’s upcoming crime drama Savages, and now a number of images and behind-the-scenes photos have gone online.  The official images were taken using Instagram (naturally), but the behind-the-scenes photos are actually the more intriguing set.  We see Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson doing prep work at a shooting range with Stone, Blake Lively with blood-soaked hands, and more.  For those unaware, Kitsch and Johnson play two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel.

Hit the jump to check out the images. The film also stars Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Demian Bichir, Emile Hirsch, Uma Thurman, and John Travolta.  Savages opens July 6th.

First TV Spot for Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 24th, 2012 at 12:36 pm

The first TV spot for director Oliver Stone’s Savages has gone online.  The film stars Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson as two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Blake Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel.  Though Stone’s recent output hasn’t exactly been stellar, Savages looks to put him back in Platoon/Natural Born Killers territory and I’m eager to see his version of a large-scale action pic.  This TV spot does a fine job of setting up the plot, but I’m not the biggest fan of song choice.  Nevertheless, I like the footage we’ve seen thus far and the very talented Kitsch deserves to have at least one successful release this year.  Here’s hoping for the best.

Hit the jump to watch the TV spot.  The film also stars Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Demian Bichir, Emile Hirsch, Uma Thurman, and John Travolta.  Savages opens July 6th.

Trailer for Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES Starring Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, and Blake Lively [UPDATED]

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 5th, 2012 at 10:10 am

After yesterday’s brief teaser, the full trailer for Oliver Stone‘s Savages has gone online.  The film stars Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson as two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Blake Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel.  The movie looks like a fun change of pace for Stone, and a bit of a throwback to Natural Born Killers, but without the muddled message on violence and media.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Stone has worked in a comment on America’s War on Drugs, but at least it looks like he’s surrounded it with a slam-bang action flick.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  The film also stars The film also stars Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Demian Bichir, Emile Hirsch, Uma Thurman, and John Travolta.  Savages opens July 6th. [Updated: We've updated the article with a new image from the film]

Teaser Footage from Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES Starring Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 4th, 2012 at 9:46 am

Earlier this week, we showed you the first poster for Oliver Stone‘s crime-thriller Savages.  Today, teaser footage from the film has been released.  The film stars Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson as two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Blake Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel.  You won’t gather any of that from the 15-seconds of footage, but you will pick up that Stone has taken a page from Tony Scott‘s playbook of sweaty characters and over-saturated cinematography.

Hit the jump to check out the footage.  The film also stars Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Demian Bichir, Emile Hirsch, Uma Thurman, and John Travolta.  Savages opens July 6th.

First Poster for Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 2nd, 2012 at 11:45 am

The first poster for Oliver Stone’s adaptation of Don Winslow’s crime novel Savages has gone online.  The pic stars Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson as two Laguna Beach marijuana kingpins who encounter a world of trouble when their shared girlfriend (Blake Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel.  I was already intrigued by the impressive cast Stone assembled, then Universal moved the film to a prime summer release date after apparently being wowed by a test screening.  This poster hints at an epic and entertaining crime saga, and I’m eager to see Stone have some fun.  I haven’t been wowed by the director’s recent output but when he’s on, he’s on, and I’m hoping Savages is a summer crowd-pleaser.

Hit the jump to check out the poster.  The film also stars Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Demian Bichir, Emile Hirsch, Uma Thurman and John Travolta. Savages opens on July 6th.

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.

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