Wednesday, some MOVIE news
Chau in Discussions to Helm UNDERDOG
Disney Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment are in talks with RACING STRIPES' Frederik Du Chau to direct the live-action bigscreen version of UNDERDOG. EDITOR’S NOTE: I AM NOW GOING TO BE OFFICIALLY EVIL. “SPEED OF LIGHTNING, ROAR OF THUNDER. FIGHTING ALL WHO ROB OR BLUNDER….” GET THAT OUT OF YOUR HEAD IF YOU CAN!
The movie will use a CGI-enhanced live dog to portray the superhero. EDITOR’S NOTE: A CG-ENHANCED LIVE DOG! WHERE CAN ROOBEUS AUDITION!!!???
(DON’T YOU THINK HE’D LOOK JUST ADORABLE IN A CAPE?)
Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber Jonathan Glickman and Jay Polstein will produce.
The film will begin production early next year. EDITOR’S NOTE: “NOT PLANE, NOR BIRD, NOR EVEN FROG. IT’S JUST LITTLE OL ME….UNDERDOG”. INSERT EVIL LAUGHTER.....
ERAGON Gets Warrior in Guillory
Sienna Guillory has been cast as the warrior heroine in Fox 2000's ERAGON. The actress will play Arya, a skilled fighter and powerful leader of a combative tribe.
Guillory joins a cast that already includes Ed Speleers EDITOR’S NOTE: WHO?, Djimon Hounsou EDITOR'S NOTE: WHO IS NOW IN EVERYTHING. JUST TO SPITE ME BECAUSE I CAN'T EVER REMEMBER HOW TO SPELL OR PRONOUNCE HIS DURN NAME., Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich.
Writers Hired for Matt Helm Project
DreamWorks has brought on board Michael Brandt and Derek Haas to write a Matt Helm film based on the novels by Donald Hamilton.
Helm is a former spy during WWII who, upon retiring from his top-secret organization, unsuccessfully attempts to put his past behind him.
The first Helm book, Death of a Citizen, was published in 1960.
Schreiber and Stiles in Talks About THE OMEN
20th Century Fox is in discussions with Liev Schreiber and Julia Stiles to star in the remake of THE OMEN. EDITOR’S NOTE: ANOTHER ONE THAT JUST BEGGED TO BE REMADE?
John Moore is directing from a script by Dan McDermott. Production will begin in October.
The film is currently scheduled to be released on June 6, 2006 -- 6/6/06. EDITOR’S NOTE: YEAH. WHATEVER. SIGN OF THE BEAST, BLAH BLAH BLAH. (THEY’LL PROBABLY USE THIS TO EXPLAIN ITS SUCKY BOX OFFICE WHEN IT TANKS?)
Weaver and Gruffudd head to TV
Seems The Hollywood Reporter has done our work for us, giving us an update on David Duchovny EDITOR’S NOTE: HELLO YUMMY. (AND A BELATED HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY. LAST WEEK, I THINK). starrer "The TV Set", which someone asked about in last week's MailBag.
According to the trade, Ioan Gruffudd and Sigourney Weaver have joined the former "X-Files" star on the project, which starts shooting on August 18th.
The story follows the making of a television pilot, with Duchovny playing the pilot's beleaguered showrunner. Weaver -- whose father, Sylvester "Pat" Weaver, was a top executive at NBC in the 1940s and '50s -- will play the head of a network EDITOR’S NOTE: ARCH AND BITCHY, NO DOUBT? (SHE DOES THIS SO WELL)., and Gruffudd will play a BBC exec who joins the network. Lucy Davis and Judy Greer are in talks to join the film. Jake Kasdan directs.
New Line's COMPASS Finds Direction with Tucker
New Line has hired Anand Tucker to direct THE GOLDEN COMPASS. The film will be the first installment of the Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy HIS DARK MATERIALS.
A number of directors were interviewed for the film but Tucker "won it with a presentation that included a 20-page outline, conceptual art and visual effects demos."
COMPASS is about a girl who travels to the far north to save her best friend, encountering shape-shifting creatures, witches and other fantastical characters along the way.
Chris Weitz wrote the script.
And for now New Line plans to shoot the film as a stand alone project but they would possibly shoot the second and third installments, THE SUBTLE KNIFE and THE AMBER SPYGLASS, based on the success of this first film, back-to-back. EDITOR’S NOTE: HMMM….CURIOUS HOW IT WILL WORK AS A STAND-ALONE. THE TRIO ONLY REALLY HAVE HEFT AT THE VERY END AFTER THE WHOLE SAGA PLAYS OUT.
Who Will Grace Play in SPIDER-MAN 3?
It's already been established that Thomas Hayden Church is playing Chameleon in the next Spider-Man movie.
So which villain is Topher Grace, also cast, playing? Especially considering Sam Raimi's statement, "Topher Grace is an extraordinarily talented actor and will be perfect for the complexities of the role we are developing."
Again with the spoiler space for you timid types. No I mean it, this is plot-twist spoiler stuff here.
Chameleon is also being played by Topher Grace. There will be a big reveal half way through Spider-Man 3 that they're the same person, as Grace's character gets close to Mary Jane.
Kidman to Lead INVASION
Warner Bros. is in final negotiations with Nicole Kidman to star in the sci-fi thriller INVASION.
The story takes place after a mysterious epidemic alters the behavior of human beings EDITOR’S NOTE: CAUSING WAN BLONDS TO INEXPLICABLY BECOME BIG STARS? (SORRY….) and follows a Washington psychiatrist who discovers that its origins are extraterrestrial. She must fight to protect her son, who may hold the key to stopping the invasion. EDITOR’S NOTE: BECAUSE BEINGS WITH THE WHEREWITHAL TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE GALAXY ALWAYS FORGET TO CLOSE THAT BACK DOOR AND THERE’S ALWAYS SOME LITTLE KID THERE TO POP IN AND DEFEAT THEM. NIFTY FOR US THAT THOSE ETs ARE SO SILLY, HUH?
The film is to be directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel. Joel Silver will produce. David Kajganich wrote the script.
SAHARA's Eisner Talks Sequel
In an interview with About.com, Breck Eisner, the director of SAHARA, said, "Well, yes, we sure hope to be doing one and I think a lot of that depends on actually how we do on DVD."
He adds, "there are 18 books so we have a lot of source material to pull from. I know they have two or three of the books under contract. But I’m not supposed to tell anyone which ones they are yet, sadly."
The stars are signed to a three-picture deal and though he isn't set yet, Eisner is interested in directing a sequel EDITOR’S NOTE: I’D BE ALL FOR THIS AS A FRANCHISE, IF THE NEXT ONE IS AS GOOD AND FUN AS THE FIRST. IT WAS ONE OF THE RARE TIMES WHERE THE FILM VERSION DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED ON THE BOOK. (IT HELPS THAT CLIVE CUSSLER IS A BIT OF A HACK).
Beowulf vs.Willard?
The always intriguing and eternally perculiar Crispin Glover ["Willard", "Back to the Future"] has signed to play the flamboyant, over-the-top role of Grendel in Robert Zemeckis' adaptation of the epic poem "Beowulf", reports Fangoria. EDITOR’S NOTE: WHY IS IT THAT I READ THE WORDS ‘ETERNALLY PECULIAR’ AND I JUST CAN’T HELP BUT THINK OF ODDBOB? (WHY? WHY?!!!)
“I just went in this week to read for the part,” Glover tells the site. “It isn’t finalized at this point, but it all seems to be going real well.” EDITOR’S NOTE: OR SO THE VOICES IN HIS HEAD KEEP YELLING.“From an acting point of view, it will allow me to do a lot of different things,” he says. “I can show a lot of facets and different sides of this character's personality. This is definitely a good role. I don’t see anything negative about it.”
"Beowulf" from Robert Zemeckis, Roger Avary and Neil Gaiman, is an age-old yarn of a knight who slays a dragon and becomes king.
Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, Brendan Gleeson and Robin Wright Penn are all on-board.
Jackson to Swing AFROSAMURAI Sword
Samuel L. Jackson has agreed to star in the live-action feature film AFROSAMURAI. The movie will be based on the Japanese comic franchise created by Takashi Okazaki.
The story centers on a warrior in feudal Japan who roams the country trying to avenge the death of his father, whom he saw murdered. His nemesis is a three-armed gunman. EDITOR’S NOTE: I’M THINKIN IT WILL BE HARD FOR THIS PARTICULAR SAMURAI TO HIDE FROM ANYONE. BECAUSE HE’S TALLER THAN THE OTHER JAPANESE WARRIORS, I MEAN. (WHAT DID YOU THINK I MEANT?!)
Jackson will co-produce the film. Production will begin in 2006 for a 2007 U.S. release.
Salles hits the 'Road' for Zoetrope
Walter Salles will direct the feature adaptation of the Jack Kerouac classic "On the Road," which is being produced by American Zoetrope.
Salles' "The Motorcycle Diaries" screenwriter Jose Rivera is adapting the book and Rebecca Yeldham, who executive produced "Diaries," will produce. Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Rock and John H. Williams are executive producing.
The 1957 novel, which played a role in giving rise to the Beat movement, is narrated by Kerouac's thinly veiled alter ego Sal Paradise, who gets inspired to hit the road and see America. The story follows his ups and downs as he hitchhikes, hops trains, meets other travelers, struggles for meals and explores the themes of freedom and longing. EDITOR’S NOTE: STRUGGLING FOR MEALS SURE MAKES ME REALLY INTROSPECTIVE. AND FERAL.
Singer deployed for 'Terminus'
Eric Singer is writing "Terminus," a political action movie that Basil Iwanyk's Thunder Road is producing for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Set 50 years in the future, "Terminus" follows a burned-out and disillusioned war correspondent covering an insurgency who finds he can no longer stay objective.
"It deals head on with what some call insurgency, what some call guerilla warfare and what some call freedom fighting," Iwanyk said. "Today's scenarios are completely fluid, but by setting it in the future we can extrapolate how that world would look like. It sounds like it'd be ballsy for a studio, and Warners went for it because they believe in Eric and his take".
Delpy, Davis in on 'Hoax' for Hallstrom
Julie Delpy and Hope Davis are joining the ensemble cast of director Lasse Hallstrom's upcoming drama "Hoax."
Richard Gere will star in the biopic about Clifford Irving, the man who wrote and sold a bogus biography of Howard Hughes to McGraw-Hill.
Alfred Molina and Marcia Gay Harden also will co-star. Delpy will play Irving's mistress. Davis will play Andrea Tate, an employee at McGraw-Hill.
The film, which is being penned by Bill Wheeler, will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios. Mark Gordon and Leslie Holleran are producing along with Joshua Maurer, Betsy Beers and Bob Yari. Gary Levinsohn is the executive producer.
EDITOR’S NOTE: AND SPEAKING OF RICHARD GERE….WHICH WE SO SELDOM DO…..
Gere tends 'Flock' for helmer Lau
Richard Gere has signed on to star in "The Flock," a $35 million thriller that will mark the English-language debut of Hong Kong director Andrew Lau (Wai Keung Lau).
Bauer Martinez, run by Philippe Martinez, is fully financing the film and will distribute via the studio's recently launched distribution entity, Bauer Martinez Distribution, with foreign sales being handled by Bauer Martinez International.
"Flock" follows a hypervigilant federal agent (Gere) who, while training his young female replacement, must track down a missing girl who he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender he is investigating. EDITOR’S NOTE: SO. HOW MUCH YOUNGER IS THE ‘YOUNG FEMALE REPLACEMENT’ AND HOW OOKIE WILL THE LOVE SCENES BE BETWEEN THE BIMBO AND THE GEEZER? (I'M JUST ASKIN....)
Hans Bauer and Craig Mitchell wrote the script
Bright Future for X--Men 3
Cameron Bright, the clone from "Godsend" and Kidman's under-aged lover from "Birth", has joined the cast of "X-Men 3", says CamFans.org.
Says the site, "Cam booked the role of Leech in the next X-men movie. The script is hush hush so I cant say much more as that is all I know. He will be shaved bald though and he is looking forward to that."
Leech, a green skinned mutant, projects a field which cancels any other mutant powers in its radius.
Neal McDonough before The Flags of our Fathers
One door closes, another opens it seems. McDonough, whose “Medical Investigation” show was recently cancelled by NBC, has snagged a role in Clint Eastwood's next film "Flags of Our Fathers", says Variety. EDITOR’S NOTE: “MEDICAL INVESTIGATION” WASN’T BRILLIANT, BUT IT WAS ENJOYABLE. GOOD CAST, TOO. GLAD TO SEE MCDONOUGH IS LANDING WELL.
The movie is based on James Bradley's book "Flags of Our Fathers: Heroes of Iwo Jima" and was adapted by Paul Haggis. The Battle of Iwo Jima, which took place in winter 1945, was a turning point in the Pacific theater. In one month, 22,000 Japanese and 26,000 Americans died, and the battle produced one of the most enduring images of WWII: a photograph of U.S. servicemen raising an American flag on the flank of Mount Suribachi, the island's commanding high point.
Affleck to take on Jesse James
Looks like the younger Affleck might be the new bread-maker for the family abode.
Casey Affleck, younger brother of Ben, has snagged a plum role opposite Brad Pitt in the film version of Robert Hansen's novel "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford", says Variety. EDITOR’S NOTE: THE TITLE KINDA GIVES THE WHOLE THING AWAY. GUESS THERE’S NO POINT IN SEEING IT, THEN?
Pitt will play James, Affleck's playing Ford.
The young Ford joined the James gang but quickly turned against Jesse - jealous of his 'fastest gun in the west' tag. Hoping it would do wonders for his rep, Ford shot James - in the back, stamping himself the most famous coward around.
Pitt and Affleck previously starred together in both "Ocean's Eleven" and "Ocean's Twelve".
Crystal in a remake of Après Vous
Haven't seen Billy Crystal for a while. But now, the funnyman's back.
According to Variety, the "City Slickers" and "My Giant" star will headline a redo of "Après Vous", a popular French comedy from Pierre Salvadori.
The U.S remake, to be produced by Art Linson, will again centre on the headwaiter of a bistro who happens upon a stranger who is about to commit suicide. After talking the man out of doing the deed, the waiter befriends the saved man - who, unfortunately, turns the chaps life upside down. The project is set up at Warner. EDITOR’S NOTE: SO WE GET THE CUTE CONCEPT..BUT WITHOUT ALL THOSE ANNOYING FRENCH PEOPLE!
EDITOR’S NOTE: A TRIO OF BATTY ITEMS -----
Carell dancing with the devil by the pale moonlight?
With Steve Carell the new fave over at the Warner compound - he's doing "Get Smart" for the studio, produced by "Batman Begins" Charles Roven - it's no surprise to hear that he's being considered for a role in the upcoming "Batman Begins" sequel.
According to Batman-On-Film, 2005's answer to Jim Carrey - who is currently appearing in "Bewitched" - has emerged as a new fave to wear the killer smile of Gotham's clown prince of crime, The Joker. EDITOR’S NOTE: OK. WHATEVER ELSE YOU MIGHT SAY ABOUT JIM CARREY…..I MEAN, LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM….THE MAN IS A REAL ACTOR. HE NEEDS A WHIP AND A CHAIR TO BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL, BUT THE MAN HAS ‘CHOPS’ (AS THEY SAY). AND THE JOKER IS A CHARACTER WHO CALLS FOR NOT JUST ACTING AND MANIC ENERGY, BUT FOR GENUINE CHARISMA. HE IS THE FLIP-SIDE OF THE DARK KNIGHT. ALL THE OTHER BAD GUYS ARE NOTHING AS COMPARED TO THE JOKER. THE JOKER IS BATMAN’S TRUE EQUAL AND TRUE NEMESIS. AND THIS CARREL DUDE IS A ONE-TRICK, LACKLUSTER NEBBISH.
BUT NO ONE CALLED AND ASKED MY OPINION. (AND BOY WILL THEY BE SORRY)!"...
The studio wants to get someone relatively known, and can do comedy and drama. One guy brought up the idea of Steve Carell, star of 'The Office' and the upcoming film 'The 40 Year Old Virgin.' and the studio is starting to like the idea", says the scooper.
Carell's got some competition though : Lachy Hulme ["M"], Paul Bettany ["A Knight's Tale"] and Sean Penn ["The Interpreter"] are also said to be in the running.
In addition, we can finally debunk reports that Isla Fisher is up for a role in the sequel. Apparently there's no love interest even pencilled in for the film yet, so it's too early to even talk about who'd be donning the dress in such a part, says an insider.
EDITOR’S NOTE: BUT WAIT…MORE BATMAN NEWS….
Holmes returns for Batman sequel
Seems Katie Holmes hasn't got a pink slip from the "Batman" franchise at all - "Batman Begins" producer Charles Roven tells Sci Fi Wire that Holmes will be back for seconds, reprising her role as love interest Rachel Dawes in the sequel to the Summer hit. EDITOR’S NOTE: PITY. THEY HAD A SHOT TO FIND SOMEONE WITH REAL ON-SCREEN CHEMISTRY WITH BALE. AH WELL. THEY’LL PROBABLY IGNORE ME ON THAT CARELL CASTING TOO.
Rumour had it that Holmes had been dropped from the film because the studio were unhappy that her and Tom Cruise were getting more attention than the film she was supposed to be out and about plugging. They were apparently looking to cast a "Stronger" actress in the sequel.
Roven says Holmes is back though, playing the assistant D.A who stole Bruce Wayne's heart by the final credits.
Also back, he confirms, is Michael Caine as the butler Alfred, Gary Oldman as police detective Jim Gordon, and of course, Christian Bale as Batman/Brucie boy.
EDITOR’S NOTE: ONCE MORE WITH BATS -----
BATMAN BEGINS Sequel is Moving Along
Producer Charles Roven told SCI FI Wire that "the cast is signed on for a sequel, the script is in the works, new cast members are being discussed and the only delay is an OK by director Christopher Nolan."
Roven states that Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman have all signed on for the sequel to BATMAN BEGINS.
The producer said it is possible the film could move ahead without Nolan if he doesn't come on board but Roven said, 'it was a spectacular experience with Chris [Nolan], and he kept everyone involved and was very collaborative.'
EDITOR’S NOTE: AND HERE’S ONE JUST FOR DWEEBPAL BECKY ----
HIGHLANDER: THE SOURCE Prepares to Film
Davis-Panzer Productions, Sequence Films and Grosvenor Park have announce that HIGHLANDER: The Source will start shooting in Lithuania this October. Brett Leonard is set to direct with Adrian Paul playing the immortal Scottish swordsman, Duncan MacLeod.
This new adventure is the first feature in the Trilogy. The Source will tell the story of Immortals as they quest to locate the Holy Grail of their world. The entire series of films will chronicle the origins of the Immortals. EDITOR’S NOTE: WELL…BUT THEY’RE IMMORTAL. SO I GUESS THERE’S NO RUSH???? (SNICKER….)
Director Brett Leonard (LAWNMOWER MAN) commented “This is a tremendous opportunity for a storyteller of this genre to take part in the mythology of 20 years.” He continues that “HIGHLANDER is an amazing ongoing story that I can bring my visual style to… Everything I have done has led me to this kind of mythical fantasy.”
Peter Davis of Davis-Panzer Productions noted, “We are truly celebrating this milestone in HIGHLANDER history by pairing Brett and Adrian in our newest Trilogy. We anticipate that this combination will recapture the filming glory of the original HIGHLANDER.” EDITOR'S NOTE: SNORE.....DO ANY OF THESE GUYS REALIZE THEY SOUND EXACTLY LIKE ALL THE OTHER OF THESE GUYS? (AT LEAST ON HOT DAYS THEY ARE GOOD FOR SOME AIR-MOVEMENT?)
Davis-Panzer Productions is also busy further immortalizing the Clan MacLeod during the series’ twentieth year with an anime feature film in partnership with Imagi and Madhouse of Japan and a video game with SCI Games Ltd. of London.
HIGHLANDER: The Source will be distributed in North America through Lions Gate Films and in 40 foreign territories through the top independent distributors.
Warners Has SPRING in its Step
Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the rights to the young-adult fantasy manuscript ENDYMION SPRING by Matthew Skelton.
The story is set in present-day Oxford and in 1450s Germany, at the dawn of printing. A young printer's apprentice discovers a mysterious chest with clasps that look like snakes heads -- with fangs that are rumored to be poisoned. When he touches it, the fangs pierce his fingers, drawing blood, and the chest opens. It contains a secret that will endure for more than 500 years until one lonely boy accidentally discovers it, beginning a quest for knowledge and power that puts him and humanity in grave danger. EDITOR’S NOTE: ALL I EVER FIND ARE DUST BUNNIES AND DOG FUR. DRAT.
No screenwriter is attached to the project yet. The novel is due to be published next year.
'Dawn' pair: Voight, Davidovich
Jon Voight and Lolita Davidovich are starring in "September Dawn," an indie Western written and directed by Christopher Cain. Cain also is producing.
"Dawn" is a love story set against the 19th century massacre of a wagon train of settlers in Utah at the hands of a renegade Mormon group. EDITOR’S NOTE: REFRESHING. MASSACRED BY PASTY WHITE FOLK, INSTEAD OF NATIVE AMERICANS!
Voight plays the leader of the renegade Mormon faction, while Davidovich is a member of the wagon train who stands up to Voight's threats.
The feature, which sources said is budgeted in the $11 million range, started shooting this week in Alberta, Canada
Indie 'Wicker' adds Sobieski, Burstyn to cult
Leelee Sobieski and Ellen Burstyn are joining Nicolas Cage in Neil LaBute's indie "The Wicker Man," produced by Millenium Films, Equity Pictures and Emmett/Furla Films. A remake of a 1973 British horror film, "Wicker Man" centers on a police officer (Cage) who is investigating the disappearance of a girl in a small cultlike community. Sobieski plays a barmaid who is Cage's confidant. Burstyn plays the head of the cult. The film is shooting in Vancouver
Seven grab shovels for 'Diggers'
Paul Rudd, Ken Marino, Ron Eldard, Josh Hamilton, Maura Tierney, Lauren Ambrose and Sarah Paulson have come aboard HDNet Films' "Diggers," which is filming in New York under Katherine Dieckmann's direction. Magnolia Pictures -- which, like HDNet Films, is held by Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner's 2929 Entertainment -- will distribute the film, which will have a day-and-date TV premiere on the HDNet Movies Network. Marino wrote the film, which focuses on two generations of clam diggers and is being produced by HDNet Films' Jason Kliot and Joana Vicente, Dirty Rice's Anne Chaisson and Marino, with Wagner and Cuban as exec producers
Nick Moves Into DRIFT HOUSE
Nickelodeon Movies has picked up the rights to DRIFT HOUSE by Dale Peck.
The upcoming fantasy novel revolves around a girl and her two younger brothers being sent to live with their uncle in Canada in a house that resembles a ship perched at the edge of the sea. The siblings discover in the house a mural that seems to predict the future, a dumbwaiter that enables one of the brothers to travel into the future and a parrot historian who's also a translator. EDITOR’S NOTE: YES, BUT WHAT DO THEY DO FOR FUN?!
Nickelodeon's Julia Pistor will produce. The novel will be published in September by Bloomsbury. Peck plans a trilogy with THE DRIFT HOUSE.
Disney Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment are in talks with RACING STRIPES' Frederik Du Chau to direct the live-action bigscreen version of UNDERDOG. EDITOR’S NOTE: I AM NOW GOING TO BE OFFICIALLY EVIL. “SPEED OF LIGHTNING, ROAR OF THUNDER. FIGHTING ALL WHO ROB OR BLUNDER….” GET THAT OUT OF YOUR HEAD IF YOU CAN!
The movie will use a CGI-enhanced live dog to portray the superhero. EDITOR’S NOTE: A CG-ENHANCED LIVE DOG! WHERE CAN ROOBEUS AUDITION!!!???
(DON’T YOU THINK HE’D LOOK JUST ADORABLE IN A CAPE?)
Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber Jonathan Glickman and Jay Polstein will produce.
The film will begin production early next year. EDITOR’S NOTE: “NOT PLANE, NOR BIRD, NOR EVEN FROG. IT’S JUST LITTLE OL ME….UNDERDOG”. INSERT EVIL LAUGHTER.....
ERAGON Gets Warrior in Guillory
Sienna Guillory has been cast as the warrior heroine in Fox 2000's ERAGON. The actress will play Arya, a skilled fighter and powerful leader of a combative tribe.
Guillory joins a cast that already includes Ed Speleers EDITOR’S NOTE: WHO?, Djimon Hounsou EDITOR'S NOTE: WHO IS NOW IN EVERYTHING. JUST TO SPITE ME BECAUSE I CAN'T EVER REMEMBER HOW TO SPELL OR PRONOUNCE HIS DURN NAME., Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich.
Writers Hired for Matt Helm Project
DreamWorks has brought on board Michael Brandt and Derek Haas to write a Matt Helm film based on the novels by Donald Hamilton.
Helm is a former spy during WWII who, upon retiring from his top-secret organization, unsuccessfully attempts to put his past behind him.
The first Helm book, Death of a Citizen, was published in 1960.
Schreiber and Stiles in Talks About THE OMEN
20th Century Fox is in discussions with Liev Schreiber and Julia Stiles to star in the remake of THE OMEN. EDITOR’S NOTE: ANOTHER ONE THAT JUST BEGGED TO BE REMADE?
John Moore is directing from a script by Dan McDermott. Production will begin in October.
The film is currently scheduled to be released on June 6, 2006 -- 6/6/06. EDITOR’S NOTE: YEAH. WHATEVER. SIGN OF THE BEAST, BLAH BLAH BLAH. (THEY’LL PROBABLY USE THIS TO EXPLAIN ITS SUCKY BOX OFFICE WHEN IT TANKS?)
Weaver and Gruffudd head to TV
Seems The Hollywood Reporter has done our work for us, giving us an update on David Duchovny EDITOR’S NOTE: HELLO YUMMY. (AND A BELATED HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY. LAST WEEK, I THINK). starrer "The TV Set", which someone asked about in last week's MailBag.
According to the trade, Ioan Gruffudd and Sigourney Weaver have joined the former "X-Files" star on the project, which starts shooting on August 18th.
The story follows the making of a television pilot, with Duchovny playing the pilot's beleaguered showrunner. Weaver -- whose father, Sylvester "Pat" Weaver, was a top executive at NBC in the 1940s and '50s -- will play the head of a network EDITOR’S NOTE: ARCH AND BITCHY, NO DOUBT? (SHE DOES THIS SO WELL)., and Gruffudd will play a BBC exec who joins the network. Lucy Davis and Judy Greer are in talks to join the film. Jake Kasdan directs.
New Line's COMPASS Finds Direction with Tucker
New Line has hired Anand Tucker to direct THE GOLDEN COMPASS. The film will be the first installment of the Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy HIS DARK MATERIALS.
A number of directors were interviewed for the film but Tucker "won it with a presentation that included a 20-page outline, conceptual art and visual effects demos."
COMPASS is about a girl who travels to the far north to save her best friend, encountering shape-shifting creatures, witches and other fantastical characters along the way.
Chris Weitz wrote the script.
And for now New Line plans to shoot the film as a stand alone project but they would possibly shoot the second and third installments, THE SUBTLE KNIFE and THE AMBER SPYGLASS, based on the success of this first film, back-to-back. EDITOR’S NOTE: HMMM….CURIOUS HOW IT WILL WORK AS A STAND-ALONE. THE TRIO ONLY REALLY HAVE HEFT AT THE VERY END AFTER THE WHOLE SAGA PLAYS OUT.
Who Will Grace Play in SPIDER-MAN 3?
It's already been established that Thomas Hayden Church is playing Chameleon in the next Spider-Man movie.
So which villain is Topher Grace, also cast, playing? Especially considering Sam Raimi's statement, "Topher Grace is an extraordinarily talented actor and will be perfect for the complexities of the role we are developing."
Again with the spoiler space for you timid types. No I mean it, this is plot-twist spoiler stuff here.
Chameleon is also being played by Topher Grace. There will be a big reveal half way through Spider-Man 3 that they're the same person, as Grace's character gets close to Mary Jane.
END SPOILER......
Kidman to Lead INVASION
Warner Bros. is in final negotiations with Nicole Kidman to star in the sci-fi thriller INVASION.
The story takes place after a mysterious epidemic alters the behavior of human beings EDITOR’S NOTE: CAUSING WAN BLONDS TO INEXPLICABLY BECOME BIG STARS? (SORRY….) and follows a Washington psychiatrist who discovers that its origins are extraterrestrial. She must fight to protect her son, who may hold the key to stopping the invasion. EDITOR’S NOTE: BECAUSE BEINGS WITH THE WHEREWITHAL TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE GALAXY ALWAYS FORGET TO CLOSE THAT BACK DOOR AND THERE’S ALWAYS SOME LITTLE KID THERE TO POP IN AND DEFEAT THEM. NIFTY FOR US THAT THOSE ETs ARE SO SILLY, HUH?
The film is to be directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel. Joel Silver will produce. David Kajganich wrote the script.
SAHARA's Eisner Talks Sequel
In an interview with About.com, Breck Eisner, the director of SAHARA, said, "Well, yes, we sure hope to be doing one and I think a lot of that depends on actually how we do on DVD."
He adds, "there are 18 books so we have a lot of source material to pull from. I know they have two or three of the books under contract. But I’m not supposed to tell anyone which ones they are yet, sadly."
The stars are signed to a three-picture deal and though he isn't set yet, Eisner is interested in directing a sequel EDITOR’S NOTE: I’D BE ALL FOR THIS AS A FRANCHISE, IF THE NEXT ONE IS AS GOOD AND FUN AS THE FIRST. IT WAS ONE OF THE RARE TIMES WHERE THE FILM VERSION DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED ON THE BOOK. (IT HELPS THAT CLIVE CUSSLER IS A BIT OF A HACK).
Beowulf vs.Willard?
The always intriguing and eternally perculiar Crispin Glover ["Willard", "Back to the Future"] has signed to play the flamboyant, over-the-top role of Grendel in Robert Zemeckis' adaptation of the epic poem "Beowulf", reports Fangoria. EDITOR’S NOTE: WHY IS IT THAT I READ THE WORDS ‘ETERNALLY PECULIAR’ AND I JUST CAN’T HELP BUT THINK OF ODDBOB? (WHY? WHY?!!!)
“I just went in this week to read for the part,” Glover tells the site. “It isn’t finalized at this point, but it all seems to be going real well.” EDITOR’S NOTE: OR SO THE VOICES IN HIS HEAD KEEP YELLING.“From an acting point of view, it will allow me to do a lot of different things,” he says. “I can show a lot of facets and different sides of this character's personality. This is definitely a good role. I don’t see anything negative about it.”
"Beowulf" from Robert Zemeckis, Roger Avary and Neil Gaiman, is an age-old yarn of a knight who slays a dragon and becomes king.
Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, Brendan Gleeson and Robin Wright Penn are all on-board.
Jackson to Swing AFROSAMURAI Sword
Samuel L. Jackson has agreed to star in the live-action feature film AFROSAMURAI. The movie will be based on the Japanese comic franchise created by Takashi Okazaki.
The story centers on a warrior in feudal Japan who roams the country trying to avenge the death of his father, whom he saw murdered. His nemesis is a three-armed gunman. EDITOR’S NOTE: I’M THINKIN IT WILL BE HARD FOR THIS PARTICULAR SAMURAI TO HIDE FROM ANYONE. BECAUSE HE’S TALLER THAN THE OTHER JAPANESE WARRIORS, I MEAN. (WHAT DID YOU THINK I MEANT?!)
Jackson will co-produce the film. Production will begin in 2006 for a 2007 U.S. release.
Salles hits the 'Road' for Zoetrope
Walter Salles will direct the feature adaptation of the Jack Kerouac classic "On the Road," which is being produced by American Zoetrope.
Salles' "The Motorcycle Diaries" screenwriter Jose Rivera is adapting the book and Rebecca Yeldham, who executive produced "Diaries," will produce. Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Rock and John H. Williams are executive producing.
The 1957 novel, which played a role in giving rise to the Beat movement, is narrated by Kerouac's thinly veiled alter ego Sal Paradise, who gets inspired to hit the road and see America. The story follows his ups and downs as he hitchhikes, hops trains, meets other travelers, struggles for meals and explores the themes of freedom and longing. EDITOR’S NOTE: STRUGGLING FOR MEALS SURE MAKES ME REALLY INTROSPECTIVE. AND FERAL.
Singer deployed for 'Terminus'
Eric Singer is writing "Terminus," a political action movie that Basil Iwanyk's Thunder Road is producing for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Set 50 years in the future, "Terminus" follows a burned-out and disillusioned war correspondent covering an insurgency who finds he can no longer stay objective.
"It deals head on with what some call insurgency, what some call guerilla warfare and what some call freedom fighting," Iwanyk said. "Today's scenarios are completely fluid, but by setting it in the future we can extrapolate how that world would look like. It sounds like it'd be ballsy for a studio, and Warners went for it because they believe in Eric and his take".
Delpy, Davis in on 'Hoax' for Hallstrom
Julie Delpy and Hope Davis are joining the ensemble cast of director Lasse Hallstrom's upcoming drama "Hoax."
Richard Gere will star in the biopic about Clifford Irving, the man who wrote and sold a bogus biography of Howard Hughes to McGraw-Hill.
Alfred Molina and Marcia Gay Harden also will co-star. Delpy will play Irving's mistress. Davis will play Andrea Tate, an employee at McGraw-Hill.
The film, which is being penned by Bill Wheeler, will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios. Mark Gordon and Leslie Holleran are producing along with Joshua Maurer, Betsy Beers and Bob Yari. Gary Levinsohn is the executive producer.
EDITOR’S NOTE: AND SPEAKING OF RICHARD GERE….WHICH WE SO SELDOM DO…..
Gere tends 'Flock' for helmer Lau
Richard Gere has signed on to star in "The Flock," a $35 million thriller that will mark the English-language debut of Hong Kong director Andrew Lau (Wai Keung Lau).
Bauer Martinez, run by Philippe Martinez, is fully financing the film and will distribute via the studio's recently launched distribution entity, Bauer Martinez Distribution, with foreign sales being handled by Bauer Martinez International.
"Flock" follows a hypervigilant federal agent (Gere) who, while training his young female replacement, must track down a missing girl who he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender he is investigating. EDITOR’S NOTE: SO. HOW MUCH YOUNGER IS THE ‘YOUNG FEMALE REPLACEMENT’ AND HOW OOKIE WILL THE LOVE SCENES BE BETWEEN THE BIMBO AND THE GEEZER? (I'M JUST ASKIN....)
Hans Bauer and Craig Mitchell wrote the script
Bright Future for X--Men 3
Cameron Bright, the clone from "Godsend" and Kidman's under-aged lover from "Birth", has joined the cast of "X-Men 3", says CamFans.org.
Says the site, "Cam booked the role of Leech in the next X-men movie. The script is hush hush so I cant say much more as that is all I know. He will be shaved bald though and he is looking forward to that."
Leech, a green skinned mutant, projects a field which cancels any other mutant powers in its radius.
Neal McDonough before The Flags of our Fathers
One door closes, another opens it seems. McDonough, whose “Medical Investigation” show was recently cancelled by NBC, has snagged a role in Clint Eastwood's next film "Flags of Our Fathers", says Variety. EDITOR’S NOTE: “MEDICAL INVESTIGATION” WASN’T BRILLIANT, BUT IT WAS ENJOYABLE. GOOD CAST, TOO. GLAD TO SEE MCDONOUGH IS LANDING WELL.
The movie is based on James Bradley's book "Flags of Our Fathers: Heroes of Iwo Jima" and was adapted by Paul Haggis. The Battle of Iwo Jima, which took place in winter 1945, was a turning point in the Pacific theater. In one month, 22,000 Japanese and 26,000 Americans died, and the battle produced one of the most enduring images of WWII: a photograph of U.S. servicemen raising an American flag on the flank of Mount Suribachi, the island's commanding high point.
Affleck to take on Jesse James
Looks like the younger Affleck might be the new bread-maker for the family abode.
Casey Affleck, younger brother of Ben, has snagged a plum role opposite Brad Pitt in the film version of Robert Hansen's novel "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford", says Variety. EDITOR’S NOTE: THE TITLE KINDA GIVES THE WHOLE THING AWAY. GUESS THERE’S NO POINT IN SEEING IT, THEN?
Pitt will play James, Affleck's playing Ford.
The young Ford joined the James gang but quickly turned against Jesse - jealous of his 'fastest gun in the west' tag. Hoping it would do wonders for his rep, Ford shot James - in the back, stamping himself the most famous coward around.
Pitt and Affleck previously starred together in both "Ocean's Eleven" and "Ocean's Twelve".
Crystal in a remake of Après Vous
Haven't seen Billy Crystal for a while. But now, the funnyman's back.
According to Variety, the "City Slickers" and "My Giant" star will headline a redo of "Après Vous", a popular French comedy from Pierre Salvadori.
The U.S remake, to be produced by Art Linson, will again centre on the headwaiter of a bistro who happens upon a stranger who is about to commit suicide. After talking the man out of doing the deed, the waiter befriends the saved man - who, unfortunately, turns the chaps life upside down. The project is set up at Warner. EDITOR’S NOTE: SO WE GET THE CUTE CONCEPT..BUT WITHOUT ALL THOSE ANNOYING FRENCH PEOPLE!
EDITOR’S NOTE: A TRIO OF BATTY ITEMS -----
Carell dancing with the devil by the pale moonlight?
With Steve Carell the new fave over at the Warner compound - he's doing "Get Smart" for the studio, produced by "Batman Begins" Charles Roven - it's no surprise to hear that he's being considered for a role in the upcoming "Batman Begins" sequel.
According to Batman-On-Film, 2005's answer to Jim Carrey - who is currently appearing in "Bewitched" - has emerged as a new fave to wear the killer smile of Gotham's clown prince of crime, The Joker. EDITOR’S NOTE: OK. WHATEVER ELSE YOU MIGHT SAY ABOUT JIM CARREY…..I MEAN, LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM….THE MAN IS A REAL ACTOR. HE NEEDS A WHIP AND A CHAIR TO BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL, BUT THE MAN HAS ‘CHOPS’ (AS THEY SAY). AND THE JOKER IS A CHARACTER WHO CALLS FOR NOT JUST ACTING AND MANIC ENERGY, BUT FOR GENUINE CHARISMA. HE IS THE FLIP-SIDE OF THE DARK KNIGHT. ALL THE OTHER BAD GUYS ARE NOTHING AS COMPARED TO THE JOKER. THE JOKER IS BATMAN’S TRUE EQUAL AND TRUE NEMESIS. AND THIS CARREL DUDE IS A ONE-TRICK, LACKLUSTER NEBBISH.
BUT NO ONE CALLED AND ASKED MY OPINION. (AND BOY WILL THEY BE SORRY)!"...
The studio wants to get someone relatively known, and can do comedy and drama. One guy brought up the idea of Steve Carell, star of 'The Office' and the upcoming film 'The 40 Year Old Virgin.' and the studio is starting to like the idea", says the scooper.
Carell's got some competition though : Lachy Hulme ["M"], Paul Bettany ["A Knight's Tale"] and Sean Penn ["The Interpreter"] are also said to be in the running.
In addition, we can finally debunk reports that Isla Fisher is up for a role in the sequel. Apparently there's no love interest even pencilled in for the film yet, so it's too early to even talk about who'd be donning the dress in such a part, says an insider.
EDITOR’S NOTE: BUT WAIT…MORE BATMAN NEWS….
Holmes returns for Batman sequel
Seems Katie Holmes hasn't got a pink slip from the "Batman" franchise at all - "Batman Begins" producer Charles Roven tells Sci Fi Wire that Holmes will be back for seconds, reprising her role as love interest Rachel Dawes in the sequel to the Summer hit. EDITOR’S NOTE: PITY. THEY HAD A SHOT TO FIND SOMEONE WITH REAL ON-SCREEN CHEMISTRY WITH BALE. AH WELL. THEY’LL PROBABLY IGNORE ME ON THAT CARELL CASTING TOO.
Rumour had it that Holmes had been dropped from the film because the studio were unhappy that her and Tom Cruise were getting more attention than the film she was supposed to be out and about plugging. They were apparently looking to cast a "Stronger" actress in the sequel.
Roven says Holmes is back though, playing the assistant D.A who stole Bruce Wayne's heart by the final credits.
Also back, he confirms, is Michael Caine as the butler Alfred, Gary Oldman as police detective Jim Gordon, and of course, Christian Bale as Batman/Brucie boy.
EDITOR’S NOTE: ONCE MORE WITH BATS -----
BATMAN BEGINS Sequel is Moving Along
Producer Charles Roven told SCI FI Wire that "the cast is signed on for a sequel, the script is in the works, new cast members are being discussed and the only delay is an OK by director Christopher Nolan."
Roven states that Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman have all signed on for the sequel to BATMAN BEGINS.
The producer said it is possible the film could move ahead without Nolan if he doesn't come on board but Roven said, 'it was a spectacular experience with Chris [Nolan], and he kept everyone involved and was very collaborative.'
EDITOR’S NOTE: AND HERE’S ONE JUST FOR DWEEBPAL BECKY ----
HIGHLANDER: THE SOURCE Prepares to Film
Davis-Panzer Productions, Sequence Films and Grosvenor Park have announce that HIGHLANDER: The Source will start shooting in Lithuania this October. Brett Leonard is set to direct with Adrian Paul playing the immortal Scottish swordsman, Duncan MacLeod.
This new adventure is the first feature in the Trilogy. The Source will tell the story of Immortals as they quest to locate the Holy Grail of their world. The entire series of films will chronicle the origins of the Immortals. EDITOR’S NOTE: WELL…BUT THEY’RE IMMORTAL. SO I GUESS THERE’S NO RUSH???? (SNICKER….)
Director Brett Leonard (LAWNMOWER MAN) commented “This is a tremendous opportunity for a storyteller of this genre to take part in the mythology of 20 years.” He continues that “HIGHLANDER is an amazing ongoing story that I can bring my visual style to… Everything I have done has led me to this kind of mythical fantasy.”
Peter Davis of Davis-Panzer Productions noted, “We are truly celebrating this milestone in HIGHLANDER history by pairing Brett and Adrian in our newest Trilogy. We anticipate that this combination will recapture the filming glory of the original HIGHLANDER.” EDITOR'S NOTE: SNORE.....DO ANY OF THESE GUYS REALIZE THEY SOUND EXACTLY LIKE ALL THE OTHER OF THESE GUYS? (AT LEAST ON HOT DAYS THEY ARE GOOD FOR SOME AIR-MOVEMENT?)
Davis-Panzer Productions is also busy further immortalizing the Clan MacLeod during the series’ twentieth year with an anime feature film in partnership with Imagi and Madhouse of Japan and a video game with SCI Games Ltd. of London.
HIGHLANDER: The Source will be distributed in North America through Lions Gate Films and in 40 foreign territories through the top independent distributors.
Warners Has SPRING in its Step
Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the rights to the young-adult fantasy manuscript ENDYMION SPRING by Matthew Skelton.
The story is set in present-day Oxford and in 1450s Germany, at the dawn of printing. A young printer's apprentice discovers a mysterious chest with clasps that look like snakes heads -- with fangs that are rumored to be poisoned. When he touches it, the fangs pierce his fingers, drawing blood, and the chest opens. It contains a secret that will endure for more than 500 years until one lonely boy accidentally discovers it, beginning a quest for knowledge and power that puts him and humanity in grave danger. EDITOR’S NOTE: ALL I EVER FIND ARE DUST BUNNIES AND DOG FUR. DRAT.
No screenwriter is attached to the project yet. The novel is due to be published next year.
'Dawn' pair: Voight, Davidovich
Jon Voight and Lolita Davidovich are starring in "September Dawn," an indie Western written and directed by Christopher Cain. Cain also is producing.
"Dawn" is a love story set against the 19th century massacre of a wagon train of settlers in Utah at the hands of a renegade Mormon group. EDITOR’S NOTE: REFRESHING. MASSACRED BY PASTY WHITE FOLK, INSTEAD OF NATIVE AMERICANS!
Voight plays the leader of the renegade Mormon faction, while Davidovich is a member of the wagon train who stands up to Voight's threats.
The feature, which sources said is budgeted in the $11 million range, started shooting this week in Alberta, Canada
Indie 'Wicker' adds Sobieski, Burstyn to cult
Leelee Sobieski and Ellen Burstyn are joining Nicolas Cage in Neil LaBute's indie "The Wicker Man," produced by Millenium Films, Equity Pictures and Emmett/Furla Films. A remake of a 1973 British horror film, "Wicker Man" centers on a police officer (Cage) who is investigating the disappearance of a girl in a small cultlike community. Sobieski plays a barmaid who is Cage's confidant. Burstyn plays the head of the cult. The film is shooting in Vancouver
Seven grab shovels for 'Diggers'
Paul Rudd, Ken Marino, Ron Eldard, Josh Hamilton, Maura Tierney, Lauren Ambrose and Sarah Paulson have come aboard HDNet Films' "Diggers," which is filming in New York under Katherine Dieckmann's direction. Magnolia Pictures -- which, like HDNet Films, is held by Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner's 2929 Entertainment -- will distribute the film, which will have a day-and-date TV premiere on the HDNet Movies Network. Marino wrote the film, which focuses on two generations of clam diggers and is being produced by HDNet Films' Jason Kliot and Joana Vicente, Dirty Rice's Anne Chaisson and Marino, with Wagner and Cuban as exec producers
Nick Moves Into DRIFT HOUSE
Nickelodeon Movies has picked up the rights to DRIFT HOUSE by Dale Peck.
The upcoming fantasy novel revolves around a girl and her two younger brothers being sent to live with their uncle in Canada in a house that resembles a ship perched at the edge of the sea. The siblings discover in the house a mural that seems to predict the future, a dumbwaiter that enables one of the brothers to travel into the future and a parrot historian who's also a translator. EDITOR’S NOTE: YES, BUT WHAT DO THEY DO FOR FUN?!
Nickelodeon's Julia Pistor will produce. The novel will be published in September by Bloomsbury. Peck plans a trilogy with THE DRIFT HOUSE.
posted by QOTD (the Queen of the Dweebs) at 7:15 PM
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