The Moviefone Blog

J.J. Abrams to Start Production on 'Super 8' Next Month in West Virginia

Audrey Fine — 2010-08-20T11:02:00+00:00

The sleepy little steel town of Weirton, West Virgina, is about to get a big dose of Hollywood glamour.

According to Production Weekly, director J.J. Abrams and his cast and crew for the super-secret film, 'Super 8,' will move into the hamlet -- which is nestled among the hills of the Ohio River Valley -- later next month.

Details on the sci-fi film, which is being produced by Abrams' boyhood idol, Steven Spielberg, have been kept very close to the vest. (We don't even have an inkling as to who's set to star.) But there have been rumors that it's an homage to Spielberg's early days when Super 8 MM film was all the rage, and a trailer for the flick did debut back in May when 'Iron Man 2' hit theaters. The sleepy little steel town of Weirton, West Virgina, is about to get a big dose of Hollywood glamour.

According to Production Weekly, director J.J. Abrams and his cast and crew for the super-secret film, 'Super 8,' will move into the hamlet -- which is nestled among the hills of the Ohio River Valley -- later next month.

Details on the sci-fi film, which is being produced by Abrams' boyhood idol, Steven Spielberg, have been kept very close to the vest. (We don't even have an inkling as to who's set to star.) But there have been rumors that it's an homage to Spielberg's early days when Super 8 MM film was all the rage, and a trailer for the flick did debut back in May when 'Iron Man 2' hit theaters.

At the time, Deadline described it as taking place in the '70s, and gave the following frame-by-frame recap: "A pickup truck veers onto a train track, heading directly for a locomotive. The legend appears: 'In 1979, the US Air Force closed a section of Area 51. All the materials were to be transported to a secure facility in Ohio.' The truck hits the train, and both fly off the tracks in an explosion. Focus on one train car that was spared, and a heavy pounding is heard from inside."

While very few details on the production are available, reports by the Associated Press reveal that many of Weirton's 20,411 residents have received letters explaining that the filming of a movie called 'Darlings,' about a 14 year-old boy in a 1970's steel town, will be shot primarily on the town's main street. (Apparently at one time, Abrams tried to throw snoops off the trail by pretending to be working on a reboot of 1980's Matt Dillon starrer, 'Little Darlings.')

Despite clearly herculean efforts by Abrams' Bad Robot production company to keep details under wraps, nuggets of information are bound to pop up once the rumored $45 million production gets under way at the end of September. Shooting will reportedly last for up to three months and, when it concludes, Abrams will get to work on directing 'Star Trek 2,' which is expected to be released in 2012.

'Super 8', which will be released by Paramount Pictures, is slated to hit theaters next summer.

Carey Mulligan Is Not 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo'

Audrey Fine — 2010-07-22T11:30:00+00:00

The increasingly busy Carey Mulligan may have recently signed on to star in Wentworth Miller's upcoming drama 'Stoker,' but the coveted role of Lisbeth Salander in the rapidly approaching U.S. film adaptation of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' will go to somebody else.

"I can officially quash that rumor once and for all," Mulligan told Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday. "It's not going to be me. But I'm excited to see it. I love the books and I think it will be great."

If it's not going to be Shia LaBoeuf's gal pal, then who will get to play Salander? The clock's a-ticking if the David Fincher-directed flick is going to be in the can in time for its slated Dec. 21, 2011 release date. So who is Sony considering? The increasingly busy Carey Mulligan may have recently signed on to star in Wentworth Miller's upcoming drama 'Stoker,' but the coveted role of Lisbeth Salander in the rapidly approaching U.S. film adaptation of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' will go to somebody else.

"I can officially quash that rumor once and for all," Mulligan told Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday. "It's not going to be me. But I'm excited to see it. I love the books and I think it will be great."

If it's not going to be Shia LaBoeuf's gal pal, then who will get to play Salander? The clock's a-ticking if the David Fincher-directed flick is going to be in the can in time for its slated Dec. 21, 2011 release date. So who is Sony considering?

EW reports that 'Inception's' Ellen Page is still in the running, as is Mia Wasikowska, the Aussie who played the titular character in Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland.' Three other actresses from Down Under, Sarah Snook, Sophie Lowe and Emily Browning, are also being mentioned in connection with the role, as is 'A Nightmare on Elm Street's' Rooney Mara (who'll next appear in Fincher's upcoming 'The Social Network').

Whoever ultimately lands the part will be understandably stoked as Amy Pascal, Chairman of Sony Pictures summed up, it's "the role every actress in the world wants."

But, don't feel too sorry for Mulligan, whose dance card is quite full at the moment. Her starring turn as Winnie Gekko in the 'Wall Street' sequel 'Money Never Sleeps' hits theaters in Sepetmber, and the drama 'Never Let Me Go' will be released in October. This fall, the 25 year-old Oscar nominee is set to begin shooting Sam Mendes upcoming drama 'On Chesil Beach,' about a 1960's couple who remain virgins until their wedding night. No word yet on who will play the lucky husband in the adaptation of Ian McEwen's novel.

Stanley Tucci May Direct Meryl Streep and Tina Fey

Audrey Fine — 2010-07-16T16:00:00+00:00

What do you get when you take film icons (and longtime pals) Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci and add in a jigger of Tina Fey? If you're the chefs at the Creative Artists Agency, you're hoping for a 5-star serving of boffo boxoffice -- and, that's just may what result if this project gets underway.

According to the Los Angeles Times, CAA, the famed talent agency, is shopping an enticing package around town that, if it comes to fruition, would put Tucci behind the camera directing Streep and Fey. (There's no word yet on whether he would act in the film too.) What do you get when you take film icons (and longtime pals) Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci and add in a jigger of Tina Fey? If you're the chefs at the Creative Artists Agency, you're hoping for a 5-star serving of boffo boxoffice -- and that's just may what result if this project gets underway.

According to the Los Angeles Times, CAA, the famed talent agency, is shopping an enticing package around town that, if it comes to fruition, would put Tucci behind the camera directing Streep and Fey. (There's no word yet on whether he would act in the film too.)

Although there's no script at this point, there is a title, 'Mommy & Me,' and a mother/daughter premise that would afford both actresses the chance to showcase their comic prowess. And, as the Times reports, several studios have been circling the project but, at this point, it's Sony, whose upcoming female-centric Julia Roberts offering 'Eat, Pray, Love' is looking to be a summer hit with the estrogen crowd, that's shown the most interest.

Tucci and Streep have, of course, worked box office magic together twice before, in 'The Devil Wears Prada' and last year's 'Julie & Julia.' 'Mommy & Me' would be Fey's first collaboration with either star.

While a deal gets hammered out (and a script gets written), Tucci has a bunch of stuff coming down the pike, including the musical drama 'Burlesque' (Nov. 24) with Kristen Bell and Christina Aguilera (in her acting debut.) Streep, who voices the lead terrier in the upcoming big screen version of Maurice Sendak's 'Higgelty Piggelty Pop!', has myriad other projects in varying stages of development and Fey, whose 'Date Night' did great numbers earlier this year, lends her voice to the animated superhero spoof, 'Megamind' (Nov. 5) opposite Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Will Ferrell.

Reports of Ryan Reynolds' 'Green Lantern' Injury Exaggerated

Audrey Fine — 2010-07-15T13:00:00+00:00

Fear gripped comic book (and hunky-actor) fans yesterday when reports began circulating that Ryan Reynolds had separated his shoulder on the New Orleans set of 'The Green Lantern.' Now, that collective sigh you're hearing is from the news that those reports were erroneous.

According to EW.com, which cites a source close to the film, Scarlet Johansson's hubby only sustained a minor injury while training to play the titular character, but was fine, got right back into character and didn't delay production a bit. Fear gripped comic book (and hunky-actor) fans yesterday when reports began circulating that Ryan Reynolds had separated his shoulder on the New Orleans set of 'The Green Lantern.' Now, that collective sigh you're hearing is from the news that those reports were erroneous.

According to EW.com, which cites a source close to the film, Scarlet Johansson's hubby only sustained a minor injury while training to play the titular character, but was fine, got right back into character and didn't delay production a bit.

This news comes as a big phew to comic fans and Entertainment Weekly editors/publishers alike. This week's issue of the magazine boasts an "exclusive first look" at the latest DC Comics character to hit the big screen and a very verdant Reynolds graces the cover. (Sorry ladies, unlike on his last EW cover story to promote last summer's 'The Proposal,' he's wearing a shirt.)

Co-starring Blake Lively, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins and Peter Sarsgaard, the action romp is slated to hit screens Jun. 17, 2011, but fans attending next week's Comic Con in San Diego will be treated to a sneak peek courtesy of Warner Bros.

Reynolds, who will play another comic hero, Wade Wilson a.k.a. Weapon XI, in 2012's 'Deadpool,' will next be seen in the thriller 'Buried,' in which he plays an American truck driver stationed in Iraq who wakes up trapped in a coffin -- where he remains for the duration of the entire movie. Look for the Sundance hit in theaters this October.

Chris Pratt Goes to Bat as Scott Hatteberg in 'Moneyball'

Audrey Fine — 2010-07-13T11:00:00+00:00

Yesterday, the blogosphere was abuzz about the movie 'Moneyball,' because star Brad Pitt showed up on set having shaved that scraggle of a beard he'd been sporting. Today, tongues are wagging about it, because Chris Pratt has joined the cast.

Pratt, known to legions of girls as hunky Bright Abbott from 'Everwood' and tree-hugging Ché from 'The O.C.,' will step into the cleats of real-life MLB catcher Scott Hatteberg, whose elbow injury saw him cut from the Boston Red Sox but wound up playing first base for the A's and leading them to the 2002 and 2003 playoffs.

Pitt stars in the sports drama as Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane. Yesterday, the blogosphere was abuzz about the movie 'Moneyball,' because star Brad Pitt showed up on set having shaved that scraggle of a beard he'd been sporting. Today, tongues are wagging about it, because Chris Pratt has joined the cast.

Pratt, known to legions of girls as hunky Bright Abbott from 'Everwood' and tree-hugging Ché from 'The O.C.,' will step into the cleats of real-life MLB catcher Scott Hatteberg, whose elbow injury saw him cut from the Boston Red Sox but wound up playing first base for the A's and leading them to the 2002 and 2003 playoffs.

Pitt stars in the sports drama as Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane.

The film, which boasts a stellar cast including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright and Jonah Hill, was co-written by Steven Zaillian ('American Gangster') and Aaron Sorkin, and is being directed by Hoffman's 'Capote' helmer Bennett Miller. Production recently got under way in Los Angeles.

In addition to his role on 'Parks and Recreation,' Pratt, a Minnesotan who was discovered waiting tables at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in Maui, HI, by Rae Dawn Chong, recently appeared opposite Megan Fox (and 'O.C.' alum Adam Brody) in 'Jennifer's Body,' and has the comedy 'Young Americans' with Topher Grace and his wife Anna Faris slated to hit theaters in January.

Colin Farrell, Eric Bana 'Fall' for the Same Revenge Drama

Audrey Fine — 2010-06-29T13:40:00+00:00

If a deal can be hammered out, the Hulk may soon share the big screen with Sonny Crockett, in a film that's title was inspired by Shakespeare.

According to Deadline, Colin Farrell and Eric Bana are in talks to star in the new indie drama 'By Virtue Fall.'

But while both stars appear to be smitten with Sheldon Turner's ('Up in the Air') story, about a man who is set up by his best friend and then plans his revenge while in prison, tight purse strings on the film's budget are making it hard to close the deals. If a deal can be hammered out, the Hulk may soon share the big screen with Sonny Crockett, in a film that's title was inspired by Shakespeare.

According to Deadline, Colin Farrell and Eric Bana are in talks to star in the new indie drama 'By Virtue Fall.'

But while both stars appear to be smitten with Sheldon Turner's ('Up in the Air') story, about a man who is set up by his best friend and then plans his revenge while in prison, tight purse strings on the film's budget are making it hard to close the deals.

Financed by Oscar winner Nicolas Chartier's Voltage Pictures for an estimated $20 million, the movie, which will mark Turner's directorial debut, is slated to begin production in September, and sources close to the situation think that the Frenchman, who was banned from this year's Academy Awards ceremony for having solicited votes for 'The Hurt Locker' via e-mail, will have to throw more money into the pot to secure Farrell and Bana.

In the meantime, Farrell will next be seen on the big screen opposite Keira Knightley in 'London Boulevard,' a romance/crime story about an ex-con who falls for a reclusive actress (October). And, Bana fans will have to wait till April 2011 to see him in the thriller 'Hanna' with Cate Blanchett.

Carey Mulligan Eyes Key Role in 'Stoker'

Audrey Fine — 2010-06-28T11:40:00+00:00

Hollywood's newest "It" girl Carey Mulligan has just landed her latest role -- and, get this, it's in a movie called 'Stoker' that was written by erstwhile 'Prison Break' hottie Wentworth Miller.

According to an exclusive in the Los Angeles Times, Mulligan has been tapped by Fox Searchlight -- the studio behind her upcoming thriller 'Never Let Me Go,' with fellow Brit Kiera Knightley -- to star in 'Stoker,' a drama about a teenage girl whose life is turned upside down when her father passes away and her estranged uncle returns to the family's fold. Mulligan, 25, will play the "teenage" girl, and word is that Fox Searchlight wants Jodie Foster to co-star in the movie that's being produced by Ridley and Tony Scott's Scott Free Productions. Hollywood's newest "It" girl Carey Mulligan has just landed her latest role -- and, get this, it's in a movie called 'Stoker' that was written by erstwhile 'Prison Break' hottie Wentworth Miller.

According to an exclusive in the Los Angeles Times, Mulligan has been tapped by Fox Searchlight -- the studio behind her upcoming thriller 'Never Let Me Go,' with fellow Brit Kiera Knightley -- to star in 'Stoker,' a drama about a teenage girl whose life is turned upside down when her father passes away and her estranged uncle returns to the family's fold. Mulligan, 25, will play the "teenage" girl, and word is that Fox Searchlight wants Jodie Foster to co-star in the movie that's being produced by Ridley and Tony Scott's Scott Free Productions.

Life sure has changed for Mulligan since she starred in last year's 'An Education.' Not only did the London-born actress, who was raised in Dusseldorf, Germany, garner an Oscar nod -- and a slew of other accolades -- for her spot-on portrayal of Jenny, a girl who's hellbent on going to Oxford until an unexpected romance with a man twice her age alters her mindset, she landed the coveted part of Winnie Gekko (Gordon's daughter) in the upcoming 'Wall Street' sequel 'Money Never Sleeps,' and also walked away with co-star Shia LaBeouf's heart. (The two have been publicly dating since filming ended.)

In addition to 'Never Let Me Go,' which is slated to hit theaters this October, Mulligan may channel her inner Audrey Hepburn and play Eliza Doolittle in the upcoming 'My Fair Lady' reboot, and is also one of a handful of actresses whose names persist in being bandied about for the coveted title role in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.'

For his part, Miller, wearing his actor hat, has Paul W.S. Anderson's 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' poised to hit theaters in September and is in pre-production on a sci-fi romp called 'BioShock.'

Anne Hathaway Returns to her Princess Roots in 'One Day'

Audrey Fine — 2010-06-15T12:15:00+00:00

Oscar-nominated actress Anne Hathaway ('Rachel Getting Married') will soon find her big-screen prince charming. (Which, considering that her real life ex-fiancee ended up in the clink on racketeering charges a few years back, and her new guy reportedly stole something, is a good thing.)

The actress, who first shot to fame as Mia in 'The Princess Diaries' and has since garnered praise for her turns in films like 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Brokeback Mountain,' is set to star in the big screen adaptation of David Nicholls' bestselling novel 'One Day,' according to the AP. Oscar-nominated actress Anne Hathaway ('Rachel Getting Married') will soon find her big-screen prince charming. (Which, considering that her real life ex-fiancee ended up in the clink on racketeering charges a few years back, and her new guy reportedly stole something, is a good thing.)

The actress, who first shot to fame as Mia in 'The Princess Diaries' and has since garnered praise for her turns in films like 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Brokeback Mountain,' is set to star in the big screen adaptation of David Nicholls' bestselling novel 'One Day,' according to the AP.

The film, about a couple who meet in high school and reunite each subsequent year, a la 'Same Time, Next Year,' has been scripted by Nicolls and will be directed by Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig, who was nominated for an Academy Award last year for 'An Education.' British heartthrob Jim Sturgess ('Across the Universe') will play Dexter to Hathaway's Emma in the romantic comedy that's slated to be released next year.

Hathaway, most recently seen as the White Queen in Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland,' has several projects coming down the pike, including Ed Zwick's 'Love and Other Drugs' with 'Brokeback' love interest Jake Gyllenhaal, coming in November, and the animated flick 'Rio,' (Apr. 2011) in which she voices a tropical bird who leaves Minnesota behind for a Brazilian adventure.

Get more on Anne Hathaway at PopEater

TV Director Randall Einhorn to Direct First Feature Film

Audrey Fine — 2010-06-04T11:15:00+00:00

You can probably count on two hands the number of hot-shot television stars who've successfully navigated a leap to the big screen, and when it comes to TV directors, the number is just as small. The stats, however, aren't deterring veteran television director Randall Einhorn in the slightest.

According to an exclusive report from the Los Angeles Times, Einhorn, who's helmed such disparate fare as 'Fear Factor,' 'Modern Family' and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' has been tapped to bring 'Late Bloomer,' a story about a man who hits puberty in his late '20s, to the big screen.
You can probably count on two hands the number of hot-shot television stars who've successfully navigated a leap to the big screen, and when it comes to TV directors, the number is just as small. The stats, however, aren't deterring veteran television director Randall Einhorn in the slightest.

According to an exclusive report from the Los Angeles Times, Einhorn, who's helmed such disparate fare as 'Fear Factor,' 'Modern Family' and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' has been tapped to bring 'Late Bloomer,' a story about a man who hits puberty in his late '20s, to the big screen.

Based on journalist Ken Baker's autobiographical memoir, 'Man Made,' the script, penned by Joe Nussbaum and punched up by seasoned sitcom writers Paul Kaplan and Mark Torgrove ('Spin City,' 'Just Shoot Me'), tells the tale of a man whose rare condition delayed the onset of puberty till he was well into adulthood. Production is slated to begin soon with the movie slated for release next August.

This won't be the first career re-invention for Einhorn, who was a successful, Emmy-nominated cinematographer for shows like 'Survivor' and 'The Office' before jumping behind the lens.

'The Crow' Remake Getting Ready to Fly

Audrey Fine — 2010-06-02T12:08:00+00:00

The highly anticipated remake of 'The Crow' will soon soar into production.

"Things are moving ahead very aggressively, with the aim of doing the film this year," producer, Edward Pressman, told MTV News.

This should come as great news to fans of the cult fave who've been getting antsy since it was first announced last November that 'Blade' director, Stephen Norrington, was set to helm his script of the reboot and then, things seemed to stall. The highly anticipated remake of 'The Crow' will soon soar into production.

"Things are moving ahead very aggressively, with the aim of doing the film this year," producer, Edward Pressman, told MTV News.

This should come as great news to fans of the cult fave who've been getting antsy since it was first announced last November that 'Blade' director, Stephen Norrington, was set to helm his script of the reboot and then, things seemed to stall.

Then, in February, Norrington told Mania.com that "the producer and visual effects people [were] crunching numbers," and now, according to Pressman, casting announcements are imminent -- they're out to a "major actor" -- and production is slated to start later this year, with a projected release date of early 2011.

This version will not only boast a new look, thanks to illustrations from 'Avatar' production designer Rob Stromberg, it will also see the Crow become an actual "creature...it's not just a bird. It's got a personality and a character [and has] a more active role in the story" says Pressman.

1994's movie, based on the graphic novel by James O'Barr, had an avid following before it even hit theaters because of what had happened on set. The film's star, 28 year-old Brandon Lee (son of martial arts icon, Bruce Lee), was accidentally killed while filming a scene when he was shot with a shell from a gun that was supposed to have been filled with blanks. There were eight days left to shoot.

'The Crow' grossed more than $50 million in the U.S. and remains a cult favorite the world over.

'Friends With Benefits' Title Cleared

Audrey Fine — 2010-05-21T17:15:00+00:00

As much fun as a catfight between Jessica Biel and Mila Kunis would be, the only time Biel's boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, is making time with Kunis is on set.

Bummer though that may be, the big news is that the title for the pair's big screen romp, 'Friends With Benefits,' has been given the all-clear by Paramount. Seems that both Screen Gems (the studio behind the Timberlake/Kunis film) and Paramount were working on films called 'Friends with Benefits' and that Paramount, whose 'Friends' movie is being directed by Ivan Reitman and stars Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Kline, had lodged a complaint about it. (For the record, the film, which finds Kutcher hopelessly devoted to Portman, was originally called 'F*** Buddies' but then changed to be more multiplex-friendly.) As much fun as a catfight between Jessica Biel and Mila Kunis would be, the only time Biel's boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, is making time with Kunis is on set.

Bummer though that may be, the big news is that the title for the pair's big screen romp, 'Friends With Benefits,' has been given the all-clear by Paramount. Seems that both Screen Gems (the studio behind the Timberlake/Kunis film) and Paramount were working on films called 'Friends with Benefits' and that Paramount, whose 'Friends' movie is being directed by Ivan Reitman and stars Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Kline, had lodged a complaint about it. (For the record, the film, which finds Kutcher hopelessly devoted to Portman, was originally called 'F*** Buddies' but then changed to be more multiplex-friendly.)

According to the Hollywood Insider, though, as sometimes happens in Hollywood, they're no longer miffed, have dropped the complaint and Screen Gems is free to begin production on the movie about "two friends who's relationship gets complicated when things get romantic" in July in Los Angeles and New York.

The kicker? NBC has a midseason replacement comedy on the books called, you guessed it, 'Friends with Benefits.' This one, from the ripe minds of '(500) Days of Summer' writers Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber, is about friends looking for love but settling for, well, you get the picture. And although the show doesn't yet have an air date, an NBC spokesperson told EW they expect the movie(s) will have to change titles. For its part, Screen Gems, citing production timetables, doesn't expect there to be any problems with the duplication.

Eddie Murphy Says 'Nutty Professor 3' Might Happen

Audrey Fine — 2010-05-18T10:15:00+00:00

It looks like 'Nutty Professor 3' may be on its way, according to franchise star Eddie Murphy.

"There might be another 'Nutty Professor,' Murphy told 'Access Hollywood' on the red carpet at Sunday's 'Shrek Forever After' premiere in Los Angeles. "We wrote something that might be kind of funny. If you don't see it, the studio was like, 'This isn't funny.'"

The first two installments of the 'Nutty Professor' franchise -- based on the Jerry Lewis original from 1963 -- grossed more than $240 million at the domestic box office.

Related: What to Expect from 'Shrek Forever After' It looks like 'Nutty Professor 3' may be on its way, according to franchise star Eddie Murphy.

"There might be another 'Nutty Professor,' Murphy told 'Access Hollywood' on the red carpet at Sunday's 'Shrek Forever After' premiere in Los Angeles. "We wrote something that might be kind of funny. If you don't see it, the studio was like, 'This isn't funny.'"

The first two installments of the 'Nutty Professor' franchise -- based on the Jerry Lewis original from 1963 -- grossed more than $240 million at the domestic box office.

Related: What to Expect from 'Shrek Forever After'

As for the decade-long rumors that a fourth 'Beverly Hills Cop' is finally in the works, Murphy said, "I don't know, they've been developing [that] for years and years and years, I don't know what's going on with that."

Murphy's latest movie, 'A Thousand Words,' about a man who learns that he only has a 1,000 more words to speak before he dies, is in the can but no release date has been set.

'Shrek Forever After' hits theaters this Friday.

Disney's 'Pooh' and 'Ralph' Slated for Release

Audrey Fine — 2010-05-14T13:00:00+00:00

As the countdown to its 'Prince of Persia' (opening May 28) comes into the final stretch, Disney, according to the Hollywood Reporter, has announced release dates for its latest 'Winnie the Pooh' movie (Jul. 15, 2011) and the new kid on the block, 'Reboot Ralph' (Mar. 22, 2013).

44 years after it first licensed A. A. Milne's lovable bear, this new 'Pooh,'' directed by 'Meet the Robinsons'' Stephen Anderson and Don Hall, will feature five previously unadapted stories from the original books. With animation visionary John Lasseter (pictured) exec-producing, the film, which boasts the vocal talent of Jim Cummings as Pooh/Tigger and Craig Ferguson as Owl, will, like this year's vibrant 'The Princess and the Frog,' eschew computer generated animation in favor of traditional hand drawn cells. Burny Mattinson, a vet of the Mouse House, who worked on several of the earlier 'Pooh' films, is on board as lead storyboard artist.

As the countdown to its 'Prince of Persia' (opening May 28) comes into the final stretch, Disney, according to the Hollywood Reporter, has announced release dates for its latest 'Winnie the Pooh' movie (Jul. 15, 2011) and the new kid on the block, 'Reboot Ralph' (Mar. 22, 2013).

44 years after it first licensed A. A. Milne's lovable bear, this new 'Pooh,'' directed by 'Meet the Robinsons'' Stephen Anderson and Don Hall, will feature five previously unadapted stories from the original books. With animation visionary John Lasseter (pictured) exec-producing, the film, which boasts the vocal talent of Jim Cummings as Pooh/Tigger and Craig Ferguson as Owl, will, like this year's vibrant 'The Princess and the Frog,' eschew computer generated animation in favor of traditional hand drawn cells. Burny Mattinson, a vet of the Mouse House, who worked on several of the earlier 'Pooh' films, is on board as lead storyboard artist.

Where 'Pooh' and his pals are classic faves, 'Reboot Ralph,' which used to be known as Joe Jump (clearly those Disney folks are big on alliteration), is ultra-modern. While the story line has been kept under wraps, the 3-D romp is rumored to be about an '80s-era video game character who makes the leap into the new-fangled games of today.

In addition to 'Prince,' Disney's slate of summer movies welcomes the 3-D threequel 'Toy Story 3' (June 18) and the live-action version of 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' (July 16) that we're just hoping will feature Nic Cage dancing around with a broom like Mickey did in the original.

Doug Liman to Direct 'Three Musketeers'

Audrey Fine — 2010-05-07T17:30:00+00:00

His 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' was instrumental in creating the wonder that is Brangelina, and now, according to Variety, Doug Liman will try his directorial hand at Alexandre Dumas' classic 'The Three Musketeers' for Warner Bros.

This movie, to be penned by Peter Straughan ('The Men Who Stare at Goats') and Bridget O'Connor ('Mrs. Ratcliffe's Revolution'), is not to be confused with the 3-D adaptation that's currently underway and being directed by Britain's Paul W.S. Anderson for Summit Entertainment. His 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' was instrumental in creating the wonder that is Brangelina, and now, according to Variety, Doug Liman will try his directorial hand at Alexandre Dumas' classic 'The Three Musketeers' for Warner Bros.

This movie, to be penned by Peter Straughan ('The Men Who Stare at Goats') and Bridget O'Connor ('Mrs. Ratcliffe's Revolution'), is not to be confused with the 3-D adaptation that's currently underway and being directed by Britain's Paul W.S. Anderson for Summit Entertainment.

No word yet on who will play the dashing swashbucklers, D'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos and Athos, but we're guessing that unless Liman has the Musketeers heading to a blue plate special, it won't be Chris O'Donnell, Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland and Oliver Platt, who starred in Stephen Herrick's 1993 version.

In addition to 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' Liman was the man behind 'The Bourne Identity' and 'Jumper.'

Next up for Liman is this year's 'Fair Game,' about CIA operative Valerie Plame and her husband, Joseph Wilson. Naomi Watts and Sean Penn star in the film, which will screen at this month's Festival de Cannes.

It's Official: Hugo Weaving Is 'Captain America's' Red Skull

Audrey Fine — 2010-05-04T14:00:00+00:00

'Iron Man 2' hasn't even opened stateside yet and already Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury has new playmate.

As had been rumored, it's now been made official that Australian actor Hugo Weaving has signed on to play Johann Schmidt, aka the Red Skull, in the upcoming 'Captain America: The First Avenger' movie.

As Marvel comics aficionados know only too well, the Red Skull has had three incarnations -- none of whom you'd want to introduce to take to prom. And, while his differing alliances range from Nazis to communists, it's safe to say that this "great threat against humanity" has it in for Captain America (Chris Evans). Big time. 'Iron Man 2' hasn't even opened stateside yet and already Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury has new playmate.

As had been rumored, it's now been made official that Australian actor Hugo Weaving has signed on to play Johann Schmidt, aka the Red Skull, in the upcoming 'Captain America: The First Avenger' movie.

As Marvel comics aficionados know only too well, the Red Skull has had three incarnations -- none of whom you'd want to take to prom. And, while his differing alliances range from Nazis to communists, it's safe to say that this "great threat against humanity" has it in for Captain America (Chris Evans). Big time.

Weaving, who's had practice channeling his inner bad-ass with turns in both 'Transformers' movies as well as in the 'Matrix' series, will join the cast and his 'The Wolfman' director, Joe Johnston, on set in London this summer.

Also in the cast: 'Gossip Girl's' Sebastian Stan, as Captain America's sidekick, Bucky Barnes, and Hayley Atwell, as Peggy Carter.

Fans can resume holding their breath for the July 22, 2011, premiere date right now ...

Shia LaBeouf Signs on for 'Death'

Audrey Fine — 2010-04-29T15:28:00+00:00

Shia LaBeouf, who, in a matter months, seems to have, well, transformed from plucky young gun to certifiable leading man, has just signed on to star in 'The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman,' for Lionsgate.

According to a press release issued today, the "romantic actioner," set to be helmed by noted commercial director Dante Ariola in his feature film debut, is about a regular guy, LaBeouf's Charlie, whose love for the (as yet uncast) impossibly charming Gabi almost gets him killed -- over and over again. Seems that a crazy-violent crime boss already has set his sights on Gabi and isn't going to let some kid swoop in and steal her affections. Shia LaBeouf, who, in a matter months, seems to have, well, transformed from plucky young gun to certifiable leading man, has just signed on to star in 'The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman,' for Lionsgate.

According to a press release issued today, the "romantic actioner," set to be helmed by noted commercial director Dante Ariola in his feature film debut, is about a regular guy, LaBeouf's Charlie, whose love for the (as yet uncast) impossibly charming Gabi almost gets him killed -- over and over again. Seems that a crazy-violent crime boss already has set his sights on Gabi and isn't going to let some kid swoop in and steal her affections.

Matt Drake's original script for the project had languished on 2007's "black list" (Tinseltown's best unproduced screenplays) but is now being fast-tracked by Mandate Pictures to begin production this fall.

LaBeouf's latest, as legions of little French girls are no doubt aware, 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,' is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month and will hit theaters in September.

Warner Bros., IMAX Sign 20-Picture Deal

Audrey Fine — 2010-04-28T13:15:00+00:00

Fasten your seatbelts, Hobbit fans: Warner Bros. and IMAX just closed a deal that's going to send you on quite a ride.

As part of their new agreement to release as many as 20 movies in the IMAX format over the next three-and-a-half years, Warner Bros. announced that Guillermo del Toro's highly anticipated adaptation of 'The Hobbit' will be hitting the big -- and very big -- screen in December 2013.

UPDATE: According to Heat Vision, Warner Bros. is scheduling 'The Hobbit' for a two-part release, in December 2012 and December 2013. Fasten your seatbelts, Hobbit fans: Warner Bros. and IMAX just closed a deal that's going to send you on quite a ride.

As part of their new agreement to release as many as 20 movies in the IMAX format over the next three-and-a-half years, Warner Bros. announced that Guillermo del Toro's highly anticipated adaptation of 'The Hobbit' will be hitting the big -- and very big -- screen in December 2013.

UPDATE: According to Heat Vision, Warner Bros. is scheduling 'The Hobbit' for a two-part release, in December 2012 and December 2013.

"We're thrilled to join with IMAX in bringing global audiences new and exciting experiences through the 3-D IMAX format," Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, said in a statement. "We have a tremendously powerful slate of quality tentpole films, and as IMAX theaters continue to expand internationally, more and more audiences will have the opportunity to experience our films using this exciting format."

Among those titles that will be joining Bilbo and co. in IMAX format are 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows' parts 1 and 2 (Nov. 19, 2010, and Jul, 15, 2011, respectively), 'Legends of the Guardian: The Owls of Ga'Hoole' (Sept. 24, 2010) and 'Happy Feet 2' (Nov. 18, 2011).

Other action packed Warner Bros. titles, including 'Batman 3,' 'Superman' and 'Dark Shadows,' will also make the leap to IMAX.

'Dog Day Afternoon' Scribe Prepares for 'Winter'

Audrey Fine — 2010-04-27T12:45:00+00:00

Hollywood may be run by young guns, but there's a pedigreed old-timer who's poised to make a big splash -- again.

According to Variety, Oscar-winning scribe Frank Pierson will write the script for '17 Days of Winter,' a 3-D Korean War epic. And, oh yeah, he's going to be 85 on May 12.

Pierson, who won the original screenwriting Oscar for 'Dog Day Afternoon' in 1975 and was nominated for 'Cat Ballou' and 'Cool Hand Luke,' told Variety that he's been busy writing for the last 20 years but just hasn't sold anything. "I've been like everybody else in the movie business," he said. "I've been doing scripts that just didn't get made." Hollywood may be run by young guns, but there's a pedigreed old-timer who's poised to make a big splash -- again.

According to Variety, Oscar-winning scribe Frank Pierson will write the script for '17 Days of Winter,' a 3-D Korean War epic. And, oh yeah, he's going to be 85 on May 12.

Pierson, who won the original screenwriting Oscar for 'Dog Day Afternoon' in 1975 and was nominated for 'Cat Ballou' and 'Cool Hand Luke,' told Variety that he's been busy writing for the last 20 years but just hasn't sold anything. "I've been like everybody else in the movie business," he said. "I've been doing scripts that just didn't get made."

That doesn't mean he hasn't been working, though. The multi-faceted, Harvard grad served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2001-2005 and was a consultant on 'Mad Men' last season.

But it's as a World War II veteran that Pierson will bring a special insight to '17 Days of Winter.' The project focuses on the pivotal battle at the Choisin Reservoir, which saw American soldiers -- who were outnumbered 10:1 -- fight the Chinese in sub-zero conditions.

The battle is particularly intriguing to Pierson as a writer because it brought experienced WWII soldiers back into the fray. As he told Variety, "The only people they had to put into the Marine division were leaders from WWII who were then in their 30s. Serving with them were 17- and 18-year-old volunteers who had never even been to boot camp. That gives an opportunity for getting inside those characters. What was it like for these kids who were being mentored by these battle-hardened veterans?"

'17 Days of Winter,' which will be directed by Eric Brevig ('Journey to the Center of the Earth'), is prepping to shoot in South Korea and New Zealand and is eying a 2012 release.