Die Hard 5 gets a director

Noam Murro (Smart People) will direct Bruce Willis in Die Hard 5.

Brucie has reportedly been keen to do another Die Hard movie (or two), and Murro has been brought in by 20th Century Fox to direct the next installment in John McClane's adventures.

Smart People is Churro's only previous feature as a director. The indie dramedy starred Dennis Quaid, Thomas Haden Church, Sarah Jessica Parker and Ellen Page as a highly intelligent, but dysfunctional, family unit.

While that movie may not make him sound like the ideal candidate for a high-octane action gig, he has also impressed studio bosses with a recent campaign for a Halo videogame.

Willis is also due to appear in Stephen Frears' Lay The Favourite, alongside Rebecca Hall.

Die Hard 4.0 was something of a disappointment for fans of the series, as it didn't really have that Die Hard 'feel' to it. It'll be interesting to see if Murro can reinvigorate the franchise.
Bruce Willis is also set for a sequel to OAP actioner Red.

Source: Deadline

Charlize Theron confirmed for Ridley Scott's Prometheus

Charlize Theron is in final negotiations to take on a role in Ridley Scott's Prometheus.

20th Century Fox were said to be keen for an A-list actress to star alongside original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Noomi Rapace, who had already taken one of the lead female roles.

The project was originally touted as an Alien prequel, although now it's reported to be a more distinct, standalone sci-fi piece.

Michael Fassbender, who's also starring in Prometheus, spoke to MTV (via Slashfilm) to explain the connection between this movie and its forebears.

The actor stated: "There's definitely a connecting vein. You realise you're part of something else, but it's definitely in keeping with the old ones."

“When I read it, I was like, ‘Well, okay, another Alien. Where do you go with this idea?’ And then I sort of read the script, and it’s new, yet it’s in keeping with the old traditions as well. But there’s a whole new revelation within this film.”

“The first Alien [movies], they were thrillers. Something’s going on. It’s creeping, it’s sinister. Things are happening, it’s building, [and there are] different sorts of intrigues and politics going on between the different relationships on board."

"There’s action in it, but the intelligence is what struck me when I read it. It’s more sort of like the original ones. There are things happening and building, and the intelligence of the first two-thirds of the film gets you ready for the action.”

Scott's return to sci-fi is a truly-mouthwatering project. If the director and his top-notch cast can even manage half of the scares, intelligence and originality of Alien, we'll be in for an absolute treat.

Fassbender will next be seen in Jane Eyre and X-Men: First Class.

Source: Slashfilm

Affleck and Damon to 'Hit Somebody'?

Kevin Smith wants to team up with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for his final film.

In what will be sad news to his legion of fans, the controversial director told MTV that ice hockey comedy 'Hit Somebody' will be his final film. And he's keen to use actors from his previous movies to star in his final directorial outing, including his recurring actors Affleck, and Damon. The pair have starred in several of Smith's movies, including 'Dogma' and 'Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back'.

He said, "That means I can pull from my entire history of film. They’re all coming back. It’s like 'The Muppet Movie'. You’ve got your core cast, and then a zillion cameos… It’s going to sum everything up. We’ll have a team in Boston, and who do you think I’m going to call? Both of those dudes.

Despite their public differences while working on last year's police comedy 'Cop Out', Smith even joked that he would let Bruce Willis star in the movie.

"I'm not even ruling out Bruce Willis at this point. I'd duck, but I'd put a stick in Willis' hand."

'Hit Somebody' will focus on a not particularly great hockey player who is used purely for his talents as a fighter on the ice.

Jennifer Lawrence set for Oliver Stone’s Savages

Oscar-nominated Winter’s Bone actress Jennifer Lawrence has signed on to work with Oliver Stone in new movie Savages.

Based on the bestseller by Don Winslow, Savages is a dug-fuelled crime saga set in Laguna Beach, where the Baja Cartel are offing any drug dealers who don’t sell their substances through them.

When Ophelia, the beautiful accomplice to pushers Ben and Chon, is kidnapped and held ransom for $1m, they’re tipped into a druggy warfare that has only one bloody outcome.

Lawrence, whose fierce turn in Winter’s Bone has made her a hot contender at this year’s Oscars, will play Ophelia.

Meanwhile Stone, who is hoping to film this June, has Leo DiCaprio, Aaron Johnson, James Franco, Tom Hardy and Garrett Hedlund on his list as potential dealers. Benicio Del Toro is also wanted to play a Mexican leader.

Next up for Lawrence is X-Men: First Class, The Beaver and Like Crazy. Her busy year is only going to get busier.

Source: Deadline

The Social Network named Film of the Year by The Critics' Circle

 

With the Oscars marching ever closer (27 February, folks) and the BAFTAs taking place this Sunday, The London Critics' Circle Awards were handed out last night.

With The Social Network picking up Film of the Year, and Director of the Year for David Fincher, it's still hard to guess which movie will end up taking home the Best Picture Oscar this year.
There's a clear favourite for the Best Actor gong though, with Colin Firth given another award to weigh down his mantlepiece.The full list of winners were as follows:

•  Film of the Year: (The Social Network)
•  The Attenborough Award: British Film of the Year: (The King’s Speech)
•  Foreign Language Film of the Year: (Of Gods and Men)
•  Actor of the Year: Colin Firth (The King’s Speech)
•  Actress of the Year: Annette Bening (The Kids Are All Right)
•  British Actor of the Year: Christian Bale (The Fighter)
•  British Actress of the Year: Lesley Manville (Another Year)
•  British Actor in a Supporting Role: Andrew Garfield (The Social Network)
•  British Actress in a Supporting Role: Olivia Williams (The Ghost)
•  Young British Performer of the Year: Conor McCarron (NEDs)
•  Director of the Year: David Fincher (The Social Network)
•  British Director of the Year: Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech)
•  Screenwriter of the Year: Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network)
•  Breakthrough British Film-Maker: Gareth Edwards (Monsters)
•  Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film:  Kristin Scott Thomas

There's not a huge amount to disagree with on that list really, and it's nice to see TF fave Andrew Garfield getting some recognition, along with Monsters director Gareth Edwards.

It'll be interesting to see how this compares to the BAFTA line-up on Sunday...

Source: Critics' Circle

First look at The Hobbit cast

With The Hobbit movie adap officially wending its way (very slowly) into a reality, the first shot of the film’s cast has appeared online.

Though Lord Of The Rings alumni Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood are absent, it does give us a good look at our Tolkien newbies.

So that’s Martin Freeman to the right, with James Nesbitt, Richard Armitage and William Kircher all present.

They all met together at a press conference in Wellington. Sadly, Peter Jackson was unable to attend owing to his medical problems.

Filming on The Hobbit is finally set to commence in New Zealand on 21 March, so this is just the first of many images we’re bound to have flooding in from the production in the coming months.

The Hobbit Part 1 opens December 2012.

Source: Stuff

Russell Brand’s Arthur gets a first trailer

The first trailer for Russell Brand’s Arthur remake has landed online.

Following the exploits of drunken playboy Arthur (Brand), the film sees him mollycoddled by his nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren) and set to lose his fortune.
The original film was released in 1981, and bagged two Academy Awards - one for Best Music, and one for Best Supporting Actor (John Gielgud).

Check out the trailer CLICK HERE

With its David Bowie soundtrack, Batmobile cameo and raunchy-crazy Jennifer Garner, this remake seems to have thrown in everything it can think of.

Including a scene-stealing Helen Mirren, who’s bound to make the entire thing worthwhile – and balance out Brand’s squeaky-voiced mayhem. Of which there is sure to be a lot.

Arthur opens 22 April.

Hilarious? Or horrible? Are you looking forward to this remake? Spill your guts below...

Stanley Tucci and Bill Nighy cast in Jack the Giant Killer

 

Bryan Singer's Jack the Giant Killer has got its first two official cast members in the form of Stanley Tucci and Bill Nighy.

Tucci will be playing villain Roderick, an advisor to the king. His chilling villain in The Lovely Bones was one of that film's few genuine successes, and he received an Oscar nom for his performance.

Nighy is set to play Fallon, the leader of the giants. The character is apparently two-headed, with John Kassir joining Nighy in the role.

Playing CGI-augemented villain Davy Jones in two Pirates of the Caribbean franchise entries brought Nighy great acclaim.

Tucci will be seen later this year in Captain America: The First Avenger, and Nighy's reprising his role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Despite rumours that Kick-Ass star Aaron Johnson would be playing Jack, the lead character has yet to be cast.

The movie, which is co-scripted by Usual Suspects writer Christopher McQuarrie, is a revisionist take on the 'Jack and the Beanstalk' fairytale. In this version, Jack is tasked with rescuing a kidnapped princess who has been taken to the giants' kingdom.

Singer is also acting as a producer on the upcoming X-Men: First Class. His last movie with McQuarrie, Valkyrie, received a lukewarm reception from critics.

Jack the Giant Killer is set for release sometime in 2012.

Source: TheWrap.com

'Glee’ Creator To Direct Willow Smith’s ‘Annie?’

I might be one of the few people who thinks the upcoming Annie adaptation starring Willow Smith (daughter of Will Smith) is a brilliant idea, especially with the involvement of rapper Jay-Z (who famously sampled the orphan on Hard Knock Life in 1998) but the latest news on the project (via Deadline) has significantly lowered my expectations for the project. They are reporting that Sony is approaching Glee creator Ryan Murphy to serve as director on the musical.

The man clearly knows musicals but his directorial style leaves much to be desired. Eat, Pray, Love and Running With Scissors were both massive let downs despite strong source material and although Glee started out strong, the show has run itself into the ground with shrill characters and a lack of consistent plot.
I still have high hopes that Smith will make a fantastic Annie but I remain skeptical to whether Murphy is the right guy for the job. This definitely seems like a job better suited for an Adam Shankman type.

What do you think of the choice to go with Murphy? Can he translate the initial Glee success into a big screen musical?

Twilight screenwriter taking on Highlander reboot

Twilight screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg is in talks to lend her talents to the production of the Highlander reboot.

The scribe, who has written all of the Twilight adaptation scripts with a keen eye on the fans, is in demand to help hone the Highlander redo’s screenplay.

Should we expect the new Highlander (originally played by Christopher Lambert) to become a celibate hero whose call to fight is interrupted when a mopy teenage girl crosses his path?

Producer Neal Moritz has promised that the new film will “stay true to the core of what we believe Highlander is”, so we’re thinking not.

The draft of the script that Rosenberg would work from was contributed by National Treasure’s The Wibberleys, which perhaps explains why it’s in need of a buff.

Fast Five director Justin Lin will helm the remake.

Source: Heat Vision

High? Or low? What do you think Rosenberg can bring to the reboot's script? Talk it out below...

Iron Man 3 to be written and directed by Shane Black?

Jon Favreau’s ditched Iron Man 3, but it seems that Marvel have found a replacement writer-director in the form of Shane Black.

No doubt recommended by Robert Downey Jr. himself, who worked with Black on the brilliant crime caper Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Black has officially met with Marvel regarding the film.

Having also written the first two Lethal Weapon films, Black’s no stranger to all-out action and snappy dialogue, though he’s yet to broach a comic book movie.

Considering the one-liner-loaded efforts of his previous films, we’re sure Black would bring a certain pizzazz to a third Iron Man – not least because he’d probably be able to turn in a finished script before filming (something Favs never managed).

THR caution that although Black is in talks to write Iron Man’s third cinematic outing, there’s no guarantee that he’ll also be offered the directing job.

Iron Man 3 is due to open in May 2013.

Source: THR

Kiss kiss? Or bang bang? What do you think of Black taking on IM3? Talk it out below...

Liam Neeson talks Taken 2 and The Dark Knight Rises

Liam Neeson has spoken about the possibility of appearing in follow-ups to two of his biggest hits.

When MTV asked the actor about the surprise success of actioner Taken, he responded: "It just seemed to hit a pulse in people, it did very, very well which I'm thrilled about and we're hoping to do another one next year sometime."

When Neeson was asked to elaborate on the sequel, he said: "Taken 2... Who's gonna get taken?"

He couldn't offer any plot details yet though, simply saying "[They're] working on a script."

Neeson did also state that he didn't expect the movie to be a prequel, as some have suggested.

In related new, Neeson also said that he "definitely" won't be appearing in The Dark Knight Rises, which would conflict with the shoot for Clash sequel Wrath of the Titans anyway.

While his exit from Batman Begins pretty much ruled out his return, you can never be sure you've seen the end of a villain like Ra's Al Ghul, and The Dark Knight Rises is obviously going to be subject to endless amounts of scrutiny until it's released.

Source: Den of Geek

Are you keen to see Taken 2? Would you have wanted Ra's to return to Nolan's franchise? Tell us below!

Rosamund Pike feels the Wrath Of The Titans

Rosamund Pike may have been showing interest in comic book adaptations of late, but the Brit actress has also revealed she favours Greek myths, having signed on to Wrath Of The Titans.

The sequel to last year’s Clash Of The Titans is being set up with Jonathan Liebesman at the helm, and is due out March 2012.

Pike will play Andromeda, the role previously played in Clash by Alexa Davalos, who was apparently “unavailable” for the sequel. Once bitten, eh Alexa?

Deadline report that the role will be expanded for the toga-toting sequel – presumably Pike will do more than just look upset and get strung up as bait for a Kraken.

The actress is also currently contending for a role in Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot, and was once attached to X-Men: First Class. She's currently filming Johnny English Reborn.

Source: Deadline

Strike? Or like? Glad to see Pike a part of the sequel? Release your inner Kraken below...

James Franco discusses “pain” of making 127 Hours

James Franco isn’t only hosting this year’s Oscars (alongside Anne Hathaway), he’s also earned himself an Academy nomination for his role in arm-sawing drama 127 Hours.

While attending the Awards Luncheon on Monday, the actor spoke to Pop Sugar about the physical stress that he underwent for the part.

“There was a lot of physical pain, and [director] Danny [Boyle] knew that it was going to cause a lot of pain,” he revealed. “And I asked him after we did the movie, 'How did you know how far you could push it?'

“I had bruises, scars... and there were some shots of my bare arm, and it looked like track marks, and that was the Trainspotting Boyle, [he] got me hooked on heroin or something.
"So I had plenty of scars. And Danny said he looks at the actor, and that the actor will say when it's too far.”

The actor went on to reveal that while shooting he also got “exhausted; it became less of a façade I put on and more of an experience that I went through”.

Franco will co-host the 83rd Academy Awards on 27 February.

Think Franco deserves the Oscar for his troubles? Drop us your thoughts below...

Boyle & Beaufoy Working Together Again on Werewolf Film

After their last two collaborations, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours, each earned Best Picture nominations (and with the former winning; the latter still to be decided), it makes sense that Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy would want to work together again. They certainly had similarities in terms of style and tone, but feel like, at least to me, completely different works. So it also shouldn’t be a surprise that their next collaboration could be something different that what they’ve worked on in the past.

And that next collaboration may be what’s been described as a werewolves-in-gangland-LA film, based on the epic poem Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow. Speaking to InContention, he revealed new details about the project, stating that he’s been taking ride-alongs with members of the LAPD in Compton and Watts as preparation for the script. The story was described as Boyz N the Hood if the characters in that film transformed into violent dogs at night. I can’t say I’ve ever heard of something like this before, and it has my attention if for no other reason than that.

Also, Beaufoy spoke to BBC America, and gave some more details on the potential movie, including the mix of genre they’re going for. His quote that best sums it up is that it’s “a police procedural mixed with a werewolf film”. He was fairly honest about the adaptation, saying that “If you get it wrong, it’s a disaster. If you get it right, it’s extraordinary.” Let’s hope for the latter in this case, because I would love to see this not only come to fruition, but to also live up to its high potential.

I love both Slumdog and 127 Hours, and this gets me excited in part because of how different it sounds, so this seems like a project that’s too interesting for us to never see.

‘The Beaver’ Pushed Back Two Months

In what could very well be the last change of any kind for the Jodie Foster-directed, Mel Gibson-starring The Beaver, TheWrap tells us that the film has been pushed back from a March 23rd release date to May 6, with a wide release now occurring on May 20th. The movie has hit kind of a snag over the past year, due to Gibson‘s rants against his ex-girlfriend hurting his already fragile public image, which lead to some questioning if the movie would even get a theatrical release in the United States. And while we are, we’ll just have to wait a couple of more months for it to actually happen.

Summit, the film’s studio, didn’t give a reason for the date change, although there’s always one. Whether it could have something to do with the movies close ties with its SXSW premiere and original release, or has to do with a confidence in a summer release, has not been revealed.

I’m not exactly heartbroken over this, though; my fondness of and respect for Gibson has dwindled down to almost nothing by this point. Without getting too deep into territory that’s not actually my business, I still don’t feel comfortable watching him onscreen anymore, especially after his latest psychotic behavior. And even if that never occurred, I was also left kind of underwhelmed by the movie’s trailer, so my excitement for it is generally low altogether. Still, most people have said that they would still be willing to see a new movie with him, so the film’s box office chances don’t seem like they’re that greatly affected.

The Beaver is now receiving limited release on May 6th, with a wide release occurring on May 20th.

Were you excited to see The Beaver, and does this release date change bother you?

Mr Men heading to the big screen

Colourful. Often Smarties-shaped. Named after verbs and adjectives. The Mr Men have been popular with children the world over for generations. And now they’re getting a movie.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Roger Hargreaves’ books have been snapped up by 20th Century Fox Animation, who are collaborating with Night At The Museum director Shawn Levy on a film version of the books.

Levy, who’s just signed to direct Fantastic Voyage, will act as producer only, and will help Fox find a suitable writer and director for the project.

No word yet how the studio plan on tackling the 48 Mr Men books – we’re personally hoping for a sly twist on Mad Men in which the characters all work in an ad agency and sit about smoking and drinking whiskey all day.

First published in 1971, over 100 million Mr Men books have been sold worldwide in 28 countries. An animated series, The Mr Men Show, aired on Channel 5 between 2008 and 2009.

Source: THR

Mr Happy? Or Mr Furious? Fancy seeing Mr Men turned into a movie? Sound off below...

Meryl Streep Plays Margaret Thatcher

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the first image of Meryl Streep in her Margaret Thatcher guise for The Iron Lady.

Despite sniggering when we first saw the pic, we can't deny that the likeness is uncanny.

Streep may as well collect an Oscar nod for this now, as it's surely inevitable that playing Maggie will add to her enviable Academy Award record.

The film focuses on the run-up to the Falklands War in 1982, and also stars Jim Broadbent as Denis Thatcher.

Alexandra Roach and Harry Lloyd play the younger incarnations of the Thatchers, and Richard E. Grant, Olivia Colman and Anthony Head round out the cast.

Streep said of the role: “The prospect of exploring the swathe cut through history by this remarkable woman is a daunting and exciting challenge."

"I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervour and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses – I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach her own!”

Shooting began at the end of January, with the film set for release later this year.

Source: Hollywood News

Liam Neeson discusses his Hangover 2 cameo

Liam Neeson came to the rescue of The Hangover 2 last year when Mel Gibson’s scheduled cameo appearance was spiked at the last minute.

Now, the A-Team star has spoken out about his time with the Hangover boys, and revealed it was an “intense” time.

“Oh, it was [fun], it was,” he says. “It was pretty intense. I was only there for one day - a Sunday, as far as I remember.

“But it was good to be with Bradley Cooper - he's a buddy - and the other two gentlemen [Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis], I'd never met them before, but I love what they do.”

Neeson will pitch up in the comedy sequel as an Irish tattoo artist living in Bangkok. He visited the film’s central trio on the WB’s California lot, where a Thai city set had been built.

The actor’s compliments don’t end there, as he adds that “the three of them … reinvent the Three Stooges in a very funny way”. Nice work if you can get it.

The Hangover 2 opens on 27 May.

Gibson? Or Neeson? Would you have preferred the former to make a cameo? Spill your guts below...

 

Hollywood stars who need a hit in 2011

It's a new year and everyone wants to look to the future with optimism – including Hollywood stars, especially those who have had their fingers burnt at the box office in 2010. No doubt starring in a hit film would have been among the following actors' New Year's resolutions.

Angelina Jolie


The summer thriller 'Salt' showed off Jolie's action chops and performed reasonably at the box office. However, the recent pairing of Jolie and Depp in breezy Hitchcockian tale 'The Tourist' was supposed to be the box office ace up her sleeve. Unfortunately, the film was a huge flop – her worst opening in six years.

Depp, who enjoyed huge success with 'Alice in Wonderland', has the next 'Pirates of the Caribbean' adventure to look forward to – about as bankable as any franchise out there. Jolie, meanwhile, is completing her directorial debut – her untitled film about the Bosnian war. Not the easiest subject to tackle. So let's hope the forthcoming 'Kung Fu Panda 2' is as big a hit as the first one.

Bruce Willis

Put a white vest on Bruce Willis and you're guaranteed a captivated audience. It’s when he's not battling terrorists single-handedly, however, that he has a problem.
Kevin Smith's 'Cop Out' should have been called 'Flop Out' – and it went from bad to worse for Willis with his pensioner assassin action comedy 'Red'. The film, which also starred Dame Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman, was a box office dud. A shame, as Willis isn't bad in the film. Maybe audiences are getting bored of his post-John McClane wise guy smirk. Let's hope he has more luck this year.

Jennifer Aniston

2010 was a bad year for Aniston. It was recently reported that sales of her perfume were dropping, and it's not been the sweet smell of success at the box office of late either. 'The Switch' was just the latest in a long line of flops that have followed Aniston's career since becoming a national sweetheart thanks to 'Friends'. It didn't help that Forbes speculated “at what point will Hollywood give up on Jennifer Aniston”. Ouch.

Luckily she has comedy 'Just Go With It' alongside Adam Sandler coming out in February. While she has problems selling a movie as the main star, she has had much more success when she's the co-star with an established funnyman, as her biggest hits 'The Break-Up' (Vince Vaughn) 'Marley & Me' (Owen Wilson) and 'Bruce Almighty' (Jim Carrey) have proved.

Tom Cruise

Once the world's most bankable star, Tom Cruise is so badly in need of a bona fide hit it's untrue. Cruise still had the pick of the scripts last year as he hoped to turn his fortunes around. He passed on 'Salt' and 'The Tourist' in favour of 'Knight and Day' – a star-driven vehicle alongside Cameron Diaz. However, Hollywood must have known their former golden boy was losing his lustre, preferring to hide their stars on the film's poster in favour of silhouettes.

The film was another flop for Cruise, and he must have his fingers crossed in hope of success for the forthcoming 'Mission: Impossible' sequel 'Ghost Protocol' – the fourth in the franchise. However, it must be noted that the filmmakers have publicly talked about potentially making Jeremy Renner (who is making his series debut in the film) the star of future 'Mission: Impossible' instalments.

Megan Fox

Superstardom beckoned for Megan Fox after showing off her ample curves in 'Transformers'. However, her first leading role – 'Jennifer's Body' – failed not only to bring in her expected male audience, but hardly any audience at all. She may have only had a supporting role in western misfire 'Jonah Hex', but last year's turkey was not something she needed to be associated with as she still tries to find a hit film without the aid of CGI robots. Fox, who won't be starring in the third 'Transformers' film, really needs a hit of her own.

Mel Gibson

Troubled actor Mel Gibson will be looking at the likes of Mickey Rourke and Robert Downey Jr this year, and hoping that his personal problems will be forgiven by the cinema-going public. Last year's 'The Edge of Darkness' failed to make an impact, and that was before tapes of his alleged angry phone rants at his Russian ex-girlfriend were leaked to the world.

So everything is riding on the much talked-about 'The Beaver' – a story about a depressed man who ends up getting a second chance in life with the help of a hand puppet beaver. 2011 is a make-or-break year for the one-time Hollywood superstar.

Renee Zellweger

She won the hearts of cinemagoers in both 'Jerry Maguire' and 'Bridget Jones', and excelled in films like 'Cold Mountain', 'Chicago' and 'Nurse Betty'. So why does she need a hit film? 2009's 'New In Town' flopped, while previous films like 'Down with Love', 'Miss Potter' and 'Leatherheads' failed to attract a big audience.

However, it was last year's thriller 'Case 39' that saw her box office low point – the film performed dismally in the US. Zellweger isn't attached to anything yet this year but we think she had better snap up a film promptly, particularly if it happens to involve a particular chain-smoking, heavy drinking, neurotic British woman.

Reese Witherspoon

Is Reese Witherspoon's star beginning to fade? That is certainly the question Hollywood bigwigs will be asking following the disastrous box office takings of her comedy 'How Do You Know'.

The film, which cost over £75 million, became one of the biggest flops of 2010. Its muddled marketing campaign and half baked script didn't help, but this is the woman who made her fans forget about such script concerns in several other comedies. Luckily, she has period drama 'Water for Elephants' lined up for 2011. Doesn't sound promising? Well, she's teaming up with 'Twilight' star Robert Pattinson. So a healthy box office is expected.Cop Out' should have been called 'Flop Out' – and it went from bad to worse for Willis with his pensioner assassin action comedy 'Red'. The film, which also starred Dame Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman, was a box office dud. A shame, as Willis isn't bad in the film. Maybe audiences are getting bored of his post-John McClane wise guy smirk. Let's hope he has more luck this year.

Affleck to direct Clooney's hostage movie

Ben Affleck is in talks to direct George Clooney's project Argo, it has been reported.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Affleck may come on board to helm a film that was set up at Warner Bros by Clooney.

The movie, based on an article in Wired Magazine, tells the story of a CIA rescue operation to save six US diplomats held hostage in Iran in 1979.

Variety reports that the plot focuses on a scheme concocted by the CIA, which involved using a fake movie project titled 'Argo' to help the hostages escape.

Should Affleck accept the position, it will be his first directing assignment since The Town.

Fernandez "happy" to miss 'Twilight' role

Shiloh Fernandez has claimed that he is happy he did not get cast as Edward Cullen in the Twilight movies.

The Red Riding Hood actor auditioned for the role but told Wonderland that he is glad to have avoided the level of fame it would have granted.

According to Metro, Fernandez said: "It makes me happy that I didn't do it. How can you want that for yourself? How can you wish that on anybody?

"I think [Robert] Pattinson handled it really well - he seems like a neat kid, interesting and kind of strange, but I wasn't in the right mind to take any of that.

"I wasn't mentally prepared to have any sort of success in that way. Even with this tiny, tiny morsel of fame I'm experiencing now I still feel uncomfortable."

Previously, Fernandez told VMAN: "No-one had any idea what Twilight would become. At the time, it was just another audition. I didn't realise I was missing out on stardom and giant paychecks.

"Now, looking back on it, I certainly wouldn't have been mentally stable enough to deal with all that. Lucky for me, not getting that part led to other work that was a much better fit for me."

'Inception', 'Social Network' win WGA Awards

Inception and The Social Network have scooped prizes at the 2011 Writers Guild of America awards.

Christopher Nolan's mind-bending science fiction thriller took home the 'Original Screenplay' award ahead of Black Swan, The Fighter, The Kids Are All Right and Please Give.

Aaron Sorkin was awarded the 'Adapted Screenplay' prize for his Facebook drama The Social Network. Sorkin's script - inspired by Ben Mezrich's book The Accidental Billionaires - beat out 127 Hours, I Love You Phillip Morris, The Town and True Grit for the gong.

Sorkin's WGA victory follows his win at the Golden Globes last month.

Elsewhere, Charles Ferguson, Chad Beck, and Adam Bolt's financial meltdown movie Inside Job was awarded the 'Documentary Screenplay' prize.

Has Nick found a female for The Avengers?

There has been word recently that Samuel L. Jackson's S.H.I.E.L.D. leader Nick Fury will be joined by a female sidekick for The Avengers.

Now Deadline are reporting that Cobie Smulders, best known for TV show How I Met Your Mother, is the front runner to play S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in Joss Whedon's superhero epic.

She could be locked in before the weekend is out, after besting competition that included Firefly's Morena Baccarin, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jessica Lucas.

As the ruthless agent, Smulders could see herself committed to several Marvel movies if she takes the role.

She'll be joining Scarlett Johansson as one of the rare ladies in a testosterone-heavy cast that features Robert Downey Jr, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo and, of course, Samuel L. Jackson.

The Avengers is set for release on 4 May 2012.

Source: Deadline

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Martin Freeman talks about daunting Hobbit role

Martin Freeman has admitted he feels daunted as he prepares to don Bilbo Baggins' furry feet for The Hobbit.

The actor, best known for his British TV work, was cast in Peter Jackson's two-part Tolkein epic several months ago, after almost missing the opportunity due to Sherlock commitments.

Freeman said he was nervous about about journeying to New Zealand when he spoke to Modcast's Eddie Piller: "It's very daunting - the daunting part is leaving home…"

"I'm a real homebody, even before we had children, I was a homebody, so with children it's like aww... I'm very excited though."

He also spoke about almost missing out on the chance to play Bilbo: "I had to turn it down because of being contractually obliged to do the second series of Sherlock for the BBC, which we are doing in the middle of this year."

"I turned it down with a very heavy heart because things like this don't come your way very often. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as far as scale is concerned."

"It's a huge, huge deal. But I was contracted to do Sherlock. I wanted to do both."

Freeman added: "When I found out I couldn't do both it was very sad. And then it was very flattering when Peter Jackson rearranged the filming around my availability."

In other good Hobbit news, Peter Jackson is reported to have left hospital after undergoing surgery for a perforated ulcer.

The Hobbit is due to start shooting next month, with Part 1 still scheduled for release in December 2012.

Source: UKPA

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