Sunday, February 28, 2010

ANTONIO BANDERAS MAKING A FILM ABOUT MOORISH SULTAN BOABDIL

After a few unsuccessful years in Hollywood, Antonio Banderas has taken things into his own hands so he will produce, write and direct a biopic on Boabdil according to "FirstShowingNet". The exotic historical movie will tell the story of Abu Abdullah Muhammad XII, the last Muslim ruler of the Emirate of Granada in Spain. Despite the foreign setting and characters, the film will be shoot completely in English but not before 2012. since Banderas hasn't found financing yet. Antonio Banderas hasn't given himself the main role but he will do a supporting one as General Gonzalo de Cordoba, who captured the kingdom for the Christians.
Boabdil spent many years fighting his own father and uncle for the throne, he also invaded Castile, but after many battles he had to surrender the city of Granada to Ferdinand and Isabella, king and queen of Castile and Aragon. The spot from which Muhammad XII looked for the last time on Granada while his royal party was moving to exile is known today as "the Moor's last sigh". King Ferdinand celebrated the conquest of Granada by taking Boabdil's daughter as one of his mistresses, and she became the mother of one of his illegitimate sons, after which she became a nun.

BRENDAN FRASER A VICTIM OF "FURRY VENGEANCE"

If you are a fan of Brendan Fraser's family movies, than you won't have anything against a little bit of "Furry Vengeance". Coming out this April this cute story follows a real estate developer who moves his family from Chicago to Oregon when his job calls for him to oversee the building of a major housing development. But when his latest project threatens the homes of the local forest creatures, the animals seek revenge by turning a peaceful cul-de-sac under construction into a battlefield of epic proportions. It’s man versus nature and the fur is gonna fly! Check out all the adorable animals (and a little bit less adorable Brooke Shields) in the trailer.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

THANDIE NEWTON, JASON ISAACS AND DAVID TENANT IN "RETREAT"

Huh, a movie full of lethally sexy British people, now who wouldn't enjoy that? According to "Screen Daily" three talented British stars stunning Thandie Newton, hunky Jason Issacs and goofy David Tenant have all signed to star in "Retreat". The film will center on a troubled couple (Newton and Issacs) who take some time off on a remote island to try and heal their relationship. The trip takes a nasty turn when a sickly military man (Tenant) appears at their doorstep and tells them that a virus is claiming the lives of millions back on the mainland. The shooting will start this May in Canada.

Friday, February 26, 2010

CIARAN HINDS TO PLAY MARTIAN EMPEROR IN SF SAGA "JOHN CARTER OF MARS"

Once an emperor always an emperor: after playing Caesar in legendary "Rome" Ciaran Hinds will become a Martian emperor in "John Carter of Mars". With James Purefoy and Polly Walker he's the third star of "Rome" who will jump from A.D. to distant future. Here's what he said about shooting the upcoming sf blockbuster in a recent interview:
They are shooting the film at the moment. I have a small role in that. I have already shot on it for a couple of days. Then I go back to the set in March to shot for another six or eight days. I'm playing Tardes Mors, one of the leaders of Mars. I am the father of the female protagonist. She is played by Lynn Collins. Andrew Stanton is directing it. He shot "Finding Nemo" and "Wall-E". Those wonderful films. He had thought of me to play one kind of leader on Mars. It was a thrill to meet him knowing he'd made these classic films.
Ciaran will also appear as Albus Dumbledore's younger brother Aberforth in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows".

Thursday, February 25, 2010

"THE FLASH" HAS FOUND ITSELF A DIRECTOR?

"Movieweb" has just released the story about Greg Berlanti being Warner Bros. top contender to direct "The Flash" movie. Berlanti is one of the writers and producers on the studio's "Green Lantern" film, which will be released in 2011, and he was originally attached to direct before they brought Martin Campbell on board. The studio praised his prep work on "Green Lantern", which lead to his front-runner status to direct "The Flash".
As you know the Flash possesses "super-speed", which includes the ability to run and move extremely fast, use superhuman reflexes and seemingly violate certain laws of physics. Most of us remember Flash from CBS show starring double-Emmy Award winner John Wesley Shipp in which he became a crime fighting hero of Central City after surviving a lightning-induced chemical accident.

VANESSA REDGRAVE IN ROLAND EMMERICH'S SHAKESPEARE MOVIE

After our favourite British ladies Judi Dench and Helen Mirren, Vanessa Redgrave will also play a queen Elizabeth. She will join David Thewlis and Rhys Ifans in Roland Emmerich's new movie "Anonymous". The film will center on an old theory that the plays of William Shakespeare were actually written by Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. Here's what Emmerich said for "Empire":
We have Vanessa Redgrave as Queen Elizabeth, David Thewlis as William Cecil, old and young, and Rhys Ifans as The Earl Of Oxford. It's a true English cast and I'm really proud of it. There's 12 main characters and 20 or 30 other characters, and each of the characters is really good.It's a mix of a lot of things: it's an historical thriller because it's about who will succeed Queen Elizabeth and the struggle of the people who want to have a hand in it. It's the Tudors on one side and the Cecils on the other, and in between is the Queen. Through that story we tell how the plays written by the Earl of Oxford ended up labeled "William Shakespeare".
So, what do you think about this, do you believe that Emmerich can make a non-apocalyptic drama with acclaimed actors?

SOPHIE KINSELLA'S "THE UNDOMESTIC GODDESS" TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE

After the adaptation of her bestseller "Confession of a Shopaholic" Sophie Kinsella will have another of her books made into a movie: Andy Fickman has signed on to direct her "The Undomestic Goddess" for Universal Pictures.
Adapted by Aline Brosh McKenna ("The Devil Wears Prada"), Kinsella's book centers on a workaholic female attorney who, believing she wrecked her chances of being named partner at her London firm, has a meltdown and ends up in the English countryside. After stopping at a large house to ask directions, she is mistaken as a candidate for a maid position and takes a housekeeping job.
Hope some nice actress will get cast for the main role.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

FREIDA PINTO JOINS HENRY CAVILL IN TARSEM'S EPIC "WAR OF THE GODS"

The new project of my favourite director, the visual genius, Tarsem Singh, epic adventure "War of the Gods" or "Dawn of the War" is about to start shooting this April and the charming leading man Henry Cavill has just got himself the stunning leading lady: gorgeous Freida Pinto has just got signed.
As HOLLYWOOD SPY has mentioned many times now, the story of the film will follow a young warrior Theseus who leads his men into battle with the immortal Greek gods to defeat evil and the powerful elder gods of the Titans in order to save mankind. The "Slumdog Millionaire" star will portray Phaedra, an oracle priestess who must join Theseus, played by Henry Cavill from "The Tudors", on his quest to prevent the cataclysmic war from erupting.

UPDATE: According to "Deadline Hollywood Daily" Mickey Rourke is in talks to play King Hyperion in "War of the Gods".

"CENTURION" HAS FOUND ITS U.S. DISTRIBUTOR

Don't worry Americans, you will be able to see the upcoming epic "Centurion" as well since "Magnet Releasing" has announced today that it has acquired U.S. rights to this sword and sandal movie starring Michael Fassbender, Dominic West and Olga Kurylenko. "Magnet Releasing" will launch "Centurion" this summer as the 6th entry in their "Six Shooter Film Series", a collection of six of the most exciting contemporary worldwide action films that includes "Bronson", "Red Cliff", "Ong Bak 2", "District 13: Ultimatum" and "Warlords".

Boasting savagely violent battle scenes and an adrenaline fueled chase through the breathtaking Scottish highlands, "Centurion" is set during the war between Roman soldiers and Pict tribesmen during the 2nd century Roman conquest of Britain. Fassbender stars as Quintus Dias, Roman centurion and son of a legendary gladiator who leads a group of soldiers on a raid of a Pict camp to rescue a captured general (West). The son of the Pict leader is murdered during the raid, and the Romans find themselves hunted by a seemingly unstoppable group of the Pict's most vicious and skilled warriors, led by a beautiful and deadly tracker (Kurylenko), who are hell bent on revenge.

EIGHT HANDSOME BOYS IN THE RUN FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA


As you know the casting for the "First Avenger: Captain America" helmed by director Joe Johnston should start very soon. In the last few months we were all buzzing about possible candidates for the main role and it appears that Johnston will begin testing candidates from the list of front-runners which includes a whole bunch of handsome young actors: Chace Crawford, John Krasinski, Ryan McPartlin, Mike Vogel (all in the pic above), Jensen Ackles, Patrick Fleuger, Michael Cassidy and Scott Porter (in the pic bellow).
According to most movie websites whoever does sign on for the role will be required to sign options for nine other films, which could include sequels, "The Avengers" film and other future projects down the line. The film is currently set for a July 22, 2011 release so they still have some time to finish their business. So, who would be your favourite? You already know who's mine :))

MATTHEW GOODE IS THE HOBBIT???

Great news people! Since Guillermo del Toro is currently in the casting process for "The Hobbit" one of my favourite British actors has revealed that he has auditioned for the main role. British "Telegraph" has recently published an article on the ultra talented actor Matthew Goode ("Watchmen", "A Single Man", "Leap Year")and here's what they wrote:
Now he's a father, Goode doesn't even like travelling that much. But just before we met, he'd auditioned for the role of Bilbo Baggins in Guillermo del Toro's two-part film of "The Hobbit". As he is the first to admit, he's not an obvious choice - "Look at the size of me for Christ's sake!" If he got the part, he would, he says, find it almost impossible to refuse - despite the fact that it would involve him spending several months in New Zealand.
Although I'm a fan of LOTR I must admit I wasn't overly excited about "The Hobbit" project since those little gnomes were the most boring part of Peter Jackson's saga for me, but the possibility of Matthew Goode appearing in it has sparkled my interest and support :) You must admit he does have an otherwordly appearance and charisma.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

ISLA FISHER WILL "KISS AND TELL"

Charming Isla Fisher (married to the immeasurably less charming Sacha Baron Cohen, don't ask me why) whom we haven't seen since "Confessions of a Shopaholic", has agreed to star in the interesting romantic comedy "Kiss and Tell" for Universal Pictures which will be produced by Sheldon Turner ("Up in the Air").
According to Variety, a rather promising story follows a woman who discovers she has the power to see exactly how a long-term relationship will unfold with a man after kissing him.

SF TRILOGY "THE FOURTH REALM" TO BE ADAPTED INTO A MOVIE

"Hollywood Reporter" informs us that Fox has bought the rights to John Twelve Hawks' the "Fourth Realm" sci-fi trilogy, and "Watchmen" co-writer Alex Tse will adapt it.
The first book, titled "The Traveler" was set in a U.S. society run by a secret organization seeking to control the population via constant observation. Seeking to rebel against these constraints are an almost extinct group of people called Travelers, who can project their spirit into other dimensions, and their protectors, called Harlequins. The main character was a reluctant Harlequin named Maya who had to protect two naive Traveler brothers.
The books were best-sellers but the author himself is especially interesting. Hawks is extremely reclusive according to his publisher "Random House", and neither his editor nor agent has ever met him. Hawks, seemingly intent on imitating some of his characters' lifestyles, communicates only via a voice scrambler and untraceable satellite phone, and during the book tour he uses stand-ins.

A BUNCH OF NEW COMEDY PILOTS COMING TO TV

A whole bunch of comedy pilots is in preparation currently, and it's nice to hear that since somehow I have a feeling that the golden age of great sitcoms has passed, and I'm not happy about that. Here are some of the upcoming shows:
Jane Kaczmarek and Adam Arkin will star in ABC's comedy pilot "Who Gets the Parents?", joining Andrew West and Derek Richardson. The story will revolve around a couple (Kaczmarek and Arkin), who, after 30 years of marriage, are getting a divorce and take on more active roles in the lives of their three adult children. West will play the super smart youngest child, and Richardson will play the sensitive middle child.

Already known in the comedy department, Leah Remini (pic above) is returning to TV as a lead in ABC's comedy pilot "It Takes a Village". The story will revolve around exes Karen (Remini) and Howard and their new significant others, who join forces to raise their 15-year-old boy.

Fox's "Most Likely to Succeed" will be about a group of friends who were once superstars in high school but now face the reality of adulthood. Kaitlin Doubleday will play Becca, once voted "most popular" but recently divorced from her cheating ex-husband.

"Freshmen", from 20th TV, is the comedy about three freshmen members of Congress (one played by Sarah Chalke)(lower pic) who live together in D.C. Taran Killam will play Chalke's personal assistant, a go-getter.

NBC's comedy pilot "This Little Piggy" centers on a family man (Ben Koldyke) forced to take in his two adult siblings, who have fallen on hard times.

Monday, February 22, 2010

LISA SEE'S "PEONY IN LOVE" TO BE ADAPTED INTO A MOVIE

According to "Movieweb" Erin Cressida Wilson will adapt Lisa See's novel "Peony in Love", which deals with the difficulties and oppression facing women in 17th century China. The story revolves around a young woman who starves herself to death after falling in love with a man she fears she'll never be allowed to wed. She comes up with her plan after seeing the Chinese opera "The Peony Pavilion" which tells a similar tale. A large part of See's book takes place after the young heroine has died, as she encounters a series of ghosts, including her dead grandmother, who impart their own experiences.
As you already know, the popular Chinese-American author Lisa See already has another of her bestselling novels scheduled for adaptation for 2011. Director Wayne Wang is making a movie out of her book "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" with Hugh Jackman in the lead role.

NEW TV SPOT FOR "THE LAST AIRBENDER"


Here is a brand new TV spot revealing some more fire and water benders from the upcoming summer fantasy adventure "The Last Airbender" which is coming out July 2nd. Although some people believe this movie could spark up director's M. Night Shyamalan's frozen career, there are many who think this movie will not rise to the occasion. We shall have to wait and see.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

WILLIAM SHATNER IN "SHIT MY DAD SAYS"

Now this sounds totally crazy. According to "The Hollywood Reporter", William Shatner will star in the new CBS pilot, "Shit My Dad Says" based off a Twitter phenomenon.
The story is about the real Twitter account created by Justin Halpern, a 29-year-old who moved back in with his parents and posts bizarre, profane statements that his 73-year-old father says in their daily conversations. Halpern launched the account in August and has amassed 1.1 million followers since then. Halpern co-wrote the pilot script and will produce the pilot with "Will & Grace" creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. The project received a script commitment in November but with Shatner on board, the pilot has been greenlit for production. Off course the title might get changed if the pilot goes to series :))

Friday, February 19, 2010

BESTSELLING SAGA "TUNNELS" TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN

Vincenzo Natali the director of the bizarre sf movie "Splice" has been hired to direct Tunnels" the film adaptation of the first installment of the New York Times best-selling "children's series by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams.
Achieving sales of more than a million copies and published in more than forty countries worldwide, "Tunnels" tells the story of Will, a 14-year-old boy driven by a fascination of the buried past, who is drawn into a subterranean world after his archaeologist father abruptly goes missing. This hidden civilization, beautiful and unforgiving, is dominated by a sinister, vicious race called the Styx, who have presided over generations of enslaved colonists.
The producers say the movie will represent the next level in family entertainment, combining a science-based reality reminiscent of the classic fiction of Verne and Wells, but in a completely contemporary setting.

MAGGIE Q IS THE NEW NIKITA

"The Hollywood Reporter" has just revealed that mysterious Maggie Q is going to play the title character in the CW's upcoming "Nikita" reboot. She will be the first non-Caucasian actress to play the iconic character, after Anne Parillaud, Bridget Fonda and the most popular Peta Wilson. This also marks the highest-profile series role for an Asian actress on a broadcast drama series and the highest-profile CW minority casting in the network's four-year history.
In the new show Nikita will be trained to replace the original one after she goes rogue.
As you remember, Maggie is also a PETA spokesperson and is active in that field as a vegetarian. So far we've seen her in "Mission Impossible III", "New York I Love You", "Around the World in 80 Days" ... She has a Polish-Irish American father and a Vietnamese mother.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

THE SPECTACULAR POSTER FOR THE FINAL, FOURTH SEASON OF SHOWTIME'S "THE TUDORS"

The closing time for one of the most beloved and most respected historical shows ever, Showtime's "The Tudors" saga is getting nearer and nearer. After many awards and high ratings and a world wide success, the final season begins Sunday, April 11th and it will focus on Henry's tumultuous relationships with his last two wives, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr, and his final descent into madness. As usual this season will also have 10 episodes written by series creator the amazing Michael Hirst.
As you can see in the spectacular poster for the end season, Jonathan Rhys Meyers is surrounded by his harem of beautiful wives, ex wives, and ghost of wives and hence the appropriate tittle for the show finale - "The Final Seduction". One of the most anticipated parts of the last chapter will be the appearance of lovely Joely Richardson who is playing the 6th and final queen Katherine Parr.
Although most fans can't believe that Henry's adventures are wrapping up, it seems that even the most capable of kings sooner or later run out of wives so we shall have to say farewell to our favourite saga this spring.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

ADORABLE NEW PICS FROM "HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON"

The studio that brought us "Shrek," "Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda" will amaze us this summer with "How to Train Your Dragon". Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe's longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup's world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. Here are some adorable new pictures from this magical movie:
Hiccup (JAY BARUCHEL) befriends Toothless and takes him for a ride:

Hiccup’s fellow classmates in Dragon Training are (left to right): Ruffnut (KRISTEN WIIG), Snotlout (JONAH HILL), Astrid (AMERICA FERRERA), Fishlegs (CHRISTOPHER MINTZ-PLASSE) and Tuffnut (TJ MILLER):

During yet another nighttime dragon attack on their village, Chief Stoick the Vast (GERARD BUTLER) faces off against a Monstrous Nightmare:

A couple of Terrible Terrors—the smallest breed of dragons, known for their small stature, vibrant colors and penchant for foraging rather than hunting—face off over a found bit of food:

DAZZLING ANIMATED MOVIE "THE SECRET OF KELLS"


The Irish film “The Secret of Kells” is getting a lot of praise these days for its unique, hand-drawn style and visually dazzling design. The movie won an unexpected Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, despite a tiny budget, little press attention and the fact that it hasn't been released in UK while its US premiere is scheduled for March 5.
In the age of 3D mania and big-budget CGI movies charming "The Secret of Kells" follows Brendan (Evan McGuire), a boy living in the Irish monastery of Kells with his uncle the Abbot (Brendan Gleeson). While Vikings threaten to attack, Brendan ventures out in search of ingredients needed to make inks and finish the illuminated Bible which became the monastery's greatest treasure and meets a strange girl in the forest. Check out the trailer bellow.

FOX PLANNING A PREHISTORIC TV SHOW WITH SPIELBERG

Fox Broadcasting is currently negotiating with Steven Spielberg and Peter Chernin to come aboard the ginormous project called "Terra Nova", which will follow a family from 100 years in the future who travel back in time 150 million years to the strange and inhospitable environs of prehistoric Earth.
"Variety" reports that this TV project would involve such elaborate sets and visual effects that there has been talk of greenlighting it directly to series production rather than a pilot because it would be too expensive to shut down and start up again during the downtime between pilot and episodic production.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

"MOULIN ROUGE" IS OUR MOST ROMANTIC FILM. NEW POLL - "THEY HAVE IT ALL BOYS"

Love is in the air and our THE MOST ROMANTIC MOVIE poll is over after two weeks of voting and stunning 92 voters. As expected, the most romantic movie ever Buzz Luhrman's creative, seductive and deeply magical "Moulin Rouge" is the winner with 47% of your votes. It seems there are a lot of charming weirdos among you :) since 36% of you have voted for "The Corpse Bride". "Love Actually" took third place with just 7% of votes, and I shall never forgive you for not giving a single point to "The Fountain", you are very naughty.
To celebrate the two weeks of love and the victory of "Moulin Rouge" here are sensational Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman in one of the best romantic scenes in the history of cinema - the glorious ELEPHANT LOVE MEDLEY. Enjoy, sing, dance and love with us.


And our new poll begins right away. In the following two weeks HOLLYWOOD SPY will be choosing THE IT BOY or THEY HAVE IT ALL BOYS. Four guys have appeared in last few years and it seems they have it all: they are hip and popular, they are deadly attractive to women, they are cool to men, girls wanna date them, guys wanna hang out with them, they are dashing, charming, witty and humorous. They even have luck in their love lives managing to seduce Scarlett Johansson, Fergie, Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger .... So our "it boys" are: Bradley Cooper (THE A-TEAM, THE HANGOVER, HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU), Gerard Butler (300, THE UGLY TRUTH, GAMER, P.S. I LOVE YOU, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA), Ryan Reynolds (WOLVERINE, THE PROPOSAL, GREEN LANTERN, DEADPOOL) and Josh Duhamel (WHEN IN ROME, TRANSFORMERS, LAS VEGAS).
Vote as much as you want in next two weeks ;)

UP FOR SOME MORE PIRATES? "TREASURE ISLAND" IS COMING TO CINEMAS

According to "Movieweb" a U.K. based studio is set to adapt Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novel, "Treasure Island". The plan is to update the 19th century tale of pirates and buried gold for contemporary audiences, focusing on Long John Silver who will become much hipper off course.
Traditionally considered a coming-of-age story, it is an adventure tale known for its atmosphere, characters and action. It is one of the most frequently dramatised of all novels. The influence of "Treasure Island" on popular perception of pirates is vast, including treasure maps with an "X", schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen with parrots on their shoulders.

MONSTERMANIA: TWO UPCOMING MOVIES ON DRACULA AND TWO ON FRANKENSTEIN

It seems these are good times for monsters and bloodthirsty creatures. After "I, Frankenstein" and "Dracula, Year Zero", "Vlad" is also officially in production along with a new project on Frankenstein. And the Wolfman is currently creating mess in cinemas.
Scott Alan Kosar who wrote the script for "The Machinist" (for me, the only thing bad in that movie was exactly the script) has been hired to adjust the screenplay for Summit Entertainment's Dracula movie "Vlad". As you remember HOLLYWOOD SPY has mentioned before that actor Charlie Hunnam wrote the original script, which brings action into the story about Dracula, or Vlad the Impaler, a young prince or the man behind the Dracula myth. Music video director Anthony Mandler will direct the project which will be produced by Brad Pitt.

At the same time, Dean Koontz's "Frankenstein" book series have been picked up for adaptation. This movie places the doctor, a socially prominent and successful businessman, and his super-human original creation Deucalion in modern-day New Orleans. The story centers on a pair of street-smart detectives who encounter Deucalion while investigating a murder, leading them to a bizarre array of "engineered" humans.

Monday, February 15, 2010

RICHARD MATHESON'S "EARTHBOUND" TO BE ADAPTED FOR THE BIG SCREEN

Richard Matheson, the famous author of popular fantasy books like "I Am Legend", "The Shrinking Man", "What Dreams May Come", will have another of his novels adapted for the big screen. His 1982 novel "Earthbound" has been optioned by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, who have a first-look deal at Spielberg's DreamWorks. "Earthbound" is an "erotic ghost story" about a married man who starts an affair with a young stranger, only to realize that she may actually be the ghost of a long-dead woman driven by something more than earthly passion. Hence the tittle "Earthbound" - a ghost who rejects the afterlife, appears real to all senses, believes she is alive and, through psychic attack, sucks life from the living.
Richard Matheson's novels and short stories have been adapted into some of the most memorable science fiction and fantasy films so I guess we can expect a suspenseful and interesting movie.

BRADLEY COOPER AGAINST WOLVES IN "THE GREY"

It seems that those newly built abs, that Bradley Cooper has sported at the sets of the upcoming "The A-Team" might get eaten by wolves! Deciding that he should become an action star like his buddy Ryan Reynolds, Bradley will team up with director Joe Carnahan again in a new thriller "The Grey" as one of the survivors of a plane crash who are hunted by a pack of wolves in the wilderness. Or as Carnahan describes it himself:
"The Grey" is about a group of pipeline workers in Alaska flying back into civilization after being remote for a number of months. The 737 they're on goes down, and they begin to be hunted by a pack of rogue wolves. It's very much a man vs. nature adventure, existentialist kind of drama that I want to do.
Sounds extremely scary to me, but if you like action packed horror movies ...

SPOOKY UK THRILLER "THE LAST SEVEN"

Here's one of those spooky little movies which come out of nowhere and then just freak everyone around. Directed by Imran Naqvi “The Last Seven” is a high-concept thriller coming out this year in the UK. Here's the plot, and you can check out the trailer bellow:
London is dead: silent and dead. Into this dead silence walk seven disparate souls thrown together purely by circumstance: each desperately hoping to find a reason as to why they are in the situation they are in and what, if anything they can do to escape it. But as we discover, reason holds little sway here for in the darkness of this dead, silent metropolis something way beyond reason is on the move and it knows its prey is powerless to stop it. It knows it can take all the time that it needs. And it knows that at the last, it will prevail.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

ONE REPUBLIC, KERI HILSON AND LEONA LEWIS SINGING AMAZING MOVIE SONGS

You know how sometimes beautifully incorporated and created songs can help promote movies better. It seems big studios don't use music stars as much as they did before for promoting their films through music singles. But these days we have a few lovely songs playing over at music channels which are doing a marvelous role in creating magic around the movies they are promoting. Here are three which are very popular currently. Enjoy:

Always stunning One Republic singing "Secrets" for German movie "Zweiohrküken" with amazing Till Schweiger


Sinfully gorgeous and charismatic Keri Hilson singing irresistibly seductive hit "I Like" (currently my favourite song) also for the German movie "Zweiohrküken"


The new Celine Dion, Leona Lewis showing her stunning vocal talent in "I See You" for "Avatar"

ROLAND EMERICH'S "FOUNDATION" ADAPTATION TO BE SHOT IN 3D

Following James Cameron's smashing box office success director Roland Emmerich has decided that his upcoming Issac Asimov adaptation ”Foundation” will be shot in 3D. Here’s what he said recently: "The “Avatar” technology applies to “Foundation”. It has to be done all CG because I would not know how to shoot this thing in real. Probably now all big movies have to be 3-D. It's not only the effect of 3-D, “Avatar” has just shown that if you do a movie in 3-D, you can ask for more money and that's the trick. I was on the set of “Avatar” and I saw how it worked and I really thought, 'That's the ultimate way of making movies.
"Foundation" is based on Isaac Asimov's "Foundation Trilogy," which centers on a society that has figured out how to predict the future based on a method called psychohistory and sets up a foundation devoted to scientific research to protect itself and ensure its survival.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

VANESSA HUDGENS AND ALEX PETTYFER IN "BEASTLY"

Since this is a Valentines weekend, here's a movie that might fire up your romantic passion this July. Starring Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen, Peter Krause and Neil Patrick Harris "Beastly" is a mix of fantasy, horror and romance, a modern-day take on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love.
Here's the plot: Kyle Kingson (Alex Pettyfer) has it all – looks, intelligence, wealth and opportunity and a wicked cruel streak. Prone to mocking and humiliating “aggressively unattractive” classmates, he zeroes in on Goth classmate Kendra, inviting her to the school’s extravagant environmental bash. Kendra accepts, and, true to form, Kyle blows her off in a particularly savage fashion. She retaliates by casting a spell that physically transforms him into everything he despises. Enraged by his horrible and unrecognizable appearance he confronts Kendra and learns that the only solution to the curse is to find someone that will love him as he is – a task he considers impossible.
Repulsed by his appearance, Kyle’s callous father banishes him to Brooklyn with a sympathetic housekeeper and blind tutor. As Kyle ponders how to overcome the curse and get his old life back, he chances upon a drug addict in the act of killing a threatening dealer. Seizing the opportunity, Kyle promises the addict freedom and safety for his daughter, Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens) if she will consent to live in Kyle’s Brooklyn home.

KATE WINSLET IN HBO'S NEW MINI SERIES

Kate Winslet has signed on to star in "Mildred Pierce", a new mini-series for HBO. The director's seat is reserved for Todd Haynes (who has directed the worst movie I've ever seen "I'm Not There")who will make a five-hour TV remake of the 1945 film "Mildred Pierce" which won Joan Crawford her only Academy Award.
The series will focus on the tittle character, a proud single mother trying to connect with her daughter during the Great Depression in Los Angeles. According to "Variety" the casting for the other roles has already started and production is scheduled to begin in New York City this April.

Friday, February 12, 2010

"CLASH OF THE TITANS" BEHIND THE SCENES FEATURETTE


Here's a stunning new "Clash of the Titans" behind the scenes featurette, check out the scary new monsters and creatures and the main characters from the movie in some of the scenes unseen in the official trailer. The mythical adventure comes to cinemas this April.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN HAS DIED THIS MORNING

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was discovered dead today after taking his own life, reports "The Daily Mail". The 40-year-old artist has committed suicide just days after the death of his beloved mother, Joyce. There were tearful scenes at the designer's company headquarters in UK, where staff were overcome with emotion. McQueen, a four time winner of the British Designer of the Year award, was very close to his mother and had taken her death last week very badly.
He will be remembered as the 'enfant terrible' of the fashion world, a man with stunning talent and eccentric and extravagant creativity. He was deeply imaginative and inspiring to many young designers and artists around the world.
He was a friend to many famous stars, and he helped in creating the images of many famous music stars such are Bjork and Lady GaGa for whom Alexander designed many stunning and fabulous looks.
He will be deeply missed.

JUDI DENCH AND JAMIE BELL JOINING "JANE EYRE"?

It seems that a new adaptation of "Jane Eyre", Charlotte Bronte's famous novel, could have two very interesting new cast members. According to "The Hollywood Reporter", young and talented Jamie Bell could possibly play St. John, a clergyman cousin of Jane Eyre, while lovely dame Judi Dench could portray Mrs. Fairfax.
Directed by Cary Fukunaga the adaptation will have Mia Wasikowska in the title role and increasingly popular Michael Fassbender as Edward Rochester, Eyre's employer who she falls in love with but later discovers is hiding a dark secret.

VIN DIESEL SIGNS FOR "RIDDICK", THE THIRD PART OF THE SF SAGA

So it's official: Vin Diesel is confirmed to star in "Riddick", the third chapter in the "Chronicles of Riddick" franchise. He will also produce the movie while David Twohy is reprising his role as writer and director of the sci-fi saga. As HOLLYWOOD SPY wrote before the third movie will stick closer to the "Pitch Black" and will focus on the character of Riddick and not on the universe in which he lives, which was the case with "Chronicles of Riddick". I must admit I'm a bit disappointed since I liked "Chronicles of Riddick" (which earned $116 million worldwide and had a successful videogame series) much better than "Pitch Black" and I will miss Karl Urban and Judie Dench terribly.

STUNNING FIRST TRAILER FOR ROMAN EPIC "CENTURION"


Neil Marshall's Roman epic "Centurion" with Michael Fassbender, Olga Kurylenko, and Dominic West, which is currently seeking USA distribution date and will be released in Great Britain on 23rd April, has just got its first trailer. Check it out bellow.
The movie is set in Britain, A.D. 117. and follows Quintus Dias, the sole survivor of a Pict's raid on a Roman frontier fort, who marches north with General Virilus' legendary Ninth Legion, under orders to wipe the Picts from the face of the Earth and destroy their leader.

COLIN FIRTH AND MATTHEW MCFAYDEN IN "THE PROMISED LAND"

Two of our dear British gentlemen, Colin Firth and Matthew McFayden will star together in an interesting new movie "The Promised Land". Directed by famous Michael Winterbottom, this will be a crime thriller set in British-ruled Palestine towards the end of World War II.
As a recent Academy Award nominee Colin Firth is under the spotlights these days thanks to his role in "A Single Man" while Matthew is playing the sheriff of Nottingham in the upcoming epic "Robin Hood" and will also star in the historical mini-series "The Pillars of the Earth" which we've mentioned before here in Hollywood Spy.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

"SECTION 8" NEW SF MOVIE FROM LUC BESSON


According to "Variety" Luc Besson's EuroCorp film company is moving forward with a new sci-fi film entitled "Section 8". Directed by Stephen St. Leger and James Mather the film takes place in a prison that orbits 50 miles above the earth and is home to 500 of the most dangerous criminals on the planet. The prisoners are put to sleep with new technology until they all suddenly wake up. Budgeted at $30 million "Section 8" will start principal photography in the first half of 2010.

PENELOPE CRUZ TO JOIN JOHHNY DEPP IN "PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ON STRANGER TIDES"?

Although you people know I don't really find Penelope Cruz either interesting or talented (unlike her best friend Salma Hayek), and I'm not a fan of "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, I thought this piece of news might sound cool to some of you :) Judging from the latest reports she is in negotiations to join Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". If she signs the deal she would play the "foil" to Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow and would also get reunited with director Rob Marshall, who is helming the new film.
Although the details of the plot haven't been released yet, according to "Movieweb" it is believed that the film will focus on the Fountain of Youth. The movie is supposed to start filming in Hawaii this summer, with a May 20, 2011 premiere.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

ANA IVANOVIC IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED PHOTO SHOOT

One of the most beautiful and most successful Serbian female athletes, Ana Ivanovic, former WTA number one, shines in the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoot. My excuse to publish this in HOLLYWOOD SPY? Well, she did mention once she wouldn't mind pursuing a movie career after she quits tennis one day :))

NEW MOVIES FOR JAMES MCAVOY AND RYAN GOSLING

Yesterday we took a look on the upcoming projects for some of our favourite actresses, and today we shall check out the new movies from two of our favourite actors in Hollywood.
Ultra talented British star James McAvoy will portray a man who learns he has cancer and successfully battles the disease over several years in a comedy which was previously tittled "I'm With Cancer". His character is based on the real experiences of screenwriter Will Reiser, who won his own fight with cancer in his mid-20s. He will be joined by Bryce Dallas Howard and Seth Rogen.

Another talented guy, Ryan Gosling will take the lead in "Drive", a movie about a man who is a stuntman by day, and a getaway driver by night. "Bronson's" director Nicolas Winding Refn will helm this project which was previously connected with Hugh Jackman.

SPECTACULAR NEW TRAILER FOR "THE LAST AIRBENDER"

After the short SuperBowl teaser and lovely posters released last week, today we have the spectacular new trailer for the upcoming fantasy adventure "The Last Airbender". The trailer really is intriguing and visually stunning.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

NEW ROLES FOR CATE BLANCHETT, KATE WINSLET, RACHEL WEISZ AND KATHERINE HEIGL

The four most beautiful and most talented Hollywood actresses have found themselves rather unusual new roles this week.
Rachel Weisz has joined thriller "Dream House" starring opposite Daniel Craig. The story follows a successful publisher (Craig) who quits his Gotham job and relocates his wife (Weisz) and two daughters to a quaint New England town, only to discover that their perfect new home was the murder scene of a mother and her two children.

Stunning Cate Blanchett has joined "Hanna", drama directed by Joe Wright with young Saoirse Ronan and Eric Bana, which centers on a 14-year-old Eastern European girl who has been raised by her father to be a cold-blooded killing machine.

Deeply profound Kate Winslet has joined a new film from Steven Soderbergh together with Jude Law, Marion Cotillard and Matt Damon. Named "Contagion" the movie centers on a deadly worldwide disease with several different storylines branching off of that major point.

Adorable Katherine Heigl will star in "One for the Money", which is based on the Janet Evanovich novel which spent 75 consecutive weeks on "USA Today's" bestseller list. The story follows Stephanie Plum, an unemployed lingerie buyer who becomes a bounty hunter to make ends meet.

"ADELE BLANC-SEC", NEW ADVENTURE FROM LUC BESSON

Famous French director and cinema genius Luc Besson ("The Fifth Element", "Taxi", "The Transporter") has a new film coming to European cinemas this April called "Les Aventures Extra ordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec" or just "Adèle Blanc-Sec". This action packed adventure follows an intrepid young reporter named Adèle Blanc-Sec who happens to be some kind of female Indiana Jones-like French heroine of the early 20th century who will go to any lengths to achieve her aims, including sailing to Egypt to tackle mummies of all shapes and sizes or fighting a pterodactyl as you can check out in the exclusive trailer bellow. The movie stars Louise Bourgoin, Mathieu Amalric, Gilles Lellouche, Jean Paul Rouve...

Monday, February 8, 2010

"BRAND NEW TEASER FOR "PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME"


Super Bowl has also brought us a stunning new TV spot for this year's biggest summer attraction "Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time". You can check out the action packed teaser bellow. It promises a lot of epic and exotic adventure, just the way I like it, similar to legendary "The Mummy" franchise.
As you know the team that brought the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy to the big screen, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films is bringing us this epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia. A rogue prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (Gemma Arterton) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time—a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. The movie is out May 28th.