By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Quvenzhané Wallis, star of “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” has been cast as the titular character in Will Gluck’s upcoming “Annie,” a new version of the popular Broadway musical. The film is slated for a 2014 release. For more information on the project, click here.
‘Rio’ sequel in the works
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic 20th Century Fox is planning a sequel to Rio, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, both of whom are returning for the new film. will.i.a.m, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, Leslie Mann and Jaime Foxx will also be reprising their roles. For more information on the project, click here.
Megan Fox joins ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ film
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Megan Fox has been cast in producer Michael Bay’s upcoming reimagining of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Her role in the film has not yet been announced. For more information on the project, click here.
Fox 2000 acquires Nicholas Sparks novel for $5 million
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Fox 2000 has acquired the film rights to Nicholas Sparks’ upcoming novel “The Longest Ride.” The film is slated for a February 2015 release. For more information on the project, click here.
Weinstein Co. acquires Mandela biopic
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic The Weinstein Company has acquired the distribution rights to “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” a film based on the life of Nelson Mandela. The film stars Idris Elba as Mandela and Naomie Harris as his wife, Winnie. For more information on the project, click here.
DreamWorks planning Straight No Chaser movie
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic DreamWorks is planning a film about a cappella group Straight No Chaser. “The Vow” director Michael Sucsy is slated to helm the picture. For more information on the project, click here.
The National documentary to open Tribeca Film Festival
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic “Mistaken for Strangers,” a documentary chronicling life on the road with the National, is set to open the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival on April 17th. The film is directed by Tom Berninger, brother of the National’s frontman, Matt Berninger. For more information on the film, click here.
Emily Browning signs on for ‘Pompeii’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Emily Browning has joined the cast of Paul W.S. Anderson’s upcoming “Pompeii.” The film will begin shooting in April. For more information on the project, click here.
Amy Poehler to voice character in ‘Turkeys’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Amy Poehler is set to voice the female lead in Relativity Media’s upcoming animated film ‘Turkeys.’ The film is slated for a November release. For more information on the film, click here.
Tom Hardy developing film about PTSD
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Tom Hardy is teaming up with Solar Pictures to develop “Samarkand.” Hardy will portray a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information on the project, click here.
Anne Hathaway to star in ‘Song One’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Anne Hathaway has signed on to “Song One,” a film about an archeologist who falls in love with a musician. Hathaway will play opposite British actor and singer Johnny Flynn. For more information on the project, click here.
Christian Bale to star in disaster film
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Christian Bale is set to star in “Everest,” a film about a disastrous expedition to scale Mount Everest. Baltasar Kormakur is slated to direct. For more information on the project, click here.
DiCaprio signs on to ‘The Road Home’ adaptation
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Leonardo DiCaprio is set to star in Warner Bros.’ upcoming adaptation of Michael Amour’s novel “The Road Home.” “Crazy Heart” helmer Scott Cooper will direct the film. For more information on the project, click here.
James Marsden cast in ‘Anchorman 2’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic James Marsden has signed on to Adam McKay’s upcoming “Anchorman 2.” Marsden will play a rival anchor and nemesis to Will Ferrell’s character, Ron Burgundy. For more information on the project, click here.
‘Die Hard’ film earns 12A UK rating
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic The British Board of Film Classification has granted A Good Day to Die Hard a 12A rating, meaning that children ages 12 and over can see the film in theaters if accompanied by an adult. The film was given an R rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. For more…
‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’ remake in the works
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic MGM is developing a reboot of the 1957 film The Incredible Shrinking Man, based on Richard Matheson’s classic sci-fi novel The Shrinking Man. Matheson and his son, Richard Matheson Jr., are set to co-write the screenplay. For more information on the project, click here.
‘Downton Abbey’ star in talks for ‘Tombstones’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Dan Stevens is in talks to join the cast of Scott Frank’s upcoming A Walk Among the Tombstones. Stevens’ potential role has not yet been announced. For more information on the film, click here.
Jason Momoa offered lead role in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
By Amanda Ack Marvel has reportedly offered Jason Momoa the lead role in Guardians of the Galaxy. Momoa would play “Drax the Destroyer.” For more information on the film, click here.
‘Luther’ actress joins ‘Tombstones’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Ruth Wilson has signed on to star in Scott Frank’s upcoming A Walk Among the Tombstones, joining actors Liam Neeson and Dan Stevens. Her role in the film is not yet known. For more information, click here.
Jennifer Lawrence and David O. Russell reuniting for new film
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Jennifer Lawrence is set to star opposite Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adamns, and Jeremy Renner in director David O. Russell’s next project. Lawrence and Russell worked together previously on Silver Linings Playbook. For more information on the film, click here.
Helen Mirren cast in ‘Monsters University’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Helen Mirren has been cast in Pixar’s upcoming Monsters University. The actress will portray “Dean Hardscrabble.” For more information on the film, click here.
New ‘Oliver Twist’ film in the works
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Sony is developing a “re-imagining” of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. The film will be titled Dodge and Twist. For more information on the project, click here.
Tom Hardy to star in innovative thriller
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Tom Hardy has been cast in director Steven Knight’s Locke. The movie will be filmed in real time over 90 minutes. For more information on the project, click here.
Melissa McCarthy to co-direct film
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Melissa McCarthy is set to co-direct New Line’s upcoming Tammy with her husband, Ben Falcone. The pair also co-wrote the script. Fore more information on the project, click here.
Another ‘Night at the Museum’ film in the works
By Amanda Ack Night at the Museum 3 has been scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, 2014. Director Shawn Levy and actor Ben Stiller are both returning to the franchise. For more information on the film, click here.
Kristen Wiig confirmed for ‘Anchorman 2’
By Amanda Ack Kristen Wiig has officially been cast in Adam McKay’s upcoming Anchorman 2. Her role in the film has not yet been disclosed. For more information on the project, click here.
