By Amanda Ack, Film Critic FX has given the green light to a TV show based on Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1996 film “Fargo.” The project would mark the network’s first limited series. For more information and to read about other upcoming FX series, click here.
Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo in talks for ‘Vacation’ reboot
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo are in negotiations to reprise their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold in New Line’s upcoming “Vacation” franchise reboot. Other actors already cast in the film include Ed Helms and Christina Applegate. For more information on the project, click here.
Christopher Nolan offers lead role to Matthew McConaughey
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Director Christopher Nolan has reportedly offered the lead role in his upcoming film “Interstellar” to Matthew McConaughey. The project is a co-production between Paramount and Warner Bros. For more information on the film, click here.
‘Jurassic Park 4’ in the works
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic “Safety Not Guaranteed” director Colin Trevorrow is set to helm “Jurassic Park 4.” The film is slated for a June 2014 release. For more information on the project, click here.
Oscar Isaac to star in ‘Partisan’
By Amanda Ack “Drive” actor Oscar Isaac is set to star in director Ariel Kleiman’s upcoming “Partisan.” The film marks Kleiman’s full-length feature debut. For more information on the project, click here.
Chris Pine to be honored at CinemaCon
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Chris Pine has been named Male Star of the Year by CinemaCon. The award will be presented at the organization’s convention in April. For more information, click here.
British film distributors cut ad spending
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic According to figures released by the U.K. Film Distributors Association, British film distributors managed to cut advertising spending by six percent in 2012. Internet ad spending was cut by 53 percent. For more information, click here.
Disney keeps DreamWorks films at Showtime
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Disney has renewed its output deal with Showtime for the titles the network distributes for DreamWorks. Showtime plans to air up to 35 DreamWorks films through 2015. For more information on the deal, click here.
‘Legends of Oz’ set for 2014 release
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Summertime Entertainment has inked a distribution deal with Clarius Entertainment for “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s return.” The 3D animated film is voiced by Lea Michele, Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, and Bernadette Peters. For more information on the project, click here.
‘Private Practice’ star signs on for ‘Rays of Light’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic “Private Practice” star Tim Daly is set to star with Kyra Sedgwick in Batan Silva’s upcoming “Rays of Light.” The film marks Silva’s directorial debut. For more information on the project, click here.
Magnolia acquires distribution rights to ‘Touchy Feely’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Magnolia Pictures has acquired the distribution rights to Lynn Shelton’s “Touchy Feely.” The film stars Ellen Page and Rosemarie DeWitt. For more information on the film, click here.
Billy Bob Thornton to star in ‘The Judge’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Billy Bob Thornton has signed on to star in David Dobkin’s upcoming “The Judge.” Actors already cast in the film include Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. For more information on the project, click here.
Legendary Entertainment’s COO steps down
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Tim Connors has resigned from his position chief operating officer of Legendary Entertainment, a year after leaving Marvel to take the job. Reasons for Connors’ departure have not yet been disclosed. For more information on Connors’ career, click here.
New Wachowski film gets release date
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Warner Bros. has scheduled Andy and Lana Wachowski’s “Jupiter Ascending” for a July 2014 release. The film stars Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth and Sean Bean, with the Wachowskis producing, writing, and directing. For more information on the project, click here.
Fan Bingbing on for new ‘X-Men’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic International star Fan Bingbing has been cast in Bryan Singer’s upcoming “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Bingbing’s role in the film has not yet been specified. For more information on the project, click here.
Paramount, Warner Bros. to co-produce Nolan’s next project
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Paramount and Warner Bros. will co-produce and distribute Christopher Nolan’s upcoming “Interstellar.” The film is slated for a November 2014 release. For more information on the project, click here.
Ethan Suplee joins ‘True Story’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Ethan Suplee has joined the cast of New Regency’s upcoming “True Story.” The film will star James Franco and Jonah Hill. For more information on the project, click here.
‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ screenwriter to adapt fantasy novel
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Screenwriter Stuart Beattie is set to pen the film version of Laini Taylor’s novel “Daughter of Smoke and Bone.” Universal Pictures is behind the project. For more information on the film, click here.
Jim Morrison documentary in the works
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Indie film producer Z-Machine has started production on “Before the End: Jim Morrison Comes of Age.” The documentary will focus on the Doors frontman’s life prior to stardom. For more information on the film, click here.
‘Animal Kingdom’ actor joins ‘Animal Rescue’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic “Animal Kingdom” star James Frecheville has joined the cast of Fox Searchlight’s upcoming “Animal Rescue.” Other actors already cast in the film include Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace. For more information on the project, click here.
Cohen Media Group to distribute ‘Breathe In’
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Cohen Media Group has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to Drake Doremus’ “Breathe In,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The film stars Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce. For more information on the film, click here.
China streamlining censorship process
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic The Chinese government is set to merge the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the General Administration of Press and Publication. The merger will streamline the censorship process and could potentially make it easier for Hollywood films to be distributed in China. For more information, click here.
‘Batman’ mask donated to Smithsonian
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Warner Bros. has donated more than 30 props and artifacts to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Donations include George Clooney’s mask from “Batman and Robin” and Christopher Reeve’s suit from “Superman III.” For more information, click here.
Drafthouse Films acquires ‘Cheap Thrills’ in first deal of SXSW
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Austin-based Drafthouse Films has bought the distribution rights to E.L. Katz’ “Cheap Thrills.” This marks the first official deal of this year’s South By Southwest film festival. For more information, click here.
Disney Imagineering documentary in the works
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Production for a Disney-commissioned documentary about the company’s Imagineering department is under way. The film will be directed by Leslie Iwerks, granddaughter of Mickey Mouse creator Ub Iwerks. For more information on the project, click here.
Marvel announces new online content
By Amanda Ack, Film Critic Marvel Entertainment has announced a new wave of “digital initiatives” built around the company’s various film, animation, comics and web interests. The new video content will be anchored by “Marvel’s Earth’s Mightiest Show,” a weekly pop culture program. For more information, click here.
