Just a few days after this article was posted, Warner Bros. Pictures Group President Jeff Robinov has told The Wall Street Journal that the studio is going to be reintroducing Superman. We assume this will be similar to how Louis Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk was a reboot of Ang Lee's Hulk. Here is what the article says:
Warner Bros. also put on hold plans for another movie starring multiple superheroes -- known as "Batman vs. Superman" -- after the $215 million "Superman Returns," which had disappointing box-office returns, didn't please executives. "'Superman' didn't quite work as a film in the way that we wanted it to," says Mr. Robinov. "It didn't position the character the way he needed to be positioned." "Had 'Superman' worked in 2006, we would have had a movie for Christmas of this year or 2009," he adds. "But now the plan is just to reintroduce Superman without regard to a Batman and Superman movie at all."
The article also talks about Warner Bros. adapting other DC properties over the new few years. "By 2011, Mr. Robinov plans for DC Comics to supply the material for up to two of the six to eight tent-pole films he hopes Warner Bros. will have in the pipeline by then," it says. Those projects will likely be about single characters at first, and will be darker much like The Dark Knight:
With "Batman vs. Superman" and "Justice League" stalled, Warner Bros. has quietly adopted Marvel's model of releasing a single film for each character, and then using those movies and their sequels to build up to a multicharacter film. "Along those lines, we have been developing every DC character that we own," Mr. Robinov says.
Like the recent Batman sequel -- which has become the highest-grossing film of the year thus far -- Mr. Robinov wants his next pack of superhero movies to be bathed in the same brooding tone as "The Dark Knight." Creatively, he sees exploring the evil side to characters as the key to unlocking some of Warner Bros.' DC properties. "We're going to try to go dark to the extent that the characters allow it," he says. That goes for the company's Superman franchise as well.
The studio is set to announce its plans for future DC movies in the next month. For now, though, it is focused on releasing four comic-book films in the next three years, including a third Batman film, a new film reintroducing Superman, and two movies focusing on other DC Comics characters. Movies featuring Green Lantern, Flash, Green Arrow, and Wonder Woman are all in active development.
We'll let you know as soon as the studio has announced its plans for future DC movies.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Nicolas Cage Boards Vaughn's Kick-Ass
Nicolas Cage, Aaron Johnson and Lyndsy Fonseca are set to star in Kick-Ass, Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of the violent Mark Millar comic book, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Written by Millar and drawn by John Romita Jr., the Marvel Comics' Icon imprint book centers on a high school dweeb named Dave Lizewski who decides to become a superhero even though he has no athletic ability or coordination. Things change when he eventually runs into real bad guys with real weapons.
Johnson plays title character, while Fonseca plays the object of the teen's infatuation who believes Dave is gay. Cage is a former cop who wants to bring down a druglord and has trained his daughter (Chloe Moretz) to be a lethal weapon.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse is also in the cast.
A fall shoot in London and Toronto is planned.
Written by Millar and drawn by John Romita Jr., the Marvel Comics' Icon imprint book centers on a high school dweeb named Dave Lizewski who decides to become a superhero even though he has no athletic ability or coordination. Things change when he eventually runs into real bad guys with real weapons.
Johnson plays title character, while Fonseca plays the object of the teen's infatuation who believes Dave is gay. Cage is a former cop who wants to bring down a druglord and has trained his daughter (Chloe Moretz) to be a lethal weapon.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse is also in the cast.
A fall shoot in London and Toronto is planned.
Gimme Remakes: Child’s Play and Candyman
Unfortunately, Chucky and the Candyman will not be giving each other Colombian neckties or enjoying a round of Stella Artois. Both of these horror staples will soon be the recipients of separate theatrical remakes, and Candyman might even become a white dude. But first, news about the redheaded, plastic enfant terrible, who just turned the big 2-0 (whoa)…
The producers of the Child’s Play franchise, which is five films deep, are making the press rounds and reassuring fans that their remake will be faithful. Don Mancini, who wrote all of the prior films and directed Seed of Chucky, will pull double-duty on the 2010 remake, and confirmed to AICN that Chucky’s voice actor, Brad Dourif, will return. Admirably, Mancini and peeps are not fond of CGI, and he added…
“I think what we are mainly responding to, [producer David Kirschner] and I, is the will of the fans, which is really telling us that they want to see a scary Chucky movie again. They want to go back to the straightforward horror rather than the horror comedy.”
Mancini, Kirschner and Michelle Gold admit that their remake is riding the trend wave, but it’s the best way to go. Continuing down the satirical road of Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky would offer smaller returns creatively and financially. And Chucky is an iconic little bastard, so another film is a given. Let Slashfilm posit the idea of a Leprechaun cameo.
Over at Shock, there’s talk of a Candyman remake from Sony. There was a time when I thought the 1992 Clive Barker adaptation was one of the scariest flicks I’d ever seen. Need to revisit. And if you’ve seen 1995’s sequel, Farewell to the Flesh, you were privy to one of the most comical destructions of a house ever caught on film. Played by Tony Todd, Candyman was a son-of-slaves with a belly of bees who haunted Chicago’s Cabrini-Green projects with a bloody stub and hook. A twist on Bloody Mary, the widespread suburban legend, victims conjured Candyman by saying his name five times into a mirror. Shock reports that Sony is considering making Candyman a Caucasian, which would call for a new origin, eh? No writer or director is attached. Early stages.
The producers of the Child’s Play franchise, which is five films deep, are making the press rounds and reassuring fans that their remake will be faithful. Don Mancini, who wrote all of the prior films and directed Seed of Chucky, will pull double-duty on the 2010 remake, and confirmed to AICN that Chucky’s voice actor, Brad Dourif, will return. Admirably, Mancini and peeps are not fond of CGI, and he added…
“I think what we are mainly responding to, [producer David Kirschner] and I, is the will of the fans, which is really telling us that they want to see a scary Chucky movie again. They want to go back to the straightforward horror rather than the horror comedy.”
Mancini, Kirschner and Michelle Gold admit that their remake is riding the trend wave, but it’s the best way to go. Continuing down the satirical road of Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky would offer smaller returns creatively and financially. And Chucky is an iconic little bastard, so another film is a given. Let Slashfilm posit the idea of a Leprechaun cameo.
Over at Shock, there’s talk of a Candyman remake from Sony. There was a time when I thought the 1992 Clive Barker adaptation was one of the scariest flicks I’d ever seen. Need to revisit. And if you’ve seen 1995’s sequel, Farewell to the Flesh, you were privy to one of the most comical destructions of a house ever caught on film. Played by Tony Todd, Candyman was a son-of-slaves with a belly of bees who haunted Chicago’s Cabrini-Green projects with a bloody stub and hook. A twist on Bloody Mary, the widespread suburban legend, victims conjured Candyman by saying his name five times into a mirror. Shock reports that Sony is considering making Candyman a Caucasian, which would call for a new origin, eh? No writer or director is attached. Early stages.
Guy Ritchie Talks Sherlock Holmes
RocknRolla writer/director Guy Ritchie talked to USA Today about his upcoming Sherlock Holmes, to star Robert Downey Jr. Based on Lionel Wigram's comic book, the new Holmes is expected to be more adventuresome and will take advantage of his skills as a boxer and swordsman.
"It will be a very big production, visceral and intellectual," Ritchie said. "His brilliance will percolate into the action."
The 2010 Warner Bros. release will be set in the olden days, he says, but the emphasis will be as much on Holmes' physical prowess as it is on his keen powers of deduction.
"His intellect was as much of a curse as it was a blessing," Ritchie added. "He was a deeply layered character."
There's word on the villain yet, but there will be a love interest based on Arthur Conan Doyle's Irene Adler. Casting is expected to be finished in six or so weeks.
"It will be a very big production, visceral and intellectual," Ritchie said. "His brilliance will percolate into the action."
The 2010 Warner Bros. release will be set in the olden days, he says, but the emphasis will be as much on Holmes' physical prowess as it is on his keen powers of deduction.
"His intellect was as much of a curse as it was a blessing," Ritchie added. "He was a deeply layered character."
There's word on the villain yet, but there will be a love interest based on Arthur Conan Doyle's Irene Adler. Casting is expected to be finished in six or so weeks.
GC 2008: EA Serves Up Tennis
EA to branch out to sport of kings.
EA Sports has released a title for just about every sport there is, right? Not so fast, because at this year's German Games Convention in Leipzig, EA announced that they will be releasing a tennis game in 2009. Developed by EAC in Vancouver, the title was designed with the Wii as the lead SKU and will feature motionplus compatibility to allow for tighter serves, forehands and backhands, and volleys at the net.
EA Sports has released a title for just about every sport there is, right? Not so fast, because at this year's German Games Convention in Leipzig, EA announced that they will be releasing a tennis game in 2009. Developed by EAC in Vancouver, the title was designed with the Wii as the lead SKU and will feature motionplus compatibility to allow for tighter serves, forehands and backhands, and volleys at the net.
Role Models (2008) Trailer
Trailer for 'Role Models' - starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Jane Lynch, Kerri Kenney-Silver, and Nicole Randall Johnson.
After one of their sex and beer romps gets out of hand, a pair of thirty-something perpetual frat boys are forced to sign up to be Big Brothers as part of their court-mandated community service.
Release Date: November 14th, 2008
Will it be good? It's hard to say. What do you think?
After one of their sex and beer romps gets out of hand, a pair of thirty-something perpetual frat boys are forced to sign up to be Big Brothers as part of their court-mandated community service.
Release Date: November 14th, 2008
Will it be good? It's hard to say. What do you think?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Coldplay to release fifth album in 2009
Coldplay are planning to release a fifth album in 2009, just a year after their last chart-topping offering, Viva La Vida.
The band, fronted by actress Gwyneth Paltrow's husband Chris Martin, have been exceptionally productive after collaborating with musician Brian Eno.
It is believed they have already chosen many of the songs for the new album, which were recorded during the making of Viva La Vida, and with the help of Eno.
A source at their record label, EMI, said: "The Viva La Vida sessions were incredibly fruitful. They gelled brilliantly with Brian and recorded much more music than they could fit on one album.
"The majority of the follow-up is already in the can, though they will have to go back into the studio at some point to add a few more songs."
If Coldplay go on to produce a greatest hits collection next, they will have fulfilled all commitments to EMI. This will pave the way for them to part company with the label, following in the footsteps of Radiohead and Paul McCartney.
The EMI source said: "Standard industry contracts tend to be for six albums, so if they provide some kind of compilation after their next album they will be free agents and able to renegotiate their contract or head out on their own."
EMI was taken over by a finance firm last year and many of the artists signed to it at the time opposed the deal. But Coldplay have kept quiet about their future, although Martin has hinted he would like to get out his new material as soon as possible.
When discussing a collaboration with Kylie Minogue, which didn't make the final cut for Viva La Vida, he said: "It will be on a record we will put out in 2009."
In order to record Viva La Vida, which was released in June, the group constructed their own studio in a disused bakery in North London.
The gap between their previous album, X&Y, and its follow-up was three years.
The band, fronted by actress Gwyneth Paltrow's husband Chris Martin, have been exceptionally productive after collaborating with musician Brian Eno.
It is believed they have already chosen many of the songs for the new album, which were recorded during the making of Viva La Vida, and with the help of Eno.
A source at their record label, EMI, said: "The Viva La Vida sessions were incredibly fruitful. They gelled brilliantly with Brian and recorded much more music than they could fit on one album.
"The majority of the follow-up is already in the can, though they will have to go back into the studio at some point to add a few more songs."
If Coldplay go on to produce a greatest hits collection next, they will have fulfilled all commitments to EMI. This will pave the way for them to part company with the label, following in the footsteps of Radiohead and Paul McCartney.
The EMI source said: "Standard industry contracts tend to be for six albums, so if they provide some kind of compilation after their next album they will be free agents and able to renegotiate their contract or head out on their own."
EMI was taken over by a finance firm last year and many of the artists signed to it at the time opposed the deal. But Coldplay have kept quiet about their future, although Martin has hinted he would like to get out his new material as soon as possible.
When discussing a collaboration with Kylie Minogue, which didn't make the final cut for Viva La Vida, he said: "It will be on a record we will put out in 2009."
In order to record Viva La Vida, which was released in June, the group constructed their own studio in a disused bakery in North London.
The gap between their previous album, X&Y, and its follow-up was three years.
Comedy Icon Mitch Hedberg's New CD 'Do You Believe in Gosh? 'Released on COMEDY CENTRAL Records(R) Tuesday, September 9
CD Package Includes Booklet of Never-Before-Seen Photos And Excerpts From Hedberg's Private Journals
The long-awaited third album from the late comedy icon Mitch Hedberg, "Do You Believe in Gosh?" is set for release on COMEDY CENTRAL Records on Tuesday, September 9.
The CD was recorded two months prior to his death and contains nearly 40 minutes of previously unreleased stand-up material. "Do You Believe in Gosh?" captures most of the material Hedberg was working on for what would have been his next full-length album in a free-form show with a large amount of audience interaction. Listeners can expect the same bizarre one-liners like, "Is a hippopotamus a hippopotamus or just a really cool apoatmus?" delivered in the drawly, good-natured way only Hedberg could pull off. Hedberg gives his unique point of view on such topics as the headless horseman, Medusa, whom he refers to as the "snake-haired bitch" and squirrels on water skis. Also included in the CD package is a booklet including never-before-seen photos and excerpts from Hedberg's private journals. The CD pulses with Hedberg's unique wit and spirit and is a document of a comedy master.
Mitch Hedberg was one of the most beloved comedians and world renown for his off-kilter one-liners and inimitable style. He died in March of 2005 with nearly an album's worth of new material he was preparing to record later that October. While he never had the chance to record the album as he wanted, "Do You Believe In Gosh?" was taped live just prior to his passing and captures a large portion of his new jokes.
The long-awaited third album from the late comedy icon Mitch Hedberg, "Do You Believe in Gosh?" is set for release on COMEDY CENTRAL Records on Tuesday, September 9.
The CD was recorded two months prior to his death and contains nearly 40 minutes of previously unreleased stand-up material. "Do You Believe in Gosh?" captures most of the material Hedberg was working on for what would have been his next full-length album in a free-form show with a large amount of audience interaction. Listeners can expect the same bizarre one-liners like, "Is a hippopotamus a hippopotamus or just a really cool apoatmus?" delivered in the drawly, good-natured way only Hedberg could pull off. Hedberg gives his unique point of view on such topics as the headless horseman, Medusa, whom he refers to as the "snake-haired bitch" and squirrels on water skis. Also included in the CD package is a booklet including never-before-seen photos and excerpts from Hedberg's private journals. The CD pulses with Hedberg's unique wit and spirit and is a document of a comedy master.
Mitch Hedberg was one of the most beloved comedians and world renown for his off-kilter one-liners and inimitable style. He died in March of 2005 with nearly an album's worth of new material he was preparing to record later that October. While he never had the chance to record the album as he wanted, "Do You Believe In Gosh?" was taped live just prior to his passing and captures a large portion of his new jokes.
Mean Girls 2? Naked Gun 4? Road Trip 2? Grease 3?
I’m sure that the downfall of modern entertainment will someday be linked to the concept of direct-to-DVD movie sequels. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a shitty home video sequel of Wrong Turn, but when they start messing around with films that people actually care about (like Lost Boys or Wargames), that is when I begin to get angry. Imagine someday Warner Bros will be making a direct-to-dvd sequel of The Dark Knight. I can’t wait (sigh). Paramount has announced that they are launching a new label that will focus on developing dvd movies based on successful properties from their library. The label is being called Paramount Famous. And by “Famous” they mean, “We are ripping off you, the unknowing stupid consumer, with a sub par low budget movie that just happens to have the same name as a famous movie you loved, followed by a number 2, 3, 4 or rather some witty subtitle”.
The first film in the line is Without a Paddle: Nature’s Calling (yes, notice the witty subtitle), which just wrapped and is scheduled to hit DVD in 2009. I’m fine with a direct to DVD sequel / spin-off of Without a Paddle, because if you buy such a movie, you only deserve what you get. But THR’s story claims that Paramount Famous has already begun developing a half-dozen other projects based on such movies as Road Trip, Bad News Bears, Naked Gun, Mean Girls and Grease. Do we really need another Naked Gun sequel? And I’m pretty sure that Mean Girls said everything that needed to be said about the world of mean high school girls. And without a young hot Lindsay Lohan in the lead role, what’s the point exactly? I guess you could argue that Hayden Panettiere starred in one of the awful direct-to-dvd sequels for Bring It On.
But one of the more disappointing points is that a direct to dvd sequel degrades the property that it is raping. I never want to see a Grease sequel, but I know a lot of women who would. The release of Grease: Greasing To Win It will ruin any hope for another big screen film. But the sad fact is that these movies sell because people are stupid. According to The Hollywood Reporter, most of the American Pie and Bring It On DVD sequels have sold between 1 million - 2 million copies each, which is nearly as much money as 300 or Ratatouille made at the box office.
The first film in the line is Without a Paddle: Nature’s Calling (yes, notice the witty subtitle), which just wrapped and is scheduled to hit DVD in 2009. I’m fine with a direct to DVD sequel / spin-off of Without a Paddle, because if you buy such a movie, you only deserve what you get. But THR’s story claims that Paramount Famous has already begun developing a half-dozen other projects based on such movies as Road Trip, Bad News Bears, Naked Gun, Mean Girls and Grease. Do we really need another Naked Gun sequel? And I’m pretty sure that Mean Girls said everything that needed to be said about the world of mean high school girls. And without a young hot Lindsay Lohan in the lead role, what’s the point exactly? I guess you could argue that Hayden Panettiere starred in one of the awful direct-to-dvd sequels for Bring It On.
But one of the more disappointing points is that a direct to dvd sequel degrades the property that it is raping. I never want to see a Grease sequel, but I know a lot of women who would. The release of Grease: Greasing To Win It will ruin any hope for another big screen film. But the sad fact is that these movies sell because people are stupid. According to The Hollywood Reporter, most of the American Pie and Bring It On DVD sequels have sold between 1 million - 2 million copies each, which is nearly as much money as 300 or Ratatouille made at the box office.
The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore Coming to TV
MGM Domestic Television Distribution has optioned U.K.-based online graphic novel "The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore" for development as a series, reports Variety.
The studio aims to develop "Jonas" into an action-drama, with a U.S.-U.K. co-production deal a possibility, according to Chris Ottinger, executive VP of worldwide TV for MGM. Film Collective's Ruth Vitale is attached to the project as an executive producer.
"Jonas" revolves around a fugitive video game player in a futuristic world where the British empire still reigns supreme and America is just one of thousands of virtual worlds in a global game network.
Howard Webster created and produced the graphic novel for his London-based Factory Publishing imprint and Triumph Motorcycles.
MGM is shopping for a writer to adapt the novel for TV. Ottinger hopes to have a script commissioned in the fall so the series is ready to go next year.
You can find out more at the graphic novel's official website.
The studio aims to develop "Jonas" into an action-drama, with a U.S.-U.K. co-production deal a possibility, according to Chris Ottinger, executive VP of worldwide TV for MGM. Film Collective's Ruth Vitale is attached to the project as an executive producer.
"Jonas" revolves around a fugitive video game player in a futuristic world where the British empire still reigns supreme and America is just one of thousands of virtual worlds in a global game network.
Howard Webster created and produced the graphic novel for his London-based Factory Publishing imprint and Triumph Motorcycles.
MGM is shopping for a writer to adapt the novel for TV. Ottinger hopes to have a script commissioned in the fall so the series is ready to go next year.
You can find out more at the graphic novel's official website.
Favreau Gets to Work on Iron Man 2
The Los Angeles Times talked to Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau, who says they have started working on the sequel:
I just talked to Jon Favreau a bit ago, and he said that while there hasn't been an formal announcement on the sequel to "Iron Man," he's begun developing it. "We're working on it now," he said, "which hasn't been officially announced. It will be released in 2010."
Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures are targeting an April 30, 2010 release date in order to be the first film to kick-off that summer, much like Iron Man did on May 2nd of this year.
Justin Theroux (Tropic Thunder) is writing the script and in addition to Robert Downey Jr., the first film's co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard are expected to return as well.
I just talked to Jon Favreau a bit ago, and he said that while there hasn't been an formal announcement on the sequel to "Iron Man," he's begun developing it. "We're working on it now," he said, "which hasn't been officially announced. It will be released in 2010."
Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures are targeting an April 30, 2010 release date in order to be the first film to kick-off that summer, much like Iron Man did on May 2nd of this year.
Justin Theroux (Tropic Thunder) is writing the script and in addition to Robert Downey Jr., the first film's co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard are expected to return as well.
Where is Superman Headed?
Variety's Anne Thompson reports that Superman: Man of Steel is in a holding pattern at Warner Bros. Pictures as the studio figures out what to do next. Here's a clip:
They too believe that the last movie didn't break the mold and wound up in some kind of middle limbo. Today I was told that it is a priority at the studio to find the right direction and if Bryan Singer is willing to do that, fine, but if he gets in the way, he may not stay on the project. There are no writers working on a Superman script now. The studio wants to figure it out. "It might be better to start from scratch," one exec admitted.
What do you think? Should they continue the story from Superman Returns or completely start over?
They too believe that the last movie didn't break the mold and wound up in some kind of middle limbo. Today I was told that it is a priority at the studio to find the right direction and if Bryan Singer is willing to do that, fine, but if he gets in the way, he may not stay on the project. There are no writers working on a Superman script now. The studio wants to figure it out. "It might be better to start from scratch," one exec admitted.
What do you think? Should they continue the story from Superman Returns or completely start over?
Snowden and White Penning Poltergeist Remake
Boogeyman scribes Juliet Snowden and Stiles White will write the screenplay for MGM's planned remake of Poltergeist, the 1982 horror film that was directed by Tobe Hooper and produced/co-written by Steven Spielberg.
The MGM/UA release grossed $122 million worldwide and earned Oscar nominations for its ILM-designed visual effects, sound effects and score.
The story of a suburban home built over an Indian burial ground and thus inhabited by a nasty spook earned further cult status when two of the child actors in the movie died after the film's release. Two sequels were produced.
Snowden and White have also had a hand in the remake of The Birds and co-wrote the upcoming Knowing.
The MGM/UA release grossed $122 million worldwide and earned Oscar nominations for its ILM-designed visual effects, sound effects and score.
The story of a suburban home built over an Indian burial ground and thus inhabited by a nasty spook earned further cult status when two of the child actors in the movie died after the film's release. Two sequels were produced.
Snowden and White have also had a hand in the remake of The Birds and co-wrote the upcoming Knowing.
Vin Diesel Directing Fast and Furious Prequel
Vin Diesel, who stars in next Friday's Babylon A.D., told ComingSoon.net today that he is directing a 20-minute prequel to Fast and Furious, the fourth installment in the Universal Pictures franchise.
Diesel will star in the prequel along with Michelle Rodriguez reprising her role as Letty and Sung Kang returning as Han. Diesel didn't say how the prequel would premiere; it could be on a DVD, online, TV, etc.
The fourth movie is a sequel to the first installment, and though Diesel didn't elaborate, we assume this 20-minute prequel will tie-in some of the events from the second and third movies. Rodriguez appeared in the first movie, Sung Kang in the third, and Diesel in the first with a brief cameo in the third.
In the Justin Lin-directed Fast and Furious, opening June 5, 2009, fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker). But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmanuever him.
Diesel will star in the prequel along with Michelle Rodriguez reprising her role as Letty and Sung Kang returning as Han. Diesel didn't say how the prequel would premiere; it could be on a DVD, online, TV, etc.
The fourth movie is a sequel to the first installment, and though Diesel didn't elaborate, we assume this 20-minute prequel will tie-in some of the events from the second and third movies. Rodriguez appeared in the first movie, Sung Kang in the third, and Diesel in the first with a brief cameo in the third.
In the Justin Lin-directed Fast and Furious, opening June 5, 2009, fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker). But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmanuever him.
Cruise and Raimi Team on Sleeper
The Hollywood Reporter says that Tom Cruise and Sam Raimi are setting up Sleeper at Warner Bros. Cruise is loosely attached to star in the adaptation of the DC Comics/Wildstorm comic that Raimi would produce with his Star Road Entertainment partner Josh Donen.
Written by Ed Brubaker with art by Sean Phillips, "Sleeper," which ran from 2003-05, centers on an operative whose fusion with an alien artifact makes him impervious to pain and allows him to pass it on to others through skin contact. He is placed undercover in a villainous organization by an intelligence agency and falls for a member of the group, named Miss Misery.
Sleeper is being eyed not only as a starring vehicle for Cruise but also as a possible franchise for Warner Bros. Pictures.
The trade says that it looks like Cruise's next acting gig will be the Spyglass thriller The Tourist. Cruise is currently appearing in a cameo role in Tropic Thunder and will return to theaters on Dec. 26 in Bryan Singer's Valkyrie.
In addition to Sleeper and The Tourist, a third project Cruise is attached to currently is the Working Title/Universal comedy Food Fight.
Written by Ed Brubaker with art by Sean Phillips, "Sleeper," which ran from 2003-05, centers on an operative whose fusion with an alien artifact makes him impervious to pain and allows him to pass it on to others through skin contact. He is placed undercover in a villainous organization by an intelligence agency and falls for a member of the group, named Miss Misery.
Sleeper is being eyed not only as a starring vehicle for Cruise but also as a possible franchise for Warner Bros. Pictures.
The trade says that it looks like Cruise's next acting gig will be the Spyglass thriller The Tourist. Cruise is currently appearing in a cameo role in Tropic Thunder and will return to theaters on Dec. 26 in Bryan Singer's Valkyrie.
In addition to Sleeper and The Tourist, a third project Cruise is attached to currently is the Working Title/Universal comedy Food Fight.
Writing Begins for The Hobbit Films
Both TheOneRing.net and Entertainment Weekly are reporting that writing has begun for The Hobbit, targeted for a December 2011 release, and its sequel, coming December 2012.
"The Lord of the Rings" screenwriting team of Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens have joined director Guillermo del Toro to write the screenplays for the two planned movies.
Shooting is expected to start at the earliest in the fall of 2009 in New Zealand.
"The Lord of the Rings" screenwriting team of Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens have joined director Guillermo del Toro to write the screenplays for the two planned movies.
Shooting is expected to start at the earliest in the fall of 2009 in New Zealand.
F. Gary Gray Helming Julius
Mandalay Pictures has acquired film rights to the Oni Press graphic novel "Julius," with F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job, The Negotiator) attached to direct.
Written by Antony Johnston and illustrated by Brett Weldele, "Julius" is a contemporary urban crime adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."
Mandalay president Cathy Schulman said that Gray "has a vision for this adaptation that will satirize obsessive consumerism while providing a thrilling ride for audiences."
Written by Antony Johnston and illustrated by Brett Weldele, "Julius" is a contemporary urban crime adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."
Mandalay president Cathy Schulman said that Gray "has a vision for this adaptation that will satirize obsessive consumerism while providing a thrilling ride for audiences."
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Recording New Album
Florida rock outfit the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is recording its next album with producer Howard Benson in Valley Village, Calif., Billboard.com can reveal. The as-yet-untitled set is expected early next year via Capitol.
The group did not join this summer's Vans Warped Tour to concentrate on the follow-up to 2006's "Don't You Fake It," which has sold 852,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
That album's single, "Face Down," spent a year on Billboard's Modern Rock chart and has sold more than 1.5 million downloads.
The group did not join this summer's Vans Warped Tour to concentrate on the follow-up to 2006's "Don't You Fake It," which has sold 852,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
That album's single, "Face Down," spent a year on Billboard's Modern Rock chart and has sold more than 1.5 million downloads.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Stiller's War Comedy Defeats The Clone Wars
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend. Be sure to check back on Monday for the final figures based on actual box office.
The reign of Warner Bros.' The Dark Knight may finally be over as six new movies made it difficult to sustain the top spot after four weeks in residence there. Even so, yesterday it passed the unadjusted gross of George Lucas' 1977 sci-fi classic Star Wars to become the second-highest grossing movie domestically with an astounding five-week box office gross of $471.5 million. (Star Wars' unadjusted gross was $461 million including a number of re-releases since its debut thirty years ago.)
It was replaced at the top by Ben Stiller's war comedy Tropic Thunder (DreamWorks), co-starring Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr., which grossed $11 million on Wednesday and Thursday, then picked up strong word-of-mouth business over the weekend with an additional $26 million, making more in five days than Stiller's last movie The Heartbreak Kid made in its entire theatrical run.
Although The Dark Knight dropped to second place with $16.8 million this weekend, it remained just ahead of George Lucas' latest Jedi adventure, the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner Bros.), which opened in over 3,400 theaters (more than Tropic Thunder) but delivered a disappointing $15.5 million, an average of $4,500 per site. The poor showing might be blamed on the mostly negative reviews and feelings among the fanbase that it's essentially a television cartoon that didn't necessarily need to be seen in theaters.
Internationally, The Dark Knight topped the box office with $42.4 million from 7,700 theaters in 60 markets. The movie has reached $328.6 million overseas for a combined worldwide total of $800.1 million, climbing to the 19th spot on the all-time worldwide blockbuster chart.
Alexandre (The Hills Have Eyes) Aja's latest horror film Mirrors (20th Century Fox), starring Keifer Sutherland, opened in 4th place with $11.1 million in 2,664 theaters, while Sony's stoner comedy Pineapple Express, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, dropped from second to fifth place with $10 million in its second weekend to bring its total to $63 million.
Universal Pictures took the next two spots with their returning movies The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and the musical Mamma Mia! with $8.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively. The Brendan Fraser action flick has grossed roughly $87 million while the Meryl Streep musical has $116.4 million under its belt. It's just a couple million behind passing last year's Hairspray as the third-highest grossing movie musical.
"The Mummy" took second place internationally with $32.6 million from 6,853 theaters in 56 markets. It has earned a total of $196.6 million overseas for a worldwide total of $283 million.
The Warner Bros. sequel The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 dropped to 8th place with $5.9 million and a total gross of $32.1 million, followed by the Will Ferrell-John C. Reilly comedy Step Brothers (Sony) with $5 million and a total gross of just under $91 million.
Opening in just under 700 theaters, Woody Allen's romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona (MGM/Weinstein), starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, rounded out the Top 10 with $3.7 million, becoming Allen's biggest opening movie since 2000's Small Time Crooks as well as the second-biggest opening of his 35-year career.
Opening in 452 digital 3D capable theaters, Summit Entertainment's G-rated animated movie Fly Me to the Moon grossed $2 million to open in 12th place, averaging $4,400 per site. Also opening moderately in 527 theaters, the Sundance pick-up Henry Poole is Here (Overture) starring Luke Wilson grossed just $800,000, averaging a pitiful $1,500 per site.
The Top 10 grossed an estimated $110 million, which is just slightly more than the Top 10 grossed in the same weekend period last year.
The reign of Warner Bros.' The Dark Knight may finally be over as six new movies made it difficult to sustain the top spot after four weeks in residence there. Even so, yesterday it passed the unadjusted gross of George Lucas' 1977 sci-fi classic Star Wars to become the second-highest grossing movie domestically with an astounding five-week box office gross of $471.5 million. (Star Wars' unadjusted gross was $461 million including a number of re-releases since its debut thirty years ago.)
It was replaced at the top by Ben Stiller's war comedy Tropic Thunder (DreamWorks), co-starring Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr., which grossed $11 million on Wednesday and Thursday, then picked up strong word-of-mouth business over the weekend with an additional $26 million, making more in five days than Stiller's last movie The Heartbreak Kid made in its entire theatrical run.
Although The Dark Knight dropped to second place with $16.8 million this weekend, it remained just ahead of George Lucas' latest Jedi adventure, the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Warner Bros.), which opened in over 3,400 theaters (more than Tropic Thunder) but delivered a disappointing $15.5 million, an average of $4,500 per site. The poor showing might be blamed on the mostly negative reviews and feelings among the fanbase that it's essentially a television cartoon that didn't necessarily need to be seen in theaters.
Internationally, The Dark Knight topped the box office with $42.4 million from 7,700 theaters in 60 markets. The movie has reached $328.6 million overseas for a combined worldwide total of $800.1 million, climbing to the 19th spot on the all-time worldwide blockbuster chart.
Alexandre (The Hills Have Eyes) Aja's latest horror film Mirrors (20th Century Fox), starring Keifer Sutherland, opened in 4th place with $11.1 million in 2,664 theaters, while Sony's stoner comedy Pineapple Express, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, dropped from second to fifth place with $10 million in its second weekend to bring its total to $63 million.
Universal Pictures took the next two spots with their returning movies The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and the musical Mamma Mia! with $8.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively. The Brendan Fraser action flick has grossed roughly $87 million while the Meryl Streep musical has $116.4 million under its belt. It's just a couple million behind passing last year's Hairspray as the third-highest grossing movie musical.
"The Mummy" took second place internationally with $32.6 million from 6,853 theaters in 56 markets. It has earned a total of $196.6 million overseas for a worldwide total of $283 million.
The Warner Bros. sequel The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 dropped to 8th place with $5.9 million and a total gross of $32.1 million, followed by the Will Ferrell-John C. Reilly comedy Step Brothers (Sony) with $5 million and a total gross of just under $91 million.
Opening in just under 700 theaters, Woody Allen's romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona (MGM/Weinstein), starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, rounded out the Top 10 with $3.7 million, becoming Allen's biggest opening movie since 2000's Small Time Crooks as well as the second-biggest opening of his 35-year career.
Opening in 452 digital 3D capable theaters, Summit Entertainment's G-rated animated movie Fly Me to the Moon grossed $2 million to open in 12th place, averaging $4,400 per site. Also opening moderately in 527 theaters, the Sundance pick-up Henry Poole is Here (Overture) starring Luke Wilson grossed just $800,000, averaging a pitiful $1,500 per site.
The Top 10 grossed an estimated $110 million, which is just slightly more than the Top 10 grossed in the same weekend period last year.
Voltron Moves Into Turnaround
Fox-based New Regency has put Voltron: Defender of the Universe into turnaround, reports Variety.
The trade says that Ryan Kavanaugh's financing and production venture Relativity Media is in negotiations to back the property, though on a more moderate budget, utilizing the type of cost-effective technology employed in films including 300.
The Mark Gordon Co. still is attached to produce "Voltron," which is based on the popular Japanese animated TV series of the 1980s.
Mark Gordon and Jordan Wynn are producers. Bryan Zuriff is executive producing. Producers expect to attach a director within the next week. The film was written by Justin Marks.
Marks' take is described as a post-apocalyptic tale set in New York City and Mexico, where five survivors of an alien attack band together and end up piloting the five lion-shaped robots that combine and form the massive sword-wielding Voltron that helps battle Earth's invaders.
The trade says that Ryan Kavanaugh's financing and production venture Relativity Media is in negotiations to back the property, though on a more moderate budget, utilizing the type of cost-effective technology employed in films including 300.
The Mark Gordon Co. still is attached to produce "Voltron," which is based on the popular Japanese animated TV series of the 1980s.
Mark Gordon and Jordan Wynn are producers. Bryan Zuriff is executive producing. Producers expect to attach a director within the next week. The film was written by Justin Marks.
Marks' take is described as a post-apocalyptic tale set in New York City and Mexico, where five survivors of an alien attack band together and end up piloting the five lion-shaped robots that combine and form the massive sword-wielding Voltron that helps battle Earth's invaders.
Goosebumps Feature Gets Two Scribes
Writing duo Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander are in negotiations to write the live-action big screen adaptation of the children's horror series "Goosebumps" for Columbia Pictures, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Neal Moritz and his Sony-based Original Film is producing as is Scholastic Entertainment's Deborah Forte.
While straight-to-video versions of the R.L. Stine book series have been made, the project will mark the first feature adaptation of the series and could become a franchise for Columbia, which acquired the rights in May. The "Goosebumps" series have grossed hundreds of millions for Stine and Scholastic, second only to the "Harry Potter" series.
Moritz has said he likely will cast youngsters for the leads and then include well-known actors in supporting roles, a la the "Potter" films.
Neal Moritz and his Sony-based Original Film is producing as is Scholastic Entertainment's Deborah Forte.
While straight-to-video versions of the R.L. Stine book series have been made, the project will mark the first feature adaptation of the series and could become a franchise for Columbia, which acquired the rights in May. The "Goosebumps" series have grossed hundreds of millions for Stine and Scholastic, second only to the "Harry Potter" series.
Moritz has said he likely will cast youngsters for the leads and then include well-known actors in supporting roles, a la the "Potter" films.
Exclusive: Spy Hunter Takes A Backseat
About a year ago the trades reported that Resident Evil and Alien vs. Predator director Paul W.S. Anderson will direct Spy Hunter, the big budget adaptation of the popular Midway video game that revolves around a transforming supercar called the Interceptor.
At the time Anderson was suppose to be working with another writer to pen the project, which has already gone through several writers, including Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Zak Penn and Stuart Beattie.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has long been attached to play the secret agent behind the wheel of the vehicle. And back in 2004 John Woo was originally attached to helm the movie.
Now during Comic Con I had a chance to sit down with Anderson on a TV interview (which, you can see HERE) to talk about his upcoming film DEATH RACE a redo of 1975's "Death Race 2000" and managed to squeeze in a Spy Hunter question.
It looks like the bigscreen version of "Spy Hunter" has taken a backseat because when asked about Spy Hunter and they way he answered the question to me at least, seems that he is not doing it anymore. He might write it but it sure looks like he will not be directing the project.
I’ve also been told from people who are close to the project is that Anderson is NOT doing the film and that he’s been off the project.
I hope one way or another this project does happen already. We've been following this for a while now with the Script Review (CLICK HERE), and the animatics (CLICK HERE) for the film where you can see how the Interceptor changes into a boat and a cycle and more.
Will The Rock still do the movie? Who knows. Will Universal Pictures still do the film? Who knows, maybe not. Will another studio pick up the project? Who knows.
Here is what he said when asked about Spy Hunter.
Latino Review: Does this (movie) prepare you to do another [car film] like Spy Hunter?
Anderson: I had some what fun making this movie and I firmly believe this is the best, most spectacular car action I've ever seen in a film, I don’t know if I’ll ever do another car movie after this, because I really feel like we pushed it to the max and the only other car movie I’ll do is maybe a sequel to this, knock on wood, if this movie does well enough to deserve that, I really think we’ve kind of raised the bar when it comes to car action….we’ve done everything practical, we’ve done spectacular stunts, we’ve kept it R rated, really hard, we’ve had the actors do a lot of their own driving, so you know, I think we’ve really maxed our car movie, so I think we’ve laid down a challenge to any one else, I think we’re now the movie to beat.
At the time Anderson was suppose to be working with another writer to pen the project, which has already gone through several writers, including Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Zak Penn and Stuart Beattie.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has long been attached to play the secret agent behind the wheel of the vehicle. And back in 2004 John Woo was originally attached to helm the movie.
Now during Comic Con I had a chance to sit down with Anderson on a TV interview (which, you can see HERE) to talk about his upcoming film DEATH RACE a redo of 1975's "Death Race 2000" and managed to squeeze in a Spy Hunter question.
It looks like the bigscreen version of "Spy Hunter" has taken a backseat because when asked about Spy Hunter and they way he answered the question to me at least, seems that he is not doing it anymore. He might write it but it sure looks like he will not be directing the project.
I’ve also been told from people who are close to the project is that Anderson is NOT doing the film and that he’s been off the project.
I hope one way or another this project does happen already. We've been following this for a while now with the Script Review (CLICK HERE), and the animatics (CLICK HERE) for the film where you can see how the Interceptor changes into a boat and a cycle and more.
Will The Rock still do the movie? Who knows. Will Universal Pictures still do the film? Who knows, maybe not. Will another studio pick up the project? Who knows.
Here is what he said when asked about Spy Hunter.
Latino Review: Does this (movie) prepare you to do another [car film] like Spy Hunter?
Anderson: I had some what fun making this movie and I firmly believe this is the best, most spectacular car action I've ever seen in a film, I don’t know if I’ll ever do another car movie after this, because I really feel like we pushed it to the max and the only other car movie I’ll do is maybe a sequel to this, knock on wood, if this movie does well enough to deserve that, I really think we’ve kind of raised the bar when it comes to car action….we’ve done everything practical, we’ve done spectacular stunts, we’ve kept it R rated, really hard, we’ve had the actors do a lot of their own driving, so you know, I think we’ve really maxed our car movie, so I think we’ve laid down a challenge to any one else, I think we’re now the movie to beat.
Nintendo Hardware Sales Top July
The console war continues.
Every month, game industry research firm The NPD Group tallies up the hardware sales figures of each respective game console. At around the same time NPD releases their figures, enthusiastic members of each faction engage in a frenzied brawls across the web. Similarly, each manufacturer—Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft—all prepare their own, albeit comparably restrained, retorts. In the case of July, The NPD Group reported that Nintendo is the crowned victor of total hardware sales, moving over 608,400 units of their DS systems, and another 555,000 Wii systems.
The combined total sales of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, however, failed to even touch the total Wii sales. The Xbox 360 moved 204,800 units while the PS3 pulled 224,900 units. Not to be outdone, Microsoft released some figures of their own today to boast the success of the 360. Since November 2005, consumers have spent $10.4 billion on Xbox 360s, a 49 percent total share of the total market, the release said. On the software side, Microsoft claims that users have picked up nearly 7.9 games per console sold.
All the same, the numbers don't lie. As it stand, Nintendo takes the gold for the month of July, Sony takes the silver, and Microsoft takes bronze.
Every month, game industry research firm The NPD Group tallies up the hardware sales figures of each respective game console. At around the same time NPD releases their figures, enthusiastic members of each faction engage in a frenzied brawls across the web. Similarly, each manufacturer—Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft—all prepare their own, albeit comparably restrained, retorts. In the case of July, The NPD Group reported that Nintendo is the crowned victor of total hardware sales, moving over 608,400 units of their DS systems, and another 555,000 Wii systems.
The combined total sales of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, however, failed to even touch the total Wii sales. The Xbox 360 moved 204,800 units while the PS3 pulled 224,900 units. Not to be outdone, Microsoft released some figures of their own today to boast the success of the 360. Since November 2005, consumers have spent $10.4 billion on Xbox 360s, a 49 percent total share of the total market, the release said. On the software side, Microsoft claims that users have picked up nearly 7.9 games per console sold.
All the same, the numbers don't lie. As it stand, Nintendo takes the gold for the month of July, Sony takes the silver, and Microsoft takes bronze.
'Michael and Michael' set at Comedy Central
Pilot from stars Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter
Comedy Central is moving forward with the sketch comedy "Michael and Michael Have Issues," picking up the project to pilot and adding Josh Pais to the cast.
"Michael," from Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter ("The State"), is a half-hour project with segments addressing issues that the two men have with themselves, each other and the world at large. Pais plays Jim Biederman, the executive producer for the duo's show within a show. The character takes the name from an actual exec producer on the Comedy Central project.
Pais, who next appears in "Synecdoche, New York" and the indie "Assassination of a High School President," recently wrapped an untitled comedy from Nicole Holofcener. He is repped by Innovative and manager Brian Liebman.
Comedy Central is moving forward with the sketch comedy "Michael and Michael Have Issues," picking up the project to pilot and adding Josh Pais to the cast.
"Michael," from Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter ("The State"), is a half-hour project with segments addressing issues that the two men have with themselves, each other and the world at large. Pais plays Jim Biederman, the executive producer for the duo's show within a show. The character takes the name from an actual exec producer on the Comedy Central project.
Pais, who next appears in "Synecdoche, New York" and the indie "Assassination of a High School President," recently wrapped an untitled comedy from Nicole Holofcener. He is repped by Innovative and manager Brian Liebman.
Nurse Espinosa removing Scrubs
Judy Reyes says upcoming season is her last on ABC's hospital comedy; lead Braff, creator Lawrence also likely out.
The long-running medical comedy Scrubs normally leaves near-death experiences to its dramatic counterparts, but behind the scenes, it's seen the light and been revived plenty of times.
For several years the show has been considered "on the bubble" when networks make their decisions to cut or keep programming, and each year it escapes the axe late in the game. After seven successful years at NBC, Scrubs begins its eighth season on a new network--ABC--this season. However, that relationship could be one-and-done.
Many have suspected that this season could be the show's last, and comments made by actress Judy Reyes, who plays nurse Carla Espinosa, certainly add fuel to that fire.
According to news service Bloomberg, Reyes said she would be leaving the sitcom after this season, and that others from the team were likely to follow. In addition to her departure, she thinks lead Zach Braff and creator Bill Lawrence will split as well.
"Their salaries exceed the budget of ABC and, I think, so do their ambitions," Reyes told Bloomberg. "Mine do, too."
Braff all but sealed his future a month ago at this year's Television Critics Association press tour when he told the media, "My sense is this is my last year."
ABC execs fired back that they wanted to continue the show beyond this next season, possibly with new cast members, but without Lawrence and Braff, the show would definitely lose much of its pizazz.
Post Scrubs, Reyes hopes to work in feature films and on Broadway.
The long-running medical comedy Scrubs normally leaves near-death experiences to its dramatic counterparts, but behind the scenes, it's seen the light and been revived plenty of times.
For several years the show has been considered "on the bubble" when networks make their decisions to cut or keep programming, and each year it escapes the axe late in the game. After seven successful years at NBC, Scrubs begins its eighth season on a new network--ABC--this season. However, that relationship could be one-and-done.
Many have suspected that this season could be the show's last, and comments made by actress Judy Reyes, who plays nurse Carla Espinosa, certainly add fuel to that fire.
According to news service Bloomberg, Reyes said she would be leaving the sitcom after this season, and that others from the team were likely to follow. In addition to her departure, she thinks lead Zach Braff and creator Bill Lawrence will split as well.
"Their salaries exceed the budget of ABC and, I think, so do their ambitions," Reyes told Bloomberg. "Mine do, too."
Braff all but sealed his future a month ago at this year's Television Critics Association press tour when he told the media, "My sense is this is my last year."
ABC execs fired back that they wanted to continue the show beyond this next season, possibly with new cast members, but without Lawrence and Braff, the show would definitely lose much of its pizazz.
Post Scrubs, Reyes hopes to work in feature films and on Broadway.
Office's Darryl busted for drugs
Felony drug charges filed against actor Craig Robinson for possession of ecstasy and meth.
In the stoner film Pineapple Express, actor Craig Robinson plays a hitman for drug runners who is after the two main characters, played by James Franco and Seth Rogen. Unfortunately for Robinson, he's now also on the wrong side of the law in real life.
The affable up-and-coming actor, who plays warehouse worker Darryl in the NBC hit The Office, was arrested in late June for possession of ecstasy and methamphetamines, as well as being under the influence of cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids (likely marijuana), according to TMZ.com.
Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley today filed documents and pressed charges against Robinson on two counts of drug possession and one count of being under the influence of illegal drugs.
Robinson is due in court August 21, says The Associated Press.
The 36-year-old actor has parlayed his Office success into a working relationship with producer Judd Apatow, and has appeared in several of his films, including Knocked Up, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, and Pineapple Express.
In the stoner film Pineapple Express, actor Craig Robinson plays a hitman for drug runners who is after the two main characters, played by James Franco and Seth Rogen. Unfortunately for Robinson, he's now also on the wrong side of the law in real life.
The affable up-and-coming actor, who plays warehouse worker Darryl in the NBC hit The Office, was arrested in late June for possession of ecstasy and methamphetamines, as well as being under the influence of cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids (likely marijuana), according to TMZ.com.
Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley today filed documents and pressed charges against Robinson on two counts of drug possession and one count of being under the influence of illegal drugs.
Robinson is due in court August 21, says The Associated Press.
The 36-year-old actor has parlayed his Office success into a working relationship with producer Judd Apatow, and has appeared in several of his films, including Knocked Up, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, and Pineapple Express.
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