Back in the late ’80s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life — trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a blossoming romance with an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei) who is ready to start a new life. Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy “The Ram” back into his world of wrestling. Director Darren Aronofsky presents a powerful portrait of a battered dreamer, who despite himself and the odds stacked against him, lives to be a hero once again in the only place he considers home – inside the ring. THE WRESTLER had its North American premiere at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival and won the Golden Lion at the 2008 Venice Film Festival.
Release Date: December 17, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Tim Blake Nelson Will Battle Hulk As ‘The Leader’ In ‘Incredible Hulk 2’ — With Or Without Ed Norton
Fans of this past summer’s “The Incredible Hulk” had a smile put on their faces recently when producer Gale Anne Hurd revealed to MTV News that a proper sequel for the big green guy was very much in the works. As it turns out, they weren’t the only ones.
“I know Gale Ann was talking to you guys about that recently, and I liked hearing it,” beamed an enthusiastic Tim Blake Nelson when MTV spoke with him recently, telling us that he’s on board with Hurd’s plan to have him play the villainous Leader in the next film.
These days, the talented writer/director/actor is in a dark editing bay assembling “Leaves of Grass,” a quirky 2009 drama that features Edward Norton in a dual performance. Nelson told us that during the shooting of “Leaves,” he and Norton sometimes spoke about their recent blockbuster experience, but he still can’t say with confidence that Norton will return following his rumored falling-out with Marvel Studios.
“We talked about [‘Hulk’] a little bit, yeah; we made some jokes about it,” Nelson remembered. “It’s all good, and I really do hope [the sequel] happens, for all sorts of reasons. But yeah, we did, we had a great time on ‘Hulk’ together. I’m eager to do ‘Hulk 2’ if they make it.”
But with stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson continuing to talk themselves up for 2011’s epic “Avengers” flick, and Hulk expected to be a character in that film, Norton has become suspiciously tight-lipped on the topic of future adventures as Bruce Banner. So, with each passing month, it seems more likely that the next Hulk appearance will replace him with another actor just as he did with Eric Bana.
“I feel Edward and I are well-suited for one another. It’s really fun collaborating with him, and he made these characters [in ‘Hulk’ and ‘Leaves’] better,” explained Nelson, revealing that although he’d prefer not to, he would return even if Norton is removed from the series.
“Well, I’m signed on to do ‘Hulk 2’ and ‘3’ whether Edward’s there or not, so it’s not even up to me,” he explained. “When I agreed to do ‘Hulk,’ I signed off for two sequels, so it’s a moot question. I certainly hope Edward is on the sequel — but that’s up to Marvel and Edward.”
Either way, whenever Marvel and Gale Ann Hurd come calling for the “Hulk” sequel, Tim Blake Nelson says he’s fully prepared to show off his great big brain. “Oh, I already did [research into The Leader] when I was doing [Dr. Samuel] Sterns, because I felt that it would be helpful to lay in stuff as Sterns for what The Leader would be,” he explained of the super-intelligent baddie with a desire to take over the world. “So, that was all part of doing Sterns.”
“I know Gale Ann was talking to you guys about that recently, and I liked hearing it,” beamed an enthusiastic Tim Blake Nelson when MTV spoke with him recently, telling us that he’s on board with Hurd’s plan to have him play the villainous Leader in the next film.
These days, the talented writer/director/actor is in a dark editing bay assembling “Leaves of Grass,” a quirky 2009 drama that features Edward Norton in a dual performance. Nelson told us that during the shooting of “Leaves,” he and Norton sometimes spoke about their recent blockbuster experience, but he still can’t say with confidence that Norton will return following his rumored falling-out with Marvel Studios.
“We talked about [‘Hulk’] a little bit, yeah; we made some jokes about it,” Nelson remembered. “It’s all good, and I really do hope [the sequel] happens, for all sorts of reasons. But yeah, we did, we had a great time on ‘Hulk’ together. I’m eager to do ‘Hulk 2’ if they make it.”
But with stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson continuing to talk themselves up for 2011’s epic “Avengers” flick, and Hulk expected to be a character in that film, Norton has become suspiciously tight-lipped on the topic of future adventures as Bruce Banner. So, with each passing month, it seems more likely that the next Hulk appearance will replace him with another actor just as he did with Eric Bana.
“I feel Edward and I are well-suited for one another. It’s really fun collaborating with him, and he made these characters [in ‘Hulk’ and ‘Leaves’] better,” explained Nelson, revealing that although he’d prefer not to, he would return even if Norton is removed from the series.
“Well, I’m signed on to do ‘Hulk 2’ and ‘3’ whether Edward’s there or not, so it’s not even up to me,” he explained. “When I agreed to do ‘Hulk,’ I signed off for two sequels, so it’s a moot question. I certainly hope Edward is on the sequel — but that’s up to Marvel and Edward.”
Either way, whenever Marvel and Gale Ann Hurd come calling for the “Hulk” sequel, Tim Blake Nelson says he’s fully prepared to show off his great big brain. “Oh, I already did [research into The Leader] when I was doing [Dr. Samuel] Sterns, because I felt that it would be helpful to lay in stuff as Sterns for what The Leader would be,” he explained of the super-intelligent baddie with a desire to take over the world. “So, that was all part of doing Sterns.”
SAG and AMPTP Talks Break Down Again
After 27 hours of round-the-clock meetings, talks between the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) have again broken down, and SAG will now seek a strike authorization from its members. First up is a statement from the AMPTP:
The AMPTP accepted the federal mediator's invitation to meet with SAG in hopes of concluding our seventh major agreement of 2008. The Producers met for two days with SAG at the request of federal mediator Juan Carlos Gonzalez. The parties were unable to reach an agreement and the mediator has adjourned the mediation process.
SAG said:
Our leadership was optimistic that federal mediation would help to move our negotiations forward, but despite the Guild's extraordinary efforts to reach agreement, the mediation was adjourned shortly before 1:00 AM today.
Management continues to insist on terms we cannot responsibly accept on behalf of our members. As previously authorized by the National Board of Directors, we will now launch a full-scale education campaign in support of a strike authorization referendum. We will further inform our members about the core, critical issues unique to actors that remain in dispute.
We have already made difficult decisions and sacrifices in an attempt to reach agreement. Now it's time for SAG members to stand united and empower the national negotiating committee to bargain with the strength of a possible work stoppage behind them.
We remain committed to avoiding a strike but now more than ever we cannot allow our employers to experiment with our careers. The WGA has already learned that the new media terms they agreed to with the AMPTP are not being honored. We cannot allow our employers to undermine the futures of our members and their families.
No timeline has been set for the mailing or return of the strike authorization ballots.
SAG will need 75% of its voting members to approve the measure in order to go forward with a strike.
The AMPTP accepted the federal mediator's invitation to meet with SAG in hopes of concluding our seventh major agreement of 2008. The Producers met for two days with SAG at the request of federal mediator Juan Carlos Gonzalez. The parties were unable to reach an agreement and the mediator has adjourned the mediation process.
SAG said:
Our leadership was optimistic that federal mediation would help to move our negotiations forward, but despite the Guild's extraordinary efforts to reach agreement, the mediation was adjourned shortly before 1:00 AM today.
Management continues to insist on terms we cannot responsibly accept on behalf of our members. As previously authorized by the National Board of Directors, we will now launch a full-scale education campaign in support of a strike authorization referendum. We will further inform our members about the core, critical issues unique to actors that remain in dispute.
We have already made difficult decisions and sacrifices in an attempt to reach agreement. Now it's time for SAG members to stand united and empower the national negotiating committee to bargain with the strength of a possible work stoppage behind them.
We remain committed to avoiding a strike but now more than ever we cannot allow our employers to experiment with our careers. The WGA has already learned that the new media terms they agreed to with the AMPTP are not being honored. We cannot allow our employers to undermine the futures of our members and their families.
No timeline has been set for the mailing or return of the strike authorization ballots.
SAG will need 75% of its voting members to approve the measure in order to go forward with a strike.
Arrested Development Movie Set-Up At Fox Searchlight
An Arrested Development movie has always sounded like the wishful thinking of the television series hardcore fans. Over the years cast and crew have indulged, purportrated rumors, and continued the myth of an Arrested Development movie. I think I may have even made a posting proclaiming that an Arrested Development movie isn’t going to happen, no matter how much the cast members say they would like to reunite.
And even after Jeffrey Tambor told Collider last week that the film was a “go”, I remained skeptical. But much like dry land, the Arrested Development movie is not a myth. Creator and executive producers Mitch Hurwitz and Ron Howard closing a deal from the project at Imagine and Fox Searchlight. No more details are known at this time. In the series finale, Maeby tries to sell the television rights to the Bluth family’s story to Ron Howard, who tells her that he instead sees it as a movie. So maybe the Arrested Development movie would pick up from there?
And even after Jeffrey Tambor told Collider last week that the film was a “go”, I remained skeptical. But much like dry land, the Arrested Development movie is not a myth. Creator and executive producers Mitch Hurwitz and Ron Howard closing a deal from the project at Imagine and Fox Searchlight. No more details are known at this time. In the series finale, Maeby tries to sell the television rights to the Bluth family’s story to Ron Howard, who tells her that he instead sees it as a movie. So maybe the Arrested Development movie would pick up from there?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Universal Nabs Exclusive Rights to Bourne Novels
Universal Pictures has made an overall deal with the estate of "The Bourne Identity" author Robert Ludlum that gives the studio exclusive rights to the Jason Bourne character and first look at other Ludlum novels, says Variety.
The deal with Ludlum Entertainment paves the way for more installments in the "Bourne" franchise, which was originally envisioned as a three-picture series but has become Universal's answer to James Bond.
After the first three films grossed a total of more than $1 billion worldwide, the studio signed Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass for a fourth film that George Nolfi is writing.
Produced by Frank Marshall and Ludlum Entertainment chairman-CEO Jeffrey Weiner, the film will be readied for a summer 2010 release.
The deal with Ludlum Entertainment paves the way for more installments in the "Bourne" franchise, which was originally envisioned as a three-picture series but has become Universal's answer to James Bond.
After the first three films grossed a total of more than $1 billion worldwide, the studio signed Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass for a fourth film that George Nolfi is writing.
Produced by Frank Marshall and Ludlum Entertainment chairman-CEO Jeffrey Weiner, the film will be readied for a summer 2010 release.
Timothy Olyphant in Crazies Remake
Timothy Olyphant has signed on to star in The Crazies, Overture's remake of the George Romero horror movie being directed by Breck Eisner, says The Hollywood Reporter.
The story revolves around the inhabitants of a small Kansas town who are beset by death and insanity after a plane crash lets loose a secret biological weapon into the water supply. Olyphant is playing the town's sheriff.
Scott Kosar and Ray Wright wrote the screenplay.
Michael Aguilar and Dean Georgaris are producing, with Romero executive producing.
The story revolves around the inhabitants of a small Kansas town who are beset by death and insanity after a plane crash lets loose a secret biological weapon into the water supply. Olyphant is playing the town's sheriff.
Scott Kosar and Ray Wright wrote the screenplay.
Michael Aguilar and Dean Georgaris are producing, with Romero executive producing.
Hopalong Cassidy is Returning to the Big Screen
Producer Mark Canton (300) is teaming with Pterodactyl Productions on a pair of big screen projects that include a film about iconic cowboy character and B-movie Western staple Bill "Hopalong" Cassidy, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Created in 1904 by writer Clarence E. Mulford, the Cassidy character appeared as a rough-talking galoot in a series of popular stories and novels before segueing to the big screen in 1935 as a clean-cut hero. William Boyd played the character in 66 films throughout the 1930s, '40s and '50s.
Affectionately known by millions as "Hoppy," the character also spawned comic books, radio serials and the first network TV Western series. Cassidy also became the first image to be featured on a lunchbox.
Canton and Pterodactyl are also tackling another story engrained in pop culture, that of the French Connection heroin heist perpetrated by a group of NYPD narcotics detectives. Honor for Sale, based on a book by Gerald Kelly, will revolve around the group of detectives who ran the largest narcotics distribution ring in the '70s. The true story inspired the two "French Connection" films from the '70s as well as the recent American Gangster.
The script was written by the late John Bishop.
Created in 1904 by writer Clarence E. Mulford, the Cassidy character appeared as a rough-talking galoot in a series of popular stories and novels before segueing to the big screen in 1935 as a clean-cut hero. William Boyd played the character in 66 films throughout the 1930s, '40s and '50s.
Affectionately known by millions as "Hoppy," the character also spawned comic books, radio serials and the first network TV Western series. Cassidy also became the first image to be featured on a lunchbox.
Canton and Pterodactyl are also tackling another story engrained in pop culture, that of the French Connection heroin heist perpetrated by a group of NYPD narcotics detectives. Honor for Sale, based on a book by Gerald Kelly, will revolve around the group of detectives who ran the largest narcotics distribution ring in the '70s. The true story inspired the two "French Connection" films from the '70s as well as the recent American Gangster.
The script was written by the late John Bishop.
WB Signs Segal and Ewing to Three-Year Deal
Warner Bros. has signed Get Smart director Peter Segal and his Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing to a three-year first-look deal, reports Variety.
Segal and Ewing kick off the deal with Liam McBain: International Tennis Star and Proper English Geezer, a Chip Hall-scripted spec script. Segal will develop to direct a film that follows the rise, fall and ultimate redemption of a fictional British tennis star of the '80s.
As part of the deal, WB has also acquired the John August-scripted Captain Marvel; Segal will direct the DC Comics adaptation. He and Ewing began working on the film two years ago at New Line, but the property has moved over to WB. The film tells the story of teenaged Billy Batson, who transforms into the superhero when he says the word "Shazam!"
Deal comes as Segal prepares to direct a sequel to Get Smart for WB and Village Roadshow Pictures. Ewing was a producer of the original film, along with Chuck Roven, Alex Gartner and Andrew Lazar. Segal was an executive producer. The Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember-scripted sequel is expected to shoot next year.
Segal and Ewing kick off the deal with Liam McBain: International Tennis Star and Proper English Geezer, a Chip Hall-scripted spec script. Segal will develop to direct a film that follows the rise, fall and ultimate redemption of a fictional British tennis star of the '80s.
As part of the deal, WB has also acquired the John August-scripted Captain Marvel; Segal will direct the DC Comics adaptation. He and Ewing began working on the film two years ago at New Line, but the property has moved over to WB. The film tells the story of teenaged Billy Batson, who transforms into the superhero when he says the word "Shazam!"
Deal comes as Segal prepares to direct a sequel to Get Smart for WB and Village Roadshow Pictures. Ewing was a producer of the original film, along with Chuck Roven, Alex Gartner and Andrew Lazar. Segal was an executive producer. The Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember-scripted sequel is expected to shoot next year.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
ABC, 1-2-3: Dirty Sexy, Daisies and Eli All Goners
Pop, pop, pop go all three sophomore bubbles shows at ABC.
Sources tell TVGuide.com that the network has taken a pass on greenlighting any additional episodes of Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money, and that all three series will come to an end when this season's 13-episode orders expire.
Daisies wrapped production on its 13th episode last week, at which point series creator Bryan Fuller said he was holding out hope that high-ranking advocates for his show would work some magic. Didn't happen. Fuller, though, has said that Ned and Chuck's story, in such a sitch, will continue on in comic-book form. So there's that.
Dirty Sexy stars William Baldwin and Seth Gabel told TVGuide.com earlier this week that they were just finishing their own 13th episode, and urged fans to tune in, or see the Darlings cash out. Like the economy, they got caught in a downward spiral.
Eli Stone was perhaps the longest shot of the three, not benefiting from the fanatical support that the fantastical Daisies did, nor possessing the sexy sheen of DSM.
Is all hope lost for fans of the above? I'm not one to extend false expectations, but an insider from at least one of the aforementioned trio urges me to remind you that as long as new episodes are on the air, there is always that slim chance that improved ratings could — could — beckon a white horse to save the day.
Sources tell TVGuide.com that the network has taken a pass on greenlighting any additional episodes of Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money, and that all three series will come to an end when this season's 13-episode orders expire.
Daisies wrapped production on its 13th episode last week, at which point series creator Bryan Fuller said he was holding out hope that high-ranking advocates for his show would work some magic. Didn't happen. Fuller, though, has said that Ned and Chuck's story, in such a sitch, will continue on in comic-book form. So there's that.
Dirty Sexy stars William Baldwin and Seth Gabel told TVGuide.com earlier this week that they were just finishing their own 13th episode, and urged fans to tune in, or see the Darlings cash out. Like the economy, they got caught in a downward spiral.
Eli Stone was perhaps the longest shot of the three, not benefiting from the fanatical support that the fantastical Daisies did, nor possessing the sexy sheen of DSM.
Is all hope lost for fans of the above? I'm not one to extend false expectations, but an insider from at least one of the aforementioned trio urges me to remind you that as long as new episodes are on the air, there is always that slim chance that improved ratings could — could — beckon a white horse to save the day.
Is A Blink-182 Reunion In The Cards? Mark Hoppus Blogs About Hanging With Travis Barker, Tom DeLonge
Bassist keeps expectations low, but says plane crash put things in perspective: 'Life is too short.'
Last week, at the mtvU Woodie Awards, former Blink-182er (and current member of +44) Mark Hoppus spoke about his best friend and bandmate Travis Barker, who is recovering from second-and-third degree burns suffered in a September 19 plane crash that killed four people and seriously injured DJ AM.
And this week, Hoppus kept on talking — er, blogging — only this time it wasn't just about about Barker, but former Blink bandmate Tom DeLonge, too. Seems that, for the first time since Blink went on "indefinite hiatus" in February 2005, all three members have been spending time together ... which, of course, could mean that we're in the early stages of a full-on Blink reunion. Maybe.
"In the midst of everything else that has happened lately, Tom, Travis and I have all spoken together," Hoppus wrote on his official site, HiMyNameIsMark.com. First, through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. They've all been great, very positive conversations. We're just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking. It's a good thing. Obviously the first question for a lot of people will be, 'Does this mean a Blink-182 reunion?' The answer is none of us know. We haven't talked about it at all. Right now it's just good for the three of us to see one another, reconnect and let the past be the past. The events of the past two months supersede everything that happened before. Life is too short."
Despite the public silence from Barker's former Blink-mates in the immediate wake of the crash — which lasted just a couple of weeks — this sounds very much like the hatchet being buried. And as if that news wasn't enough to send Blink fans into a tizzy, consider what Hoppus told MTV News last week, when he was asked when fans can expect a new album from his and Barker's post-Blink band, +44: "Hopefully, in the next couple months we'll see [Barker] behind the kit, I pray. No matter what I work on, Travis will be part of, for sure."
Hoppus' post wasn't entirely devoted to stoking the Blink flames. He also wrote at great length about "Little" Chris Baker and Charles "Che" Still, two of Barker's friends and associates who were killed in the crash.
"These past two months have been the hardest times that I can remember, and I hope that we never see anything like this ever again," he wrote. "Even two months later, I still can't believe what happened, and it's too much to talk about. But let me say that I think about Little Chris every single day, and the world is not the same without him. He is one of the best people I've ever known. We traveled the world together, spending countless hours on buses and planes, in hotel lobbies and dressing rooms. ... I'm so sad that he is not here right now. There are just no words."
Last week, at the mtvU Woodie Awards, former Blink-182er (and current member of +44) Mark Hoppus spoke about his best friend and bandmate Travis Barker, who is recovering from second-and-third degree burns suffered in a September 19 plane crash that killed four people and seriously injured DJ AM.
And this week, Hoppus kept on talking — er, blogging — only this time it wasn't just about about Barker, but former Blink bandmate Tom DeLonge, too. Seems that, for the first time since Blink went on "indefinite hiatus" in February 2005, all three members have been spending time together ... which, of course, could mean that we're in the early stages of a full-on Blink reunion. Maybe.
"In the midst of everything else that has happened lately, Tom, Travis and I have all spoken together," Hoppus wrote on his official site, HiMyNameIsMark.com. First, through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. They've all been great, very positive conversations. We're just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking. It's a good thing. Obviously the first question for a lot of people will be, 'Does this mean a Blink-182 reunion?' The answer is none of us know. We haven't talked about it at all. Right now it's just good for the three of us to see one another, reconnect and let the past be the past. The events of the past two months supersede everything that happened before. Life is too short."
Despite the public silence from Barker's former Blink-mates in the immediate wake of the crash — which lasted just a couple of weeks — this sounds very much like the hatchet being buried. And as if that news wasn't enough to send Blink fans into a tizzy, consider what Hoppus told MTV News last week, when he was asked when fans can expect a new album from his and Barker's post-Blink band, +44: "Hopefully, in the next couple months we'll see [Barker] behind the kit, I pray. No matter what I work on, Travis will be part of, for sure."
Hoppus' post wasn't entirely devoted to stoking the Blink flames. He also wrote at great length about "Little" Chris Baker and Charles "Che" Still, two of Barker's friends and associates who were killed in the crash.
"These past two months have been the hardest times that I can remember, and I hope that we never see anything like this ever again," he wrote. "Even two months later, I still can't believe what happened, and it's too much to talk about. But let me say that I think about Little Chris every single day, and the world is not the same without him. He is one of the best people I've ever known. We traveled the world together, spending countless hours on buses and planes, in hotel lobbies and dressing rooms. ... I'm so sad that he is not here right now. There are just no words."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Universal and Verbinski Remaking The Host
Universal Pictures and Gore Verbinski will remake the 2006 Bong Joon-ho-directed Korean thriller The Host, with commercials director Fredrik Bond making his feature helming debut and Mark Poirier (Smart People) to write the script.
The story follows a town terrorized by a giant mutant squidlike creature hatched by toxins that flow into a nearby river from a military base. When the creature grabs a little girl, her dysfunctional family must band together to rescue her.
Verbinski will produce with Vertigo's Roy Lee and Doug Davison, along with Paul Brooks.
The film, originally titled Gwoemul, did record-breaking business in its theatrical run in South Korea.
The story follows a town terrorized by a giant mutant squidlike creature hatched by toxins that flow into a nearby river from a military base. When the creature grabs a little girl, her dysfunctional family must band together to rescue her.
Verbinski will produce with Vertigo's Roy Lee and Doug Davison, along with Paul Brooks.
The film, originally titled Gwoemul, did record-breaking business in its theatrical run in South Korea.
Gale Anne Hurd Producing Gearhead Movie
Gale Anne Hurd's Valhalla Motion Pictures has closed a deal for the film rights to produce the graphic novel "Gearhead" which Hurd will produce. "Gearhead" was created by Dennis Hopeless and Kevin Mellon and published by Arcana Comics.
In "Gearhead," a young woman teams up with a group of rebels to fight the corrupt superheroes who govern the United States. She must rise to the challenge of her destiny and become "Gearhead."
"We are excited to bring 'Gearhead' to life. It's a terrific character-driven story set in a unique and compelling world," said Hurd.
"To work with Gale on Gearhead is simply fantastic. We couldn't have found a better partner," Arcana Studio's Sean O'Reilly commented.
In "Gearhead," a young woman teams up with a group of rebels to fight the corrupt superheroes who govern the United States. She must rise to the challenge of her destiny and become "Gearhead."
"We are excited to bring 'Gearhead' to life. It's a terrific character-driven story set in a unique and compelling world," said Hurd.
"To work with Gale on Gearhead is simply fantastic. We couldn't have found a better partner," Arcana Studio's Sean O'Reilly commented.
Office Gossip: Rashida Jones to Return to NBC
Office fans may be missing Rashida Jones at Dunder Mifflin, but they'll soon have her back on the same network.
Jones has been cast in a new series from Office writers and Saturday Night Live's recent alumna, Amy Poehler.
While few details are known yet about the so-called "Untitled Amy Poehler Project," showrunner Michael Schur reportedly shared a few snippets of the post-Office gossip with OfficeTally.com. "It's true," he said. "She'll be playing a nurse named Ann. (Not [her Office character] Karen Fillipelli)."
Joining Jones in the new series will also be Aziz Ansari (Human Giant).
Jones has been cast in a new series from Office writers and Saturday Night Live's recent alumna, Amy Poehler.
While few details are known yet about the so-called "Untitled Amy Poehler Project," showrunner Michael Schur reportedly shared a few snippets of the post-Office gossip with OfficeTally.com. "It's true," he said. "She'll be playing a nurse named Ann. (Not [her Office character] Karen Fillipelli)."
Joining Jones in the new series will also be Aziz Ansari (Human Giant).
Josh Schwartz to Write X-Men: First Class
20th Century Fox has hired "Gossip Girl" creator Josh Schwartz to write X-Men: First Class. He'd also been offered a chance to direct the film, but declined.
Schwartz, the creator and executive producer of The CW's hit as well as Fox's "The O.C." and NBC's "Chuck," is expected to inject a next-gen sensibility into the superhero series.
The studio has been leaning toward using the younger characters introduced in the previous films in future installments --teenagers with powers taught at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning.
Resulting film would likely draw from elements of the Marvel Comic of the same name, launched in 2006, and enlist such characters as Iceman, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Jubilee and Shadowcat, who have appeared prominently or made cameos in prior pics.
Lauren Shuler Donner, who produced all three "X-Men" pics, as well as next summer's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, is producing "First Class" alongside Mr. & Mrs. Smith scribe Simon Kinberg.
Schwartz, the creator and executive producer of The CW's hit as well as Fox's "The O.C." and NBC's "Chuck," is expected to inject a next-gen sensibility into the superhero series.
The studio has been leaning toward using the younger characters introduced in the previous films in future installments --teenagers with powers taught at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning.
Resulting film would likely draw from elements of the Marvel Comic of the same name, launched in 2006, and enlist such characters as Iceman, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Jubilee and Shadowcat, who have appeared prominently or made cameos in prior pics.
Lauren Shuler Donner, who produced all three "X-Men" pics, as well as next summer's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, is producing "First Class" alongside Mr. & Mrs. Smith scribe Simon Kinberg.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Markus and McFeely Penning Captain America
Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely are in negotiations to write Marvel Studios' First Avenger: Captain America, to be directed by Joe Johnston and produced by Marvel's Kevin Feige.
Created in 1941 by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon for Timely Comics, Captain America is the heroic alter ego of Steve Rogers, who is rejected by the Army for being too sickly and undergoes an experiment that takes him to the pinnacle of human form. Paired with an indestructible shield, he becomes a symbol of the war effort, fighting Nazis and villainous scientists like the Red Skull.
In modern times, the character starred in his own long-running comic series and also was a charter member of Marvel's superteam, the Avengers.
Marvel's "Captain America" will be a World War II-set movie, and the character will appear in modern day-set The Avengers.
Markus and McFeely worked on The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and its sequel, "Prince Caspian." The duo also wrote HBO's "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers."
Created in 1941 by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon for Timely Comics, Captain America is the heroic alter ego of Steve Rogers, who is rejected by the Army for being too sickly and undergoes an experiment that takes him to the pinnacle of human form. Paired with an indestructible shield, he becomes a symbol of the war effort, fighting Nazis and villainous scientists like the Red Skull.
In modern times, the character starred in his own long-running comic series and also was a charter member of Marvel's superteam, the Avengers.
Marvel's "Captain America" will be a World War II-set movie, and the character will appear in modern day-set The Avengers.
Markus and McFeely worked on The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and its sequel, "Prince Caspian." The duo also wrote HBO's "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers."
Good Charlotte Fill Blink-182's Void On Next LP, Tide Fans Over With Remix Album
'We had a lot of good will built up,' Joel Madden says of Game, Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump and more contributing to Greatest Remixes.
We're probably going to make Joel Madden pretty angry by saying this, but Good Charlotte's new album is gonna sound a whole lot like Blink-182.
"I hate when [people ask about Good Charlotte's new album], and we say it sounds like something, and then there's a news piece about what it sounds like, and it sounds completely different," he told MTV News backstage during Sunday's "Total Finale Live." "But we're trying to fill the void. ... Like, I think there's a need for a new Blink-182 album, and they're not working on an album. I'm a huge Blink-182 fan, but I think in general there's a void there for music like that, and in this moment, we're making a record that kind of answers to that void. We'll see, though."
So there you go. Good Charlotte's follow-up to last year's Good Morning Revival will be the most Blink-y thing since Mark, Tom and Travis called it quits (or, excuse us, "went on indefinite hiatus") in 2005. And if it's going to be a Blink record, well, Madden — who became a new father in January — is making it sound like it will be closest to the band's more serious, self-titled farewell album.
"I think we've matured a little bit, and it definitely changes things. You're more mindful of what you're saying, and the songs somehow become more important, because someone that you really love is going to be listening to them," he said. "I don't know what it's going to mean for our music, but it seems like it's changed a little bit."
Of course, there's a fairly good chance all this will change. So while we can't be 100 percent sure how the new GC album will sound, Madden is more than happy to let fans know how it won't sound.
"There's nothing dance-y on the record, though, at all, which is different from our last one," he said.
Madden did say that he and his band are currently in the studio working on the new album, which is tentatively due in the summer. In the meantime, GC are tiding fans over with the November 25 release of Greatest Remixes, a sort-of "greatest hits" package run through the ringer, featuring remixes by Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump, Metro Station and Junior Sanchez, to name just a few.
"We had a lot of good will built up. Everybody wanted to do it, and we were very lucky to have all these people involved," Madden said. "We wanted to give our fans something to bridge us into adulthood now, where we're working on a record now and taking our time doing it."
"We've learned over the years that we don't have any enemies, and that kind of came back as a good thing. We've made a lot of friends over the years, and in this business, a lot of things happen because of your friends. And they kind of helped us in this instance," Joel's brother Benji chimed in. "There's a song with Game on the record. We've got two other new tracks that no one's heard: a song called 'Anxiety' and a song called 'War.' It's cool. It's something to tide people over until we get the new album out next year. It's really eclectic. Some of it you'll hear DJs spinning it in the clubs."
Then again, Joel is quick to point out that the remix album is about the furthest thing from a traditional Good Charlotte album (remember, no more dance music), so buyer beware. And remember: There's always that Blink-182 album on the horizon.
"It's not an album we could sell to people. If they want to buy it, buy it," he said. "It's a different kind of record. It sounds nothing like us. ... It doesn't sound like Good Charlotte."
We're probably going to make Joel Madden pretty angry by saying this, but Good Charlotte's new album is gonna sound a whole lot like Blink-182.
"I hate when [people ask about Good Charlotte's new album], and we say it sounds like something, and then there's a news piece about what it sounds like, and it sounds completely different," he told MTV News backstage during Sunday's "Total Finale Live." "But we're trying to fill the void. ... Like, I think there's a need for a new Blink-182 album, and they're not working on an album. I'm a huge Blink-182 fan, but I think in general there's a void there for music like that, and in this moment, we're making a record that kind of answers to that void. We'll see, though."
So there you go. Good Charlotte's follow-up to last year's Good Morning Revival will be the most Blink-y thing since Mark, Tom and Travis called it quits (or, excuse us, "went on indefinite hiatus") in 2005. And if it's going to be a Blink record, well, Madden — who became a new father in January — is making it sound like it will be closest to the band's more serious, self-titled farewell album.
"I think we've matured a little bit, and it definitely changes things. You're more mindful of what you're saying, and the songs somehow become more important, because someone that you really love is going to be listening to them," he said. "I don't know what it's going to mean for our music, but it seems like it's changed a little bit."
Of course, there's a fairly good chance all this will change. So while we can't be 100 percent sure how the new GC album will sound, Madden is more than happy to let fans know how it won't sound.
"There's nothing dance-y on the record, though, at all, which is different from our last one," he said.
Madden did say that he and his band are currently in the studio working on the new album, which is tentatively due in the summer. In the meantime, GC are tiding fans over with the November 25 release of Greatest Remixes, a sort-of "greatest hits" package run through the ringer, featuring remixes by Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump, Metro Station and Junior Sanchez, to name just a few.
"We had a lot of good will built up. Everybody wanted to do it, and we were very lucky to have all these people involved," Madden said. "We wanted to give our fans something to bridge us into adulthood now, where we're working on a record now and taking our time doing it."
"We've learned over the years that we don't have any enemies, and that kind of came back as a good thing. We've made a lot of friends over the years, and in this business, a lot of things happen because of your friends. And they kind of helped us in this instance," Joel's brother Benji chimed in. "There's a song with Game on the record. We've got two other new tracks that no one's heard: a song called 'Anxiety' and a song called 'War.' It's cool. It's something to tide people over until we get the new album out next year. It's really eclectic. Some of it you'll hear DJs spinning it in the clubs."
Then again, Joel is quick to point out that the remix album is about the furthest thing from a traditional Good Charlotte album (remember, no more dance music), so buyer beware. And remember: There's always that Blink-182 album on the horizon.
"It's not an album we could sell to people. If they want to buy it, buy it," he said. "It's a different kind of record. It sounds nothing like us. ... It doesn't sound like Good Charlotte."
Worst Idea Ever: Another Nutty Professor in the Works?
Universal and Imagine Entertainment are in the early stages of developing a new "Nutty Professor" movie, in what would be the third installment of the remake of the 1963 Jerry Lewis vehicle, says The Hollywood Reporter. An open call is out to writers for their take on a potential third entry.
Although it has been eight years since the last "Nutty" came out, executives are interested in a new version that would follow The Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps, starring Eddie Murphy.
Murphy is not attached to a new "Nutty"; his involvement would be contingent on the writer, director and other elements.
Although it has been eight years since the last "Nutty" came out, executives are interested in a new version that would follow The Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps, starring Eddie Murphy.
Murphy is not attached to a new "Nutty"; his involvement would be contingent on the writer, director and other elements.
Seth Rogen Makes a Porno Series
Seth Rogen Rogen and production partner Evan Goldberg are developing a comedy series for the Showtime about three twentysomethings who learn about life and love while running a pornography shop, reports Variety.
Rogen and Goldberg will executive produce the as-yet untitled project.
Matthew Bass, who is credited as an assistant to both comedy filmmakers on Pineapple Express and Superbad, will write the script and co-executive produce.
Rogen, who stars in Kevin Smith's recently released Zack and Miri Make a Porno, is also working with Goldberg on Mandate Pictures comedy Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse.
Rogen and Goldberg will executive produce the as-yet untitled project.
Matthew Bass, who is credited as an assistant to both comedy filmmakers on Pineapple Express and Superbad, will write the script and co-executive produce.
Rogen, who stars in Kevin Smith's recently released Zack and Miri Make a Porno, is also working with Goldberg on Mandate Pictures comedy Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse.
Dan Fogler to Play Sam Kinison
HBO launched comic Sam Kinison's star, and now the pay channel will memorialize his life and death with "Brother Sam," a film Tom Shadyac will direct.
Variety says that Dan Fogler will play the manic comic.
Basis for the telepic is "Brother Sam: The Short, Spectacular Life of Sam Kinison," a memoir written by his brother and manager, Bill Kinison, and Steve Delsohn. A new script has been written by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, the writer/directors of American Splendor.
David Permut is producing in a co-production of Permut Presentations and Shadyac's Shady Acres. Steve Longi is co-producer and Bill Kinison is executive producer.
Variety says that Dan Fogler will play the manic comic.
Basis for the telepic is "Brother Sam: The Short, Spectacular Life of Sam Kinison," a memoir written by his brother and manager, Bill Kinison, and Steve Delsohn. A new script has been written by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, the writer/directors of American Splendor.
David Permut is producing in a co-production of Permut Presentations and Shadyac's Shady Acres. Steve Longi is co-producer and Bill Kinison is executive producer.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Terminator Salvation Scribes Board XXX
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage is getting off the ground with Terminator Salvation screenwriters Michael Ferris and John Brancato in early talks to write a script that will reunite Vin Diesel with director Rob Cohen, reports Variety.
The writing team, whose credits include Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and the upcoming Jonathan Mostow-directed The Surrogates, began talks after pitching their take last Friday for a new installment in the action series to Columbia Pictures presidents Matt Tolmach and Doug Belgrad.
Diesel and Cohen teamed on the 2002 original, which starred Diesel as an extreme sports enthusiast drafted by the government for a dangerous mission.
The writing team, whose credits include Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and the upcoming Jonathan Mostow-directed The Surrogates, began talks after pitching their take last Friday for a new installment in the action series to Columbia Pictures presidents Matt Tolmach and Doug Belgrad.
Diesel and Cohen teamed on the 2002 original, which starred Diesel as an extreme sports enthusiast drafted by the government for a dangerous mission.
Eckhart is Set for Battle: Los Angeles
Aaron Eckhart (Harvey Two-Face in The Dark Knight) is attached to star in Battle: Los Angeles, a sci-fi action film that Jonathan Liebesman is directing for Columbia Pictures, says The Hollywood Reporter.
The story, written by Chris Bertolini, revolves around a Marine platoon's encounter in the battle on the streets of Los Angeles against an alien invasion.
Eckhart will play the platoon leader in the film, which has yet to set a start date. Neal Moritz and his Original Film are producing.
The story, written by Chris Bertolini, revolves around a Marine platoon's encounter in the battle on the streets of Los Angeles against an alien invasion.
Eckhart will play the platoon leader in the film, which has yet to set a start date. Neal Moritz and his Original Film are producing.
A Comedy Based on Criss Angel in the Works
Actor-turned-writer Chris Moynihan has set up a comedy based on the life of magician Criss Angel at NBC, reports Variety.
The Angel project is based on an original idea that the "Mindfreak" magician conceived along with producers Dave Baram, Jason Verona and Adam Shulman. Moynihan has joined in to write the project, which was inspired by Angel's experience as an up-and-coming magician.
All four are aboard to executive produce the half-hour, which was pitched as a workplace comedy set in the world of magic.
Angel rose to fame thanks to his A&E series "Criss Angel: Mindfreak." At NBC, he previously appeared on the reality show "Phenomenon."
The Angel project is based on an original idea that the "Mindfreak" magician conceived along with producers Dave Baram, Jason Verona and Adam Shulman. Moynihan has joined in to write the project, which was inspired by Angel's experience as an up-and-coming magician.
All four are aboard to executive produce the half-hour, which was pitched as a workplace comedy set in the world of magic.
Angel rose to fame thanks to his A&E series "Criss Angel: Mindfreak." At NBC, he previously appeared on the reality show "Phenomenon."
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Quantum of Box Office History
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend.
Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace, directed by Marc Forster and starring Daniel Craig, set a new domestic opening record for a James Bond film, grossing an estimated $70.4 million from 3,451 theaters, averaging $20,400 per location. Casino Royale opened to $40.8 million in November of 2006 and went on to earn $167.4 million. The previous record-holder for the best 007 opening was Die Another Day with $47 million.
Internationally, Quantum of Solace added another $56.1 million from 10,460 theaters in 67 markets and brought its overseas total to an impressive $251.6 million. Sony is expecting the film to become the biggest among all Bond pics in terms of foreign grosses. Casino Royale is the current record holder with $430 million internationally.
Quantum of Solace, also starring Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench, Gemma Arterton, Jeffrey Wright, Jesper Christensen and Joaquin Cosio, stands at $322 million worldwide so far.
DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa earned $36.1 million in its second weekend, bringing its total to $118 million. The sequel cost about $150 million to make.
Universal Pictures' Role Models continued to do well in third with $11.7 million. Produced for just $28 million, the Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd comedy has earned $38.1 million in two weeks.
Fourth place belonged to Disney's High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which collected $5.9 million in its fourth weekend for a total of $84.4 million.
Clint Eastwood's Changeling, starring Angelina Jolie, rounded out the top five with $4.2 million. The Universal drama has earned $27.6 million in four weeks.
In limited release, Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionare made an impressive $350,434 from just 10 theaters, a per location average of $35,043. It has earned a total of $418,131.
Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace, directed by Marc Forster and starring Daniel Craig, set a new domestic opening record for a James Bond film, grossing an estimated $70.4 million from 3,451 theaters, averaging $20,400 per location. Casino Royale opened to $40.8 million in November of 2006 and went on to earn $167.4 million. The previous record-holder for the best 007 opening was Die Another Day with $47 million.
Internationally, Quantum of Solace added another $56.1 million from 10,460 theaters in 67 markets and brought its overseas total to an impressive $251.6 million. Sony is expecting the film to become the biggest among all Bond pics in terms of foreign grosses. Casino Royale is the current record holder with $430 million internationally.
Quantum of Solace, also starring Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench, Gemma Arterton, Jeffrey Wright, Jesper Christensen and Joaquin Cosio, stands at $322 million worldwide so far.
DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa earned $36.1 million in its second weekend, bringing its total to $118 million. The sequel cost about $150 million to make.
Universal Pictures' Role Models continued to do well in third with $11.7 million. Produced for just $28 million, the Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd comedy has earned $38.1 million in two weeks.
Fourth place belonged to Disney's High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which collected $5.9 million in its fourth weekend for a total of $84.4 million.
Clint Eastwood's Changeling, starring Angelina Jolie, rounded out the top five with $4.2 million. The Universal drama has earned $27.6 million in four weeks.
In limited release, Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionare made an impressive $350,434 from just 10 theaters, a per location average of $35,043. It has earned a total of $418,131.
Happy Feet 2 to be Made in Sydney
The Age is reporting that Warner Bros. Pictures will make Happy Feet 2 at a new digital production facility in Sydney, Australia.
Miller praised the government's assistance package and the "Dr D" facility, which he said had already attracted a number of big budget international film projects in the planning or pre-production stage.
"This incentive by the NSW government is a significant step. It allows us to make 'Happy Feet 2' in Sydney and it will be the first of many productions from our new digital studio, Dr D," he said in a statement.
"It helps us in our attempts to attract substantial foreign investment which will create hundreds of high-end, highly skilled jobs as well as nurture the careers of many people coming out of our educational institutions who would otherwise have no place to grow their talents."
Weekly Ratings: 11/9 – 11/14
Monday Ratings: Is Hot Gossip Cooling Off?
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars stepped up seven percent week-to-week, to average 18.6 million total viewers over its 90-minute run. Once again besting DWTS in the demos was CBS' Big Bang Theory, which finally cracked the 10 million ceiling. In turn, lead-out How I Met Your Mother inched up 150K to deliver 9.7 mil. Chuck placed third with 6.23 mil (up a hair over its last outing), followed by Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (5.19 mil). Gossip Girl cooled off by another 150 thou, grinding against what I believe to be a season low of three mil.
9 pm
Two and a Half Men won the front half of the hour, with 14.58 million viewers; Samantha Who? then climbed on top with 11.03 mil. Worst Week had a typical week, delivering 9.62 mil. Heroes tumbled another 330K — to hit a new series low of 7.83 mil — while Prison Break (5.4 mil) gained 175 thou. Tree Hill held steady at 3.01 mil (aka juuuuust a bit higher than Gossip Girl).
10 pm
CSI: Miami's 150th episode drew an audience of 13.67 million and dominated the demos. Boston Legal placed second with 8.8 mil. My Own Worst Enemy plunged another mil to hit 4.25 mil, representing a 42 percent deterioration of its premiere audience.
Tuesday Ratings: NCIS Collars its Biggest Audience Ever
8 pm/ET
NCIS was the evening's most-watched program, delivering 18.79 million total viewers — a 10 percent increase over its last (impressive) outing, and the series' largest audience ever. That deserves its own paragraph, frankly. House won the demos, but placed second with 12.88 mil (dipping 135K). Trailing the DWTS recap (10.4 mil) and Biggest Loser (8 mil), 90210 netted 2.73 mil, a week-to-week drop of 290K.
9 pm
The Mentalist enjoyed a gain of 350 thou to achieve another series high, 16.46 million viewers. That gave the freshman drama a "W" in total audience and demos, besting Dancing with the Stars' results show (16.39 mil) on both counts. Fringe placed third with 8.88 mil (down 220K from its last fresh eppy), while People's Choice Award nominee Privileged slipped to 1.87 mil.
10 pm
Without a Trace was No. 1 in viewers (12.2 million), while SVU (9.42 mil) led the demos. Eli Stone delivered 7.44 mil, dipping 230K from its last outing and particularly crippled by an erosion of more than two million heads over its hour run.
Wednesday Ratings: CMA Awards, Bones Make Beautiful Music
This Wednesday, as ABC's broadcast of the CMA Awards averaged 15.87 million total viewers, making it the night's most-watched program across all time parts:
8 pm/ET
Bones placed second with a season-high 10.87 million viewers, an increase of 760 thousand week-to-week. In third, both Old Christine (6.88 mil, +300K) and Gary Unmarried (6.7 mil, +260K) saw gains. Knight Rider (5.34 mil) rebounded from last week's skid with a 200-thou uptick, while Top Model (3.7 mil) dipped 240K.
9 pm
Criminal Minds claimed the No. 2 spot with 14.8 million viewers, up 510K. Trailing a House repeat, Life matched last Wednesday's audience (5.83 mil). The CW's Stylista (1.73 mil) unraveled to the tune of 13 percent.
10 pm
The 99th episode of CSI: NY delivered 11.62 million viewers, slipping 130 thou. At 7.9 mil, Law & Order was up a hair over its disappointing season opener.
Thursday Ratings: ER Admits Big Audience by Going Greene
8 pm/ET
Survivor scored a seven percent week-to-week increase to top the hour with 13 million total viewers. With an audience of 9.2 million, Ugly Betty, too, was up (250K). NBC's Earl flirted with seven mil (up 370 thou), but lead-out Kath & Kim (five mil) saw its audience clipped by a half mil. Behind Kitchen Nightmares, Smallville dipped a hair to 4.38 mil, but the CW's numbers for the night are tainted by a New York City-area/Jets preemption.
9 pm
CSI surged 830K to come out to yet again claim No. 1 with nearly 19 million viewers. Grey's (15.6 mil) topped the demos. The Office slipped to a new season low of 8.18 mil, and 30 Rock (7.5 mil) saw 490,000 Friends go away. Supernatural tacked on 710 thou to hit 3.91 mil. (But again, J-E-T-S.)
10 pm
Eleventh Hour gained 700K to dominate with 11.7 million viewers, perhaps popping its "bubble" status once and for all. ER's fab flashback episode delivered a 13 percent bump, to 9.8 mil — the long-running series' largest audience in more than a year. Life on Mars held steady at 8.94 mil.
Friday Ratings: Ghost Whisperer Speaks to Another Season High
8 pm/ET
Ghost Whisperer saw 11.67 million total viewers (up six percent week-to-week) tune in for the big twist regarding Melinda's husband, Jim. That's good for yet another new season's best. (The big question, of course, is how many return next Friday.) Trailing 5th Grader (5.45 mil) and Deal or No Deal (5.25 mil), Supernanny delivered 4.5 mil, on par with the usual Wife Swap. The CW's Chris and The Game did what they usually do - 1.83 mil and 1.7 mil, respectively.
9 pm
The Price Is Right's salute to the troops ("I bid $1.49 million on that cruise missile!") brought in 7.3 million viewers, a far cry from what the NCIS repeats have been doing in the time slot. Debuting to 4.86 mil, Super-Manny built on his distaff counterpart's numbers. Behind Lyrics (5.1 mil), NBC's Crusoe matched last week's 4.17 mil.
10 pm
With a weaker lead-in, Numbers tumbled 17 percent, to 9.26 mil. A Barbara Walters special did eight mil (on par with a typical 20/20), while the now-cancelled Lipstick Jungle (3.58 mil) turned a few extra heads.
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars stepped up seven percent week-to-week, to average 18.6 million total viewers over its 90-minute run. Once again besting DWTS in the demos was CBS' Big Bang Theory, which finally cracked the 10 million ceiling. In turn, lead-out How I Met Your Mother inched up 150K to deliver 9.7 mil. Chuck placed third with 6.23 mil (up a hair over its last outing), followed by Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (5.19 mil). Gossip Girl cooled off by another 150 thou, grinding against what I believe to be a season low of three mil.
9 pm
Two and a Half Men won the front half of the hour, with 14.58 million viewers; Samantha Who? then climbed on top with 11.03 mil. Worst Week had a typical week, delivering 9.62 mil. Heroes tumbled another 330K — to hit a new series low of 7.83 mil — while Prison Break (5.4 mil) gained 175 thou. Tree Hill held steady at 3.01 mil (aka juuuuust a bit higher than Gossip Girl).
10 pm
CSI: Miami's 150th episode drew an audience of 13.67 million and dominated the demos. Boston Legal placed second with 8.8 mil. My Own Worst Enemy plunged another mil to hit 4.25 mil, representing a 42 percent deterioration of its premiere audience.
Tuesday Ratings: NCIS Collars its Biggest Audience Ever
8 pm/ET
NCIS was the evening's most-watched program, delivering 18.79 million total viewers — a 10 percent increase over its last (impressive) outing, and the series' largest audience ever. That deserves its own paragraph, frankly. House won the demos, but placed second with 12.88 mil (dipping 135K). Trailing the DWTS recap (10.4 mil) and Biggest Loser (8 mil), 90210 netted 2.73 mil, a week-to-week drop of 290K.
9 pm
The Mentalist enjoyed a gain of 350 thou to achieve another series high, 16.46 million viewers. That gave the freshman drama a "W" in total audience and demos, besting Dancing with the Stars' results show (16.39 mil) on both counts. Fringe placed third with 8.88 mil (down 220K from its last fresh eppy), while People's Choice Award nominee Privileged slipped to 1.87 mil.
10 pm
Without a Trace was No. 1 in viewers (12.2 million), while SVU (9.42 mil) led the demos. Eli Stone delivered 7.44 mil, dipping 230K from its last outing and particularly crippled by an erosion of more than two million heads over its hour run.
Wednesday Ratings: CMA Awards, Bones Make Beautiful Music
This Wednesday, as ABC's broadcast of the CMA Awards averaged 15.87 million total viewers, making it the night's most-watched program across all time parts:
8 pm/ET
Bones placed second with a season-high 10.87 million viewers, an increase of 760 thousand week-to-week. In third, both Old Christine (6.88 mil, +300K) and Gary Unmarried (6.7 mil, +260K) saw gains. Knight Rider (5.34 mil) rebounded from last week's skid with a 200-thou uptick, while Top Model (3.7 mil) dipped 240K.
9 pm
Criminal Minds claimed the No. 2 spot with 14.8 million viewers, up 510K. Trailing a House repeat, Life matched last Wednesday's audience (5.83 mil). The CW's Stylista (1.73 mil) unraveled to the tune of 13 percent.
10 pm
The 99th episode of CSI: NY delivered 11.62 million viewers, slipping 130 thou. At 7.9 mil, Law & Order was up a hair over its disappointing season opener.
Thursday Ratings: ER Admits Big Audience by Going Greene
8 pm/ET
Survivor scored a seven percent week-to-week increase to top the hour with 13 million total viewers. With an audience of 9.2 million, Ugly Betty, too, was up (250K). NBC's Earl flirted with seven mil (up 370 thou), but lead-out Kath & Kim (five mil) saw its audience clipped by a half mil. Behind Kitchen Nightmares, Smallville dipped a hair to 4.38 mil, but the CW's numbers for the night are tainted by a New York City-area/Jets preemption.
9 pm
CSI surged 830K to come out to yet again claim No. 1 with nearly 19 million viewers. Grey's (15.6 mil) topped the demos. The Office slipped to a new season low of 8.18 mil, and 30 Rock (7.5 mil) saw 490,000 Friends go away. Supernatural tacked on 710 thou to hit 3.91 mil. (But again, J-E-T-S.)
10 pm
Eleventh Hour gained 700K to dominate with 11.7 million viewers, perhaps popping its "bubble" status once and for all. ER's fab flashback episode delivered a 13 percent bump, to 9.8 mil — the long-running series' largest audience in more than a year. Life on Mars held steady at 8.94 mil.
Friday Ratings: Ghost Whisperer Speaks to Another Season High
8 pm/ET
Ghost Whisperer saw 11.67 million total viewers (up six percent week-to-week) tune in for the big twist regarding Melinda's husband, Jim. That's good for yet another new season's best. (The big question, of course, is how many return next Friday.) Trailing 5th Grader (5.45 mil) and Deal or No Deal (5.25 mil), Supernanny delivered 4.5 mil, on par with the usual Wife Swap. The CW's Chris and The Game did what they usually do - 1.83 mil and 1.7 mil, respectively.
9 pm
The Price Is Right's salute to the troops ("I bid $1.49 million on that cruise missile!") brought in 7.3 million viewers, a far cry from what the NCIS repeats have been doing in the time slot. Debuting to 4.86 mil, Super-Manny built on his distaff counterpart's numbers. Behind Lyrics (5.1 mil), NBC's Crusoe matched last week's 4.17 mil.
10 pm
With a weaker lead-in, Numbers tumbled 17 percent, to 9.26 mil. A Barbara Walters special did eight mil (on par with a typical 20/20), while the now-cancelled Lipstick Jungle (3.58 mil) turned a few extra heads.
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