Frank Miller and Odd Lot Entertainment, the creator and production company behind upcoming The Spirit are close to teaming again on the classic sci-fi property Buck Rogers, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Odd Lot is in negotiations to option the rights to "Rogers" from Nu Image/Millennium, which obtained those rights this year from the Dille Trust. Millennium is expected to get a credit on the movie but won't be involved in day-to-day production.
Miller will write and direct his own big-screen take on the comic serial; while the creator has only begun to sketch ideas, it's expected to be a darker take, with many of Miller's signature visual elements and themes, such as corruption and redemption.
It's likely to be a priority project for Miller, though he has been mulling a Sin City sequel.
One of the first pop-culture vehicles to tackle the issue of space exploration, the story of Buck Rogers began life as a comic serial in the late 1920's and early '30's and has seen numerous film and television versions over the years.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Hossein Amini Penning New Jack Ryan Movie
Screenwriter Hossein Amini has been hired to pen a new Jack Ryan movie for Paramount Pictures, says The Hollywood Reporter. The character, created by novelist Tom Clancy, has not appeared onscreen since 2002's The Sum of All Fears.
Mace Neufeld and Lorenzo Di Bonaventura are producing the project for Paramount. "Spider-Man" franchise director Sam Raimi was on the hook to direct and produce a new Ryan installment, but his packed schedule made his involvement unworkable.
Amini's new Ryan film is planned as an origin story, not derived from Clancy's novels and ultimately featuring a new, younger star.
Alec Baldwin played Ryan in the first film, The Hunt for Red October, while Harrison Ford starred as the character in both Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. Ben Affleck also took on Ryan in The Sum of All Fears.
Amini was nominated for an adapted screenplay Oscar in 1998 for The Wings of the Dove. His other credits include Jude and The Four Feathers. He has The Golden Compass sequel adaptation The Subtle Knife in development at Warner Bros. and the Weinstein Co. drama Shanghai in post-production.
Mace Neufeld and Lorenzo Di Bonaventura are producing the project for Paramount. "Spider-Man" franchise director Sam Raimi was on the hook to direct and produce a new Ryan installment, but his packed schedule made his involvement unworkable.
Amini's new Ryan film is planned as an origin story, not derived from Clancy's novels and ultimately featuring a new, younger star.
Alec Baldwin played Ryan in the first film, The Hunt for Red October, while Harrison Ford starred as the character in both Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. Ben Affleck also took on Ryan in The Sum of All Fears.
Amini was nominated for an adapted screenplay Oscar in 1998 for The Wings of the Dove. His other credits include Jude and The Four Feathers. He has The Golden Compass sequel adaptation The Subtle Knife in development at Warner Bros. and the Weinstein Co. drama Shanghai in post-production.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Punk Goes Pop 2 Artists and Tracks
Fearless Records has spilled the deets to Buzznet exclusively about the artists on Punk Goes Pop: Volume Two. Come on in and see if your fave band—or favorite guilty pleasure—is featured on the album.
In no particular order, here's the artists and tracks for Punk Goes Pop: Volume Two, which Fearless Records will release on March 10, 2009 (oddly enough, the same day that Nick Baxter from The Morning Light and Craig Calloway from Artist Vs. Poet celebrate their birthdays):
A Day To Remember "Over My Head" (originally performed by The Fray)
A Static Lullaby "Toxic" (originally performed by Britney Spears)
Alesana "What Goes Around" (originally performed by Justin Timberlake)
Attack Attack! "I Kissed a Girl" (originally performed by Katy Perry)
August Burns Red "...Baby One More Time" (originally performed by Britney Spears)
Bayside "Beautiful Girls" (originally performed by Sean Kingston)
Breathe Carolina "See You Again" (originally performed by Miley Cyrus)
The Cab "Disturbia" (originally performed by Rhianna)
Escape the Fate "Smooth" (originally performed by Santana feat. Rob Thomas)
Four Year Strong "Love Song" (originally performed by Sara Bareilles)
Mayday Parade "When I Grow Up" (originally performed by Pussycat Dolls)
Silverstein "Apologize" (originally performed by OneRepublic)
Therefore Tomorrow "Ice Box" (originally performed by Omarion)
In no particular order, here's the artists and tracks for Punk Goes Pop: Volume Two, which Fearless Records will release on March 10, 2009 (oddly enough, the same day that Nick Baxter from The Morning Light and Craig Calloway from Artist Vs. Poet celebrate their birthdays):
A Day To Remember "Over My Head" (originally performed by The Fray)
A Static Lullaby "Toxic" (originally performed by Britney Spears)
Alesana "What Goes Around" (originally performed by Justin Timberlake)
Attack Attack! "I Kissed a Girl" (originally performed by Katy Perry)
August Burns Red "...Baby One More Time" (originally performed by Britney Spears)
Bayside "Beautiful Girls" (originally performed by Sean Kingston)
Breathe Carolina "See You Again" (originally performed by Miley Cyrus)
The Cab "Disturbia" (originally performed by Rhianna)
Escape the Fate "Smooth" (originally performed by Santana feat. Rob Thomas)
Four Year Strong "Love Song" (originally performed by Sara Bareilles)
Mayday Parade "When I Grow Up" (originally performed by Pussycat Dolls)
Silverstein "Apologize" (originally performed by OneRepublic)
Therefore Tomorrow "Ice Box" (originally performed by Omarion)
Scott Charles Stewart to Direct Priest
Scott Charles Stewart has signed to direct Priest, a horror Western that Michael De Luca and Stars Road Entertainment's Josh Donen are producing for Screen Gems. Mitchell Peck will also produce.
An adaptation of a TokyoPop comic book, the story is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampire and follows a warrior priest who turns against the church to track down a murderous band of vampires who have kidnapped his niece.
Cory Goodman (The Brood) wrote the screenplay.
The project almost came together a couple of years ago with Gerard Butler and Steven Strait under the direction of Andrew Douglas but fell apart.
Priest sees Stewart back under Screen Gems' wings, as he is making his directorial debut with the company's biblical apocalyptic thriller Legion. Stewart also wrote the film.
An adaptation of a TokyoPop comic book, the story is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampire and follows a warrior priest who turns against the church to track down a murderous band of vampires who have kidnapped his niece.
Cory Goodman (The Brood) wrote the screenplay.
The project almost came together a couple of years ago with Gerard Butler and Steven Strait under the direction of Andrew Douglas but fell apart.
Priest sees Stewart back under Screen Gems' wings, as he is making his directorial debut with the company's biblical apocalyptic thriller Legion. Stewart also wrote the film.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Harrison Ford Joins J.J. Abrams Comedy, Weighs Another Jack Ryan Film
It’s been a rough few years for longtime admirers of Harrison Ford. There was “Hollywood Homicide” and “K19: The Widowmaker” (which had the distinction of actually being worse than it’s horrible title made it sound) and we’re going to take the high road and not even get into “Firewall.” But thankfully maybe the massive box office success of the four “Indiana Jones” this past summer will propel Mr. Ford to bigger and better things once again? Maybe?
Ford told us about the progress of a fifth Indy film the other day but before that one gets off the ground he told us he’s set his sights on one of two projects: “I have a comedy that’s been developed by J.J. Abrams and a drama that I developed that talks about the pharmaceutical industry. We haven’t sorted out which is first yet.”
Some amateur detective work reveals that the drama is the previously announced flick, “Crowley,” about the real-life story of John and Aileen Crowley, whose two children suffered from a rare genetic disorder. Ford would play a medical researcher in this one.
Even more intriguing is the J.J. Abrams project which Ford went on to tell me is being written “by the woman who wrote “The Devil Wears Prada.” This one is clearly “Morning Glory,” a film Ford was rumored to be interested in a year ago. Now we have confirmation from the man himself that he’ll star in this Aline Brosh McKenna script that according to EW.com is about “a struggling female news producer who recruits an iconic, egotistical anchorman to revive a failing network’s morning show.” Reese Witherspoon was the rumored leading lady when the initial rumors surfaced.
So we’ve got a comedy and drama on Mr. Ford’s slate. How about a return to another memorable man of action–Jack Ryan? Ben Affleck of course took over the role in “The Sum of All Fears” and there are constant rumors of other young men potentially signing on to revitilize the franchise but Ford says the character still has appeal to him. “I think it’s a character I could easily play at this point if people were interested in seeing what happens to Jack Ryan as his life progresses,” he said.
Ford told us about the progress of a fifth Indy film the other day but before that one gets off the ground he told us he’s set his sights on one of two projects: “I have a comedy that’s been developed by J.J. Abrams and a drama that I developed that talks about the pharmaceutical industry. We haven’t sorted out which is first yet.”
Some amateur detective work reveals that the drama is the previously announced flick, “Crowley,” about the real-life story of John and Aileen Crowley, whose two children suffered from a rare genetic disorder. Ford would play a medical researcher in this one.
Even more intriguing is the J.J. Abrams project which Ford went on to tell me is being written “by the woman who wrote “The Devil Wears Prada.” This one is clearly “Morning Glory,” a film Ford was rumored to be interested in a year ago. Now we have confirmation from the man himself that he’ll star in this Aline Brosh McKenna script that according to EW.com is about “a struggling female news producer who recruits an iconic, egotistical anchorman to revive a failing network’s morning show.” Reese Witherspoon was the rumored leading lady when the initial rumors surfaced.
So we’ve got a comedy and drama on Mr. Ford’s slate. How about a return to another memorable man of action–Jack Ryan? Ben Affleck of course took over the role in “The Sum of All Fears” and there are constant rumors of other young men potentially signing on to revitilize the franchise but Ford says the character still has appeal to him. “I think it’s a character I could easily play at this point if people were interested in seeing what happens to Jack Ryan as his life progresses,” he said.
Jack Black to Guest Star on The Office
Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda, Tropic Thunder) is set to guest-star in the upcoming post Super Bowl episode of "The Office." The announcement was made by Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios.
In one plot of the special post Super Bowl episode of "The Office," some of the office workers try to secretly watch a bootlegged Hollywood movie during the workday. The movie stars Jack Black and other notable Hollywood actors.
The special hour-long episode titled "Stress Relief" will premiere immediately following "Super Bowl XLIII," Sunday, February 1 (10:30-11:30 p.m. ET; simultaneously to all time zones) on NBC. Season five of the Emmy-Award winning series will continue airing in its regular time slot; Thursdays (9-9:30 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC.
In one plot of the special post Super Bowl episode of "The Office," some of the office workers try to secretly watch a bootlegged Hollywood movie during the workday. The movie stars Jack Black and other notable Hollywood actors.
The special hour-long episode titled "Stress Relief" will premiere immediately following "Super Bowl XLIII," Sunday, February 1 (10:30-11:30 p.m. ET; simultaneously to all time zones) on NBC. Season five of the Emmy-Award winning series will continue airing in its regular time slot; Thursdays (9-9:30 p.m. ET/PT) on NBC.
Zombie Confirmed for Halloween Sequel
First reported by ShockTillYouDrop.com two weeks ago, Dimension Films has confirmed that Rob Zombie will direct the Halloween sequel and he's racing to bring the film to theaters in October.
Zombie will write and direct H2, the sequel to his 2007 reinvention of the John Carpenter horror classic. Production will begin in March.
The new film picks up right as the first remake ended, following the aftermath of Michael Myers' murderous rampage through the eyes of the sister he hunted.
Zombie said it won't resemble the original second installment, as the House of 1000 Corpses helmer continues to take the franchise in different directions.
Zombie will write and direct H2, the sequel to his 2007 reinvention of the John Carpenter horror classic. Production will begin in March.
The new film picks up right as the first remake ended, following the aftermath of Michael Myers' murderous rampage through the eyes of the sister he hunted.
Zombie said it won't resemble the original second installment, as the House of 1000 Corpses helmer continues to take the franchise in different directions.
Update: A Sequel to The Phantom in the Works
It looks like the report from The Associated Press above wasn't completely accurate. Tim Doyle says on his official MySpace page that "This fim is NOT a 'Sequel'. It is a 're-launch' or 're-boot' of the comic franchise to the big screen. This film has nothing to do with the 1996 movie."
The film is also not titled "The Phantom Legacy" but rather The Phantom: Legacy. Here's an update from Doyle on the production:
Now that we've sort of got those 'Sequel' rumors under control, I guess I can start talking about what we're doing and where the project is at.
First of all, I've got to say - this is a very exciting time. Being able to bring the first masked comic superhero back to the big screen is an absolute honor. I've been researching The Phantom intensely for the last year or so and I've been working with the support of King Features Syndicate to try and bring you the tightest possible film. Yes, this is a new look at the comic book hero, but rest assured - He wont be 'heavily gadget man' (as that is another comic book hero named Batman) and he wont be an 'angry mob killer' (as 'The Punisher' -Frank Castle has been made into a film 3 times - remember the Dolph Lundgren film - that too was shot in Australia... old skool). He will be, without doubt 'The Phantom'. A man who has sworn an oath to protect - but at what cost?
The film is also not titled "The Phantom Legacy" but rather The Phantom: Legacy. Here's an update from Doyle on the production:
Now that we've sort of got those 'Sequel' rumors under control, I guess I can start talking about what we're doing and where the project is at.
First of all, I've got to say - this is a very exciting time. Being able to bring the first masked comic superhero back to the big screen is an absolute honor. I've been researching The Phantom intensely for the last year or so and I've been working with the support of King Features Syndicate to try and bring you the tightest possible film. Yes, this is a new look at the comic book hero, but rest assured - He wont be 'heavily gadget man' (as that is another comic book hero named Batman) and he wont be an 'angry mob killer' (as 'The Punisher' -Frank Castle has been made into a film 3 times - remember the Dolph Lundgren film - that too was shot in Australia... old skool). He will be, without doubt 'The Phantom'. A man who has sworn an oath to protect - but at what cost?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Andy Samberg's Comedy Team Inks Record Deal
The Lonely Island, the comedy team consisting of "Saturday Night Live" star Andy Samberg and writers Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, has signed with Universal Republic, which will release its debut album, "Incredibad," on Feb. 10.
The CD/DVD's first single, "J**z in My Pants," premiered as a digital short on last weekend's "Saturday Night Live." The album also includes prior Internet sensations such as "D*ck in a Box" with Timberlake, "Iran So Far" with Maroon 5's Adam Levine and "Lazy Sunday."
Also expected to appear are "I'm on a Boat" with T-Pain, "Sax Man" with Jack Black, "Boombox" with the Strokes' Julian Casablancas, "Dream Girl" with Norah Jones, "Santana DVX" with E-40 and guest-less songs like "Who Said We're Wack," "We Like Sportz" and "Punch You in the Jeans."
A number of other Lonely Island original songs can be obtained from the trio's Web site.
The CD/DVD's first single, "J**z in My Pants," premiered as a digital short on last weekend's "Saturday Night Live." The album also includes prior Internet sensations such as "D*ck in a Box" with Timberlake, "Iran So Far" with Maroon 5's Adam Levine and "Lazy Sunday."
Also expected to appear are "I'm on a Boat" with T-Pain, "Sax Man" with Jack Black, "Boombox" with the Strokes' Julian Casablancas, "Dream Girl" with Norah Jones, "Santana DVX" with E-40 and guest-less songs like "Who Said We're Wack," "We Like Sportz" and "Punch You in the Jeans."
A number of other Lonely Island original songs can be obtained from the trio's Web site.
The Fray Sets New Album Track List
The Fray has unveiled the track list for its self-titled sophomore album, arriving Feb. 3 from Epic. Lead single "You Found Me" has already sold 278,000 copies in three weeks of U.S. digital release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
That track stemmed from crises among friends and family that prompted singer Isaac Slade to confront the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people. Another song, "Enough for Now," tackles the fallout from the death of Slade's grandfather.
The sound of "The Fray" -- produced like the debut by Epic VP of A&R Mike Flynn and Aaron Johnson -- is "a little more extreme than the last record," Slade tells Billboard. "The quieter stuff is a little quieter than our last record and the rock stuff is a little rockier. It definitely spreads the spectrum a little bit."
The new album will be previewed with a handful of club dates early next year, beginning Jan. 6 in the Fray's Denver hometown and wrapping Feb. 4 in New York. The latter show will be cybercast on the band's Web site.
The Fray is also playing a free outdoor show Wednesday (Dec. 17) in Los Angeles as part of "Jimmy Kimmel Live." An extensive North American tour is likely to begin in June.
The new album is the follow-up to 2005's "How To Save a Life," which has sold 2.34 million copies in the United States.
Here is the track list for "The Fray":
"Syndicate"
"Absolute"
"You Found Me"
"Say When"
"Never Say Never"
"Where the Story Ends"
"Enough for Now"
"Ungodly Hour"
"We Build Then We Break"
"Happiness"
That track stemmed from crises among friends and family that prompted singer Isaac Slade to confront the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people. Another song, "Enough for Now," tackles the fallout from the death of Slade's grandfather.
The sound of "The Fray" -- produced like the debut by Epic VP of A&R Mike Flynn and Aaron Johnson -- is "a little more extreme than the last record," Slade tells Billboard. "The quieter stuff is a little quieter than our last record and the rock stuff is a little rockier. It definitely spreads the spectrum a little bit."
The new album will be previewed with a handful of club dates early next year, beginning Jan. 6 in the Fray's Denver hometown and wrapping Feb. 4 in New York. The latter show will be cybercast on the band's Web site.
The Fray is also playing a free outdoor show Wednesday (Dec. 17) in Los Angeles as part of "Jimmy Kimmel Live." An extensive North American tour is likely to begin in June.
The new album is the follow-up to 2005's "How To Save a Life," which has sold 2.34 million copies in the United States.
Here is the track list for "The Fray":
"Syndicate"
"Absolute"
"You Found Me"
"Say When"
"Never Say Never"
"Where the Story Ends"
"Enough for Now"
"Ungodly Hour"
"We Build Then We Break"
"Happiness"
A Sequel to The Phantom in the Works
An Australian production company on Monday announced it had secured the rights to The Phantom Legacy, a follow-up to the 1996 film, The Phantom, which starred Billy Zane as the masked hero who fights evil from his jungle headquarters.
According to The Associated Press, the adaptation is expected to cost $87 million and will focus on "the Father/Son relationship, and what it means to be The Phantom," scriptwriter Tim Boyle said in a statement. "The film will be set in the present day and will deal with the concept of destiny."
Producer Bruce Sherlock, who also served as executive producer of the first "Phantom" movie, said the new film will be a marked improvement over its predecessor.
"It has the makings of a blockbuster," Sherlock said. "There's some surprises that will thrill the 'Phantom' fans worldwide." Sherlock's Sydney-based Sherlock Symington Productions won the rights to the film.
The movie will likely be shot entirely in Australia, with production set to begin within six to nine months, Sherlock said. Producers are in talks with several "top talent" Australian and American actors, Sherlock said. He declined to provide names.
According to The Associated Press, the adaptation is expected to cost $87 million and will focus on "the Father/Son relationship, and what it means to be The Phantom," scriptwriter Tim Boyle said in a statement. "The film will be set in the present day and will deal with the concept of destiny."
Producer Bruce Sherlock, who also served as executive producer of the first "Phantom" movie, said the new film will be a marked improvement over its predecessor.
"It has the makings of a blockbuster," Sherlock said. "There's some surprises that will thrill the 'Phantom' fans worldwide." Sherlock's Sydney-based Sherlock Symington Productions won the rights to the film.
The movie will likely be shot entirely in Australia, with production set to begin within six to nine months, Sherlock said. Producers are in talks with several "top talent" Australian and American actors, Sherlock said. He declined to provide names.
The Terminator Will be Back for a Fifth Film
Halcyon Co. executives Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek are developing a fifth installment of the "Terminator" franchise with Terminator Salvation director McG, reports Variety.
The trade says the news came out of the Dubai International Film Festival. McG was in Dubai for the announcement.
No decision has been made as to where to film the next "Terminator," although the Middle East was mentioned as a locale.
Christian Bale has signed on in the role of John Connor for all three films in the newly planned trilogy. The next installment, after Terminator Salvation, is tentatively scheduled for a 2011 release.
Anderson and Kubicek had originally planned to wait until the release of Terminator Salvation next summer before deciding on whether to proceed with the next chapter, but the positive studio, fan and media reaction to footage from the current film has encouraged them to move forward ahead of schedule.
"We feel the time is now to start shaping the next part of this," Kubicek said.
The trade says the news came out of the Dubai International Film Festival. McG was in Dubai for the announcement.
No decision has been made as to where to film the next "Terminator," although the Middle East was mentioned as a locale.
Christian Bale has signed on in the role of John Connor for all three films in the newly planned trilogy. The next installment, after Terminator Salvation, is tentatively scheduled for a 2011 release.
Anderson and Kubicek had originally planned to wait until the release of Terminator Salvation next summer before deciding on whether to proceed with the next chapter, but the positive studio, fan and media reaction to footage from the current film has encouraged them to move forward ahead of schedule.
"We feel the time is now to start shaping the next part of this," Kubicek said.
Stephen Norrington to Reinvent The Crow
Stephen Norrington has signed on to write and direct a reinvention of The Crow, based on the comic created by James O'Barr, says Variety.
Ryan Kavanaugh's Relativity Media is negotiating with producer Ed Pressman to acquire the film franchise and finance the film.
Pressman produced the 1994 Alex Proyas-directed adaptation, in which rock musician Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) is murdered trying to rescue his girlfriend from thugs, and returns from the dead one year later to exact vengeance.
For Norrington, The Crow deal marks the end of a long screen sabbatical. After making his breakthrough with Blade, Norrington took on a big-budget comic transfer with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Neither the director nor his star, Sean Connery, has made a feature film since.
"Whereas Proyas' original was gloriously gothic and stylized, the new movie will be realistic, hard-edged and mysterious, almost documentary-style," Norrington said.
Ryan Kavanaugh's Relativity Media is negotiating with producer Ed Pressman to acquire the film franchise and finance the film.
Pressman produced the 1994 Alex Proyas-directed adaptation, in which rock musician Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) is murdered trying to rescue his girlfriend from thugs, and returns from the dead one year later to exact vengeance.
For Norrington, The Crow deal marks the end of a long screen sabbatical. After making his breakthrough with Blade, Norrington took on a big-budget comic transfer with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Neither the director nor his star, Sean Connery, has made a feature film since.
"Whereas Proyas' original was gloriously gothic and stylized, the new movie will be realistic, hard-edged and mysterious, almost documentary-style," Norrington said.
The Day the Earth Stood Still Takes First with $31M
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend.
20th Century Fox's remake of the 1951 classic The Day the Earth Stood Still opened in first place with an estimated $31 million from 3,560 theaters, an average of $8,708 per location. Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, the sci-fi thriller also earned $39 million internationally from 7,700 screens in 90 markets over the weekend to bring its worldwide gross to $70 million. The film was produced for about $80 million.
The next five films each dropped one spot from last weekend as Four Christmases added $13.3 million for a total of $88 million after three weeks, Twilight made $8 million to reach $150.1 million in four weeks, Bolt collected $7.5 million for a sum of $88.9 million after four weeks, Australia earned $4.3 million for a total of $37.9 million after three weeks, and Quantum of Solace took in $3.8 million to take its domestic haul to $157.7 million in five weeks.
Overture Films' new dramedy Nothing Like the Holidays, with John Leguizamo, Freddy Rodriguez, Debra Messing and Alfred Molina, opened in the seventh spot with $3.5 million from 1,671 theaters. The Alfredo de Villa-directed film averaged $2,095 per location. Meanwhile, animated newcomer Delgo failed to make a mark, as the film was released in 2,160 theaters but made just $916,000, a disastrous $424 per theater.
Both Milk and Slumdog Millionaire continued to do well in limited release. The former made $2.6 million from 328 theaters and has reached $7.6 million in three weeks, while the latter collected $2.2 million from 169 theaters and is at $8.1 million after five weeks.
Four new limited releases also impressed, with Doubt taking in $525,000 in 15 theaters, an average of $35,000, Gran Torino debuting to $284,000 from six theaters, an average of $47,333, The Reader earning $170,000 from eight theaters, an average of $21,250, and Che making $60,100 in just two theaters, an average of $30,050.
20th Century Fox's remake of the 1951 classic The Day the Earth Stood Still opened in first place with an estimated $31 million from 3,560 theaters, an average of $8,708 per location. Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, the sci-fi thriller also earned $39 million internationally from 7,700 screens in 90 markets over the weekend to bring its worldwide gross to $70 million. The film was produced for about $80 million.
The next five films each dropped one spot from last weekend as Four Christmases added $13.3 million for a total of $88 million after three weeks, Twilight made $8 million to reach $150.1 million in four weeks, Bolt collected $7.5 million for a sum of $88.9 million after four weeks, Australia earned $4.3 million for a total of $37.9 million after three weeks, and Quantum of Solace took in $3.8 million to take its domestic haul to $157.7 million in five weeks.
Overture Films' new dramedy Nothing Like the Holidays, with John Leguizamo, Freddy Rodriguez, Debra Messing and Alfred Molina, opened in the seventh spot with $3.5 million from 1,671 theaters. The Alfredo de Villa-directed film averaged $2,095 per location. Meanwhile, animated newcomer Delgo failed to make a mark, as the film was released in 2,160 theaters but made just $916,000, a disastrous $424 per theater.
Both Milk and Slumdog Millionaire continued to do well in limited release. The former made $2.6 million from 328 theaters and has reached $7.6 million in three weeks, while the latter collected $2.2 million from 169 theaters and is at $8.1 million after five weeks.
Four new limited releases also impressed, with Doubt taking in $525,000 in 15 theaters, an average of $35,000, Gran Torino debuting to $284,000 from six theaters, an average of $47,333, The Reader earning $170,000 from eight theaters, an average of $21,250, and Che making $60,100 in just two theaters, an average of $30,050.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Race to Witch Mountain (2009) Trailer
Race to Witch Mountain is a thrilling action-adventure about a hard luck Las Vegas cab driver Jack Bruno (DWAYNE JOHNSON), whose life is thrown into chaos when apparent ‘runaway’ teenagers Sara (ANNASOPHIA ROBB) and Seth (ALEXANDER LUDWIG) jump into his taxi. He soon realizes his two fares are children with exceptional paranormal powers whom he must protect as they elude a collection of ruthless enemies.
Release Date: March 13th 2009
Release Date: March 13th 2009
Weekly Ratings: 12/7 – 12/12
Sunday Ratings for Race Finale, Leverage Debut and More
Just a few Sunday snippets, as CBS' procedurals took a knee:
7 pm/ET
The CW's first rerun of Jericho delivered 1.13 million total viewers.
8 pm
NBC's football coverage won the 8 o'clock hour and averaged 12.18 million viewers for the night (down 10 percent from last week). Extreme Makeover (10.35 mil) dropped 890 thou, while the finale of Amazing Race 13 (10.57 mil) performed eight percent better than the close of Cycle 12. TNT's The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice averaged 5.44 mil over its two-hour run.
9 pm
Housewives flirted with an audience of 16 million, up 370K.
10 pm
Rising 480K to 10.67 mil, Brothers & Sisters enjoyed its largest audience since the season opener. TNT's Leverage premiered to five mil and gave the cabler its "best delivery ever of adults 18-49 for an original series telecast during the broadcast season," says the press release.
Monday Ratings: CBS Is First with Laughs!
8 pm/ET
Charlie Brown and his scrawny tree topped the hour with 11.37 million total viewers. Combining for second, CBS' Big Bang Theory hit yet another (!) all-time high — 10.8 mil, up 600K from its last fresh outing — and Mother (10.49 mil, +450K) delivered its biggest audience since Britney circa March 24. Opposite a fuller slate, Chuck (6.93 mil) dipped 320 thou and Sarah Connor (5.2 mil) dropped 11 percent. Gossip Girl (3.01 mil) slipped a hair.
9 pm
CBS comedies ruled, with Men (15.65 million viewers) enjoying its best numbers since February and Worst Week (10.6 mil) gathering its largest audience since its premiere. Boston Legal placed second, averaging 10.2 mil over its two-hour swan song — a 21 percent surge from its previous episode. Heroes (7.78 mil, -220K), Prison Break (5.39 mil, -410K) and Privileged (1.9 mil, 0300K) all dropped, though the CW charmer matched its best numbers in target demos.
10 pm
CSI: Miami dominated with 13.6 million viewers, down 500K. Lagging behind Boston, My Own Worst Enemy (3.96 mil) continued its lame-duck decline.
Tuesday Ratings: Big Gains for Loser, But NCIS Rerun Tops Night
8 pm/ET
An NCIS repeat was the night's most watched program, delivering 14.1 million total viewers. Running a close second was a new House (go, Orangemen!), which surged 12 percent to 13.9 mil. The penultimate episode of The Biggest Loser: Families averaged 9.2 mil over its two-hour run, up 15 percent week-to-week.
9 pm
A repeat of The Mentalist dominated with 13.65 million viewers — or, quite impressively, 91 percent of the audience that watched the episode the first time around. A pair of According to Jims, averaging 5.2 mil (down 600K), lagged well behind a Fringe repeat (7.08 mil). Privileged added 1.06 mil to its Monday audience (the series returns Tuesday, Jan. 6).
10 pm
Opposite a warmed-over Without a Trace, SVU shot to the top with 10.9 mil (up 630 thou). Eli Stone matched last week's 4.9 mil.
Wednesday Ratings: Old Christine Eyes Another New High
8 pm/ET
The CBS sitcombo of Old Christine (8.25 million total viewers, up 650K) and Gary Unmarried (8.03 million, up 310K) claimed the top spot this Wednesday, with the former setting a new season high. Placing second (and, shoot me, winning the demos) was Fox's Secret Millionaire (7.19 mil), which dipped 190 thou from its debut. In fourth behind some NBC holiday thing, Pushing Daisies (4.96 mil) pushed up a teeny tiny bit.
9 pm
Criminal Minds led the hour and was the night's most watched program, with an audience of 14.7 mil (up 700K from its last fresh ep). Private Practice (6.86 mil) dropped 12 percent from last week's bloated numbers, but still was on the high side. Life (5.46 mil) was up 140K from its last "regular" outing.
10 pm
CSI: NY grew nine percent from its previous new episode to deliver 13.25 million viewers. Law & Order (7.47) slipped from last week's competition-free season high, but still improved on its typical audience by some 19 percent. Dirty Sexy Money (5.22 mil) dipped 480 thou — but hurrah for Blair Underwood and his Globe nod!).
Tuesday ratings addendum: TNT's Leverage scored 3.1 million viewers in its regular time slot premiere.
Thursday Ratings: The Finest Hour Yet, CSI Says "High" to Fishburne
This Thursday, as ABC sat the bench....
8 pm/ET
Survivor: Gabon — Earth's Last Eden/TV's Longest Subtitle rode to an easy win, delivering 13.24 million total viewers (a slight increase over the previous cycle's penultimate episode). My Name Is Earl (6.62 mil, up 520K) claimed second for the front half of the hour, but lead-out Kath & Kim (5.33 mil, +450K) got bested by the back end of Fox's Secret Millionaire.
9 pm
With Grey's on bed rest, Laurence Fishburne's CSI debut drew an audience of 20.6 million — an 18 percent increase over last week and the procedural's best numbers since the season opener. In second, both The Office (8.8 mil, +460K) and 30 Rock (7.47 mil, +330K ... though not including me, frickin' flaky Cablevision) saw gains.
10 pm
Eleventh Hour seized the opportunity to surge 23 percent week-to-week and deliver its best audience ever, 13.43 million viewers. At 8.92 mil, ER was up 700 thou.
Wednesday ratings addendum: Top Chef: New York served up the Bravo series' highest non-finale telecast ever among total viewers (3.02 million).
Just a few Sunday snippets, as CBS' procedurals took a knee:
7 pm/ET
The CW's first rerun of Jericho delivered 1.13 million total viewers.
8 pm
NBC's football coverage won the 8 o'clock hour and averaged 12.18 million viewers for the night (down 10 percent from last week). Extreme Makeover (10.35 mil) dropped 890 thou, while the finale of Amazing Race 13 (10.57 mil) performed eight percent better than the close of Cycle 12. TNT's The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice averaged 5.44 mil over its two-hour run.
9 pm
Housewives flirted with an audience of 16 million, up 370K.
10 pm
Rising 480K to 10.67 mil, Brothers & Sisters enjoyed its largest audience since the season opener. TNT's Leverage premiered to five mil and gave the cabler its "best delivery ever of adults 18-49 for an original series telecast during the broadcast season," says the press release.
Monday Ratings: CBS Is First with Laughs!
8 pm/ET
Charlie Brown and his scrawny tree topped the hour with 11.37 million total viewers. Combining for second, CBS' Big Bang Theory hit yet another (!) all-time high — 10.8 mil, up 600K from its last fresh outing — and Mother (10.49 mil, +450K) delivered its biggest audience since Britney circa March 24. Opposite a fuller slate, Chuck (6.93 mil) dipped 320 thou and Sarah Connor (5.2 mil) dropped 11 percent. Gossip Girl (3.01 mil) slipped a hair.
9 pm
CBS comedies ruled, with Men (15.65 million viewers) enjoying its best numbers since February and Worst Week (10.6 mil) gathering its largest audience since its premiere. Boston Legal placed second, averaging 10.2 mil over its two-hour swan song — a 21 percent surge from its previous episode. Heroes (7.78 mil, -220K), Prison Break (5.39 mil, -410K) and Privileged (1.9 mil, 0300K) all dropped, though the CW charmer matched its best numbers in target demos.
10 pm
CSI: Miami dominated with 13.6 million viewers, down 500K. Lagging behind Boston, My Own Worst Enemy (3.96 mil) continued its lame-duck decline.
Tuesday Ratings: Big Gains for Loser, But NCIS Rerun Tops Night
8 pm/ET
An NCIS repeat was the night's most watched program, delivering 14.1 million total viewers. Running a close second was a new House (go, Orangemen!), which surged 12 percent to 13.9 mil. The penultimate episode of The Biggest Loser: Families averaged 9.2 mil over its two-hour run, up 15 percent week-to-week.
9 pm
A repeat of The Mentalist dominated with 13.65 million viewers — or, quite impressively, 91 percent of the audience that watched the episode the first time around. A pair of According to Jims, averaging 5.2 mil (down 600K), lagged well behind a Fringe repeat (7.08 mil). Privileged added 1.06 mil to its Monday audience (the series returns Tuesday, Jan. 6).
10 pm
Opposite a warmed-over Without a Trace, SVU shot to the top with 10.9 mil (up 630 thou). Eli Stone matched last week's 4.9 mil.
Wednesday Ratings: Old Christine Eyes Another New High
8 pm/ET
The CBS sitcombo of Old Christine (8.25 million total viewers, up 650K) and Gary Unmarried (8.03 million, up 310K) claimed the top spot this Wednesday, with the former setting a new season high. Placing second (and, shoot me, winning the demos) was Fox's Secret Millionaire (7.19 mil), which dipped 190 thou from its debut. In fourth behind some NBC holiday thing, Pushing Daisies (4.96 mil) pushed up a teeny tiny bit.
9 pm
Criminal Minds led the hour and was the night's most watched program, with an audience of 14.7 mil (up 700K from its last fresh ep). Private Practice (6.86 mil) dropped 12 percent from last week's bloated numbers, but still was on the high side. Life (5.46 mil) was up 140K from its last "regular" outing.
10 pm
CSI: NY grew nine percent from its previous new episode to deliver 13.25 million viewers. Law & Order (7.47) slipped from last week's competition-free season high, but still improved on its typical audience by some 19 percent. Dirty Sexy Money (5.22 mil) dipped 480 thou — but hurrah for Blair Underwood and his Globe nod!).
Tuesday ratings addendum: TNT's Leverage scored 3.1 million viewers in its regular time slot premiere.
Thursday Ratings: The Finest Hour Yet, CSI Says "High" to Fishburne
This Thursday, as ABC sat the bench....
8 pm/ET
Survivor: Gabon — Earth's Last Eden/TV's Longest Subtitle rode to an easy win, delivering 13.24 million total viewers (a slight increase over the previous cycle's penultimate episode). My Name Is Earl (6.62 mil, up 520K) claimed second for the front half of the hour, but lead-out Kath & Kim (5.33 mil, +450K) got bested by the back end of Fox's Secret Millionaire.
9 pm
With Grey's on bed rest, Laurence Fishburne's CSI debut drew an audience of 20.6 million — an 18 percent increase over last week and the procedural's best numbers since the season opener. In second, both The Office (8.8 mil, +460K) and 30 Rock (7.47 mil, +330K ... though not including me, frickin' flaky Cablevision) saw gains.
10 pm
Eleventh Hour seized the opportunity to surge 23 percent week-to-week and deliver its best audience ever, 13.43 million viewers. At 8.92 mil, ER was up 700 thou.
Wednesday ratings addendum: Top Chef: New York served up the Bravo series' highest non-finale telecast ever among total viewers (3.02 million).
EXCLUSIVE: Kenneth Branagh Breaks Silence On ‘Thor,’ Says Casting Talk Is Premature
It’s been over two months since word broke that Marvel was courting Kenneth Branagh to direct their next big-screen re-launch of one of their cherished heroes, Thor. And since then we’ve heard nary a peep from Branagh himself. At today’s junket for “Valkyrie,” MTV News caught up with the actor/filmmaker and of course brought up the project.
“I am directing “Thor” or “The Mighty Thor’ as you might like to call it,” he said with a smile before clarifying what the title of the film will be. “I think it will be ‘Thor’.”
MTV has spoken to other writers about why Branagh would be such a good fit for the hero. But here was finally an opportunity to hear from Branagh about what appealed to him about the project. So what’s the appeal of “Thor,” Kenneth? “To work on a story about one of the immortals, Gods, extraordinary beings, inter-dimensional creatures,” he enthused.
He continued excitedly, “There’s science fiction and science fact and fantasy all woven into one. It’s based on Norse legends which Marvel sort of raided in a brilliant way.
So who will play Branagh’s hero? Asked about the rumors of Kevin McKidd being up for the role, the director waved it off as premature speculation.
“There’s been lots of talk [about casting] — I sound like a politician — but we are too early at this stage. We’re getting the story and the visual effects together and all of that is very exciting. Someone sensational is going to play the part but it is early days.”
Just because Branagh hasn’t worked on a project of this scale since “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” fear not. This “Thor” promises to be as large as the character would seem to call out for. “It’s a chance to tell a big story on a big scale,” said Branagh. “It’s a human story right in the center of a big epic scenario.”
“I am directing “Thor” or “The Mighty Thor’ as you might like to call it,” he said with a smile before clarifying what the title of the film will be. “I think it will be ‘Thor’.”
MTV has spoken to other writers about why Branagh would be such a good fit for the hero. But here was finally an opportunity to hear from Branagh about what appealed to him about the project. So what’s the appeal of “Thor,” Kenneth? “To work on a story about one of the immortals, Gods, extraordinary beings, inter-dimensional creatures,” he enthused.
He continued excitedly, “There’s science fiction and science fact and fantasy all woven into one. It’s based on Norse legends which Marvel sort of raided in a brilliant way.
So who will play Branagh’s hero? Asked about the rumors of Kevin McKidd being up for the role, the director waved it off as premature speculation.
“There’s been lots of talk [about casting] — I sound like a politician — but we are too early at this stage. We’re getting the story and the visual effects together and all of that is very exciting. Someone sensational is going to play the part but it is early days.”
Just because Branagh hasn’t worked on a project of this scale since “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” fear not. This “Thor” promises to be as large as the character would seem to call out for. “It’s a chance to tell a big story on a big scale,” said Branagh. “It’s a human story right in the center of a big epic scenario.”
SHH! EXCL: Frank Miller's Update on 300 Spin-Off & Sin City 2
Earlier today, Superhero Hype! had a chance to sit down for fifteen minutes with the one and only Frank Miller, creator of "Sin City" and "300," to talk about his upcoming movie based on Will Eisner's The Spirit. While he had a lot to say about that highly anticipated project, the questions continue to loom over some of the other projects based on his works, including possible sequels for successful movies based on Sin City and 300.
With a lot of rumors swirling about a potential sequel or prequel to Zack Snyder's 300, which was based on a standalone graphic novel, some have wondered how involved Miller would be, and if he might write or draw another graphic novel based on the subject matter as basis for another movie. "I've written a story that's not a prequel," he told us. "It's definitely a further story in the Greco-Persian Wars, and it involves some of the same characters but I'm not sure exactly how far along it'll get and again, until it's on a marquee, I don't believe in it."
Last week, we spoke to actor Mickey Rourke about returning as Marv in Sin City 2, and he seemed kind of tentative about spending three hours putting on Marv's make-up, but Miller shared, "He has a pretty big role. I hope Mickey plays it."
And as far as whether Miller might co-direct with Robert Rodriguez again or direct himself, now that he has The Spirit under his belt: "I hope to work with Robert. We're talking it over and trying to work out the mechanics of actually getting it made. It's always tricky with movies. I believe that a movie's going to come out as soon as I see its name on a marquee."
"I'll publish something," he hinted with a smile, when asked whether there might be a "Sin City" or "300" comic or graphic novel out before either movie.
When we spoke to Miller a few years ago, he mentioned wanting to direct a movie based on his series of graphic novels he did with Dave ("Watchmen") Gibbon starring Martha Washington, starting with "Give Me Liberty." Since it's been a few years, we were curious whether that's something he'd still want to do and if he thought it would still work today. "I think Martha Washington is begging to happen," he said when asked how the changing times might affect how people viewed that politically-tinged sci-fi story, especially considering how Zack Snyder intentionally set the forthcoming Watchmen in the '80s. "The thing is that Martha Washington starts in 1995, but it really doesn't kick off until about 2010."
"It's just a matter of finding the right venue, because Martha Washington isn't a movie, it's a series," he continued. "It would have to be like 12 episodes to fit the whole story in. I would not let it be truncated."
We'll have a lot more from our interview with Miller sometime in the next few weeks before The Spirit opens on Thursday, December 25.
With a lot of rumors swirling about a potential sequel or prequel to Zack Snyder's 300, which was based on a standalone graphic novel, some have wondered how involved Miller would be, and if he might write or draw another graphic novel based on the subject matter as basis for another movie. "I've written a story that's not a prequel," he told us. "It's definitely a further story in the Greco-Persian Wars, and it involves some of the same characters but I'm not sure exactly how far along it'll get and again, until it's on a marquee, I don't believe in it."
Last week, we spoke to actor Mickey Rourke about returning as Marv in Sin City 2, and he seemed kind of tentative about spending three hours putting on Marv's make-up, but Miller shared, "He has a pretty big role. I hope Mickey plays it."
And as far as whether Miller might co-direct with Robert Rodriguez again or direct himself, now that he has The Spirit under his belt: "I hope to work with Robert. We're talking it over and trying to work out the mechanics of actually getting it made. It's always tricky with movies. I believe that a movie's going to come out as soon as I see its name on a marquee."
"I'll publish something," he hinted with a smile, when asked whether there might be a "Sin City" or "300" comic or graphic novel out before either movie.
When we spoke to Miller a few years ago, he mentioned wanting to direct a movie based on his series of graphic novels he did with Dave ("Watchmen") Gibbon starring Martha Washington, starting with "Give Me Liberty." Since it's been a few years, we were curious whether that's something he'd still want to do and if he thought it would still work today. "I think Martha Washington is begging to happen," he said when asked how the changing times might affect how people viewed that politically-tinged sci-fi story, especially considering how Zack Snyder intentionally set the forthcoming Watchmen in the '80s. "The thing is that Martha Washington starts in 1995, but it really doesn't kick off until about 2010."
"It's just a matter of finding the right venue, because Martha Washington isn't a movie, it's a series," he continued. "It would have to be like 12 episodes to fit the whole story in. I would not let it be truncated."
We'll have a lot more from our interview with Miller sometime in the next few weeks before The Spirit opens on Thursday, December 25.
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