Variety reports that Paramount Pictures' Star Trek earned an estimated $7 million on Thursday night from most of its 3,800 screens.
The studio opened Iron Man on a Thursday night in May of 2008. That film grossed north of $4 milion in Thursday evening/midnight screenings on its way to making $102.1 million for the weekend.
Last weekend, 20th Century Fox's X-Men Origisn: Wolverine grossed nearly $5 million in midnight runs, although "Wolverine" didn't start its run until 12:01 a.m. Friday.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Office's Mindy Kaling Gets Her Own Show: "It's This Incredible Thing!"
NBC has given Mindy Kaling (aka The Office's Kelly Kapoor) her own show.
Kaling has signed a two-year, seven-figure deal to continue writing, producing and starring in The Office, while she'll also develop a new show for the network, in which she will probably star.
"NBC has always taken a chance on me as an on-screen talent, even though there are not Indian-American actresses and I'm not, like, a size zero, so it's this incredible thing," Kaling tells TVGuide.com. "There's not a ton of people who look like me or do what I do."
Kaling will continue to play Kelly for at least another season while she works on writing her pilot. While there is no definite idea for her solo effort yet, she has some ideas. "My favorite shows right now are workplace comedies: 30 Rock, The Office and Parks and Recreation," she says. "It's a place where you have to be professional, so if you aren't professional, then it's very funny. The only thing I'm certain about is that it probably won't be a mock documentary."
The season finale of The Office airs Thursday, May 14 (9 pm/ET, NBC).
Kaling has signed a two-year, seven-figure deal to continue writing, producing and starring in The Office, while she'll also develop a new show for the network, in which she will probably star.
"NBC has always taken a chance on me as an on-screen talent, even though there are not Indian-American actresses and I'm not, like, a size zero, so it's this incredible thing," Kaling tells TVGuide.com. "There's not a ton of people who look like me or do what I do."
Kaling will continue to play Kelly for at least another season while she works on writing her pilot. While there is no definite idea for her solo effort yet, she has some ideas. "My favorite shows right now are workplace comedies: 30 Rock, The Office and Parks and Recreation," she says. "It's a place where you have to be professional, so if you aren't professional, then it's very funny. The only thing I'm certain about is that it probably won't be a mock documentary."
The season finale of The Office airs Thursday, May 14 (9 pm/ET, NBC).
Friday, May 8, 2009
The-Dream Recording New Album For December
A second album from The-Dream this year is apparently a reality.
The "Umbrella" songwriter and solo artist tells Billboard.com he's "seven records in on a new album," tentatively titled "Love King" and targeted for a December release. "I have to pace myself 'cause there's so much time between here and then," The-Dream says, "but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it's not really going to matter what kind of records they are."
And while his latest release, the gold-certified "Love vs. Money" -- which came out in March and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 -- featured guest appearances by Mariah Carey, Lil Jon and Kanye West (on the current hit, "Walkin' on the Moon"), The-Dream says no features are set yet for the next album. "Usually it's one of those things where I kinda wait," he explains. "I wait 'til the end, and then who's ever doing their thing at that particular time, that's who I get."
The-Dream is balancing recording sessions with preparations in Los Angeles for his tour with Keyshia Coles, which starts Wednesday in Cincinnati. Unlike his "special guest" stint on last year's Jay-Z/Mary J. Blige trek, this tour will allow him to present "a bigger Dream," complete with four dancers and a five-piece band.
"I'm coming pretty stocked-up this time," he says with a laugh. "I'm like a kid in a toy store, like, 'Oh, this is gonna be fun!" I'm coming DVD-ready." And, in fact, he plans to film a DVD at some point during the tour, which wraps June 21 in Oakland, Calif.
The-Dream says fans can expect songs from his two albums but plans to offer only "hints" of the hits he's written for Rihanna, Usher, Carey, Blige, Jamie Foxx and others. "I don't have enough time," he explains, though there will be a cover of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana." "I've been trying to sing that song forever," The-Dream notes.
He's also planning his own headlining run for the fall, when his repertoire will be expanded not just by the "Love King" material but also by forthcoming work with Carey, Brandy, Christina Milian and Puff Daddy, the latter with a song called "Change" that The-Dream calls "probably one of the best male records I've ever written...the best record I've written besides 'Umbrella.'"
The "Umbrella" songwriter and solo artist tells Billboard.com he's "seven records in on a new album," tentatively titled "Love King" and targeted for a December release. "I have to pace myself 'cause there's so much time between here and then," The-Dream says, "but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it's not really going to matter what kind of records they are."
And while his latest release, the gold-certified "Love vs. Money" -- which came out in March and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 -- featured guest appearances by Mariah Carey, Lil Jon and Kanye West (on the current hit, "Walkin' on the Moon"), The-Dream says no features are set yet for the next album. "Usually it's one of those things where I kinda wait," he explains. "I wait 'til the end, and then who's ever doing their thing at that particular time, that's who I get."
The-Dream is balancing recording sessions with preparations in Los Angeles for his tour with Keyshia Coles, which starts Wednesday in Cincinnati. Unlike his "special guest" stint on last year's Jay-Z/Mary J. Blige trek, this tour will allow him to present "a bigger Dream," complete with four dancers and a five-piece band.
"I'm coming pretty stocked-up this time," he says with a laugh. "I'm like a kid in a toy store, like, 'Oh, this is gonna be fun!" I'm coming DVD-ready." And, in fact, he plans to film a DVD at some point during the tour, which wraps June 21 in Oakland, Calif.
The-Dream says fans can expect songs from his two albums but plans to offer only "hints" of the hits he's written for Rihanna, Usher, Carey, Blige, Jamie Foxx and others. "I don't have enough time," he explains, though there will be a cover of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana." "I've been trying to sing that song forever," The-Dream notes.
He's also planning his own headlining run for the fall, when his repertoire will be expanded not just by the "Love King" material but also by forthcoming work with Carey, Brandy, Christina Milian and Puff Daddy, the latter with a song called "Change" that The-Dream calls "probably one of the best male records I've ever written...the best record I've written besides 'Umbrella.'"
Vin Diesel is The Wheelman
Paramount Pictures has set John Singleton to direct and Lorenzo di Bonaventura to produce The Wheelman, a live-action adaptation of the Ubisoft video game "Wheelman." The game launched last month, with Diesel as its main character and the game's producer.
Diesel will play an expert driver who comes out of retirement to protect a woman from his past.
Rich Wilkes wrote the script; the writing team of Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell did a rewrite.
Di Bonaventura (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) will produce with Diesel and his One Race Films partner Samantha Vincent.
Diesel will play an expert driver who comes out of retirement to protect a woman from his past.
Rich Wilkes wrote the script; the writing team of Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell did a rewrite.
Di Bonaventura (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) will produce with Diesel and his One Race Films partner Samantha Vincent.
Keanu Reeves is Jekyll
Keanu Reeves will star in Jekyll, a modern day retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 classic novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for Universal Pictures. The film will be directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, the filmmaker behind the Sundance hit Bronson and the 1996 Danish action crime thriller Pusher (you may have heard David Chen ramble on about this film, and the trilogy it spawned, in a previous /Filmcast). The film is being scripted by Justin Haythe, the BAFTA-nominated screenwriter of Revolutionary Road.
Details of Haythe’s contemporary re-imagining have not yet been revealed, but the original novella tells the tale of a “London lawyer who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the misanthropic Mr. Edward Hyde.” The story is best known for its portrayal of split personality, good vs. evil, and coining the popular phrase “Jekyll and Hyde”. The book has been adapted for film, tv and stage over 123 times.
Most adaptions tell the story from the viewpoint of Dr. Jekyll, eliminating the mystery aspect presented in the source material. I’m not sure a mystery could be told as the split personality character has become infused in pop culture. The BBC aired a six-part miniseries under the same title, which was also a contemporary adaptation, set in London. It will be interesting to see just how different Haythe’s take on the material may be.
If there is one thing Keanu Reeves is known for, it definitely isn’t the range of his acting abilities. Don’t get me wrong, he’s good at delivering a certain kind of performance. But I’m skeptical that he could pull off the split personality gig.
This project is unrelated to the announced Guillermo del Toro adaptation Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which went into development in 2008. With del Toro’s busy schedule, I doubt we might ever see that gothic horror adaptation, and if we ever do, it is likely to be 10-15 years down the line.
Details of Haythe’s contemporary re-imagining have not yet been revealed, but the original novella tells the tale of a “London lawyer who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the misanthropic Mr. Edward Hyde.” The story is best known for its portrayal of split personality, good vs. evil, and coining the popular phrase “Jekyll and Hyde”. The book has been adapted for film, tv and stage over 123 times.
Most adaptions tell the story from the viewpoint of Dr. Jekyll, eliminating the mystery aspect presented in the source material. I’m not sure a mystery could be told as the split personality character has become infused in pop culture. The BBC aired a six-part miniseries under the same title, which was also a contemporary adaptation, set in London. It will be interesting to see just how different Haythe’s take on the material may be.
If there is one thing Keanu Reeves is known for, it definitely isn’t the range of his acting abilities. Don’t get me wrong, he’s good at delivering a certain kind of performance. But I’m skeptical that he could pull off the split personality gig.
This project is unrelated to the announced Guillermo del Toro adaptation Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which went into development in 2008. With del Toro’s busy schedule, I doubt we might ever see that gothic horror adaptation, and if we ever do, it is likely to be 10-15 years down the line.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Nintendo Posts Massive Profits
The company's yearly report card comes in.
Nintendo today announced its results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. The company posted sales of more than 1.83 trillion yen (US $18.6 billion) and operating profits of more than 555 billion yen (US $5.6 billion). Nintendo also announced worldwide sales of close to 26 million Wiis and more than 31 million Nintendo DS systems in the past fiscal year. Nintendo has now sold over 50 million Wiis and over 100 million DS systems. Fiscal year retail software sales also rose for each platform from the previous year, reaching 197 million units for Nintendo DS, and over 204 million for Wii.
In terms of individual titles, Pokemon Platinum sold 3.75 million units in the last fiscal year, and Kirby Super Star Ultra sold 2.36 million units. The Brain Training games continued to sell well, totaling 7.31 million units in the last fiscal year and 31.12 million units in their life-to-date. On Wii, Mario Kart Wii sold 15.4 million units, Animal Crossing: City Folk sold 3.38 million units and Wii Music sold 2.65 million units. Unsurprisingly, Wii Fit was the biggest success of the year, selling 16.37 million units. There are now 91 million selling games on DS (up from 57) and 54 on Wii (up from 26).
The full figures for Nintendo's year on year performance are as follows. Sales rose 9.9% from the previous fiscal year, up to 1,838,622 million yen (US $18.6 billion), operating profit rose 14%, up to 555,263 yen (US $5.6 billion), recurring profit saw a small increase, up 1.8% to 448,695 (US $4.5 billion), while net profit rose 8.5% to 279,089 yen (US $2.8 billion).
For the fiscal year that kicked off on April 1, 2009, Nintendo is projecting that it will sell another 26 million Wii systems and 220 million Wii software units, and another 30 million Nintendo DS systems and 180 million pieces of DS software.
Nintendo today announced its results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. The company posted sales of more than 1.83 trillion yen (US $18.6 billion) and operating profits of more than 555 billion yen (US $5.6 billion). Nintendo also announced worldwide sales of close to 26 million Wiis and more than 31 million Nintendo DS systems in the past fiscal year. Nintendo has now sold over 50 million Wiis and over 100 million DS systems. Fiscal year retail software sales also rose for each platform from the previous year, reaching 197 million units for Nintendo DS, and over 204 million for Wii.
In terms of individual titles, Pokemon Platinum sold 3.75 million units in the last fiscal year, and Kirby Super Star Ultra sold 2.36 million units. The Brain Training games continued to sell well, totaling 7.31 million units in the last fiscal year and 31.12 million units in their life-to-date. On Wii, Mario Kart Wii sold 15.4 million units, Animal Crossing: City Folk sold 3.38 million units and Wii Music sold 2.65 million units. Unsurprisingly, Wii Fit was the biggest success of the year, selling 16.37 million units. There are now 91 million selling games on DS (up from 57) and 54 on Wii (up from 26).
The full figures for Nintendo's year on year performance are as follows. Sales rose 9.9% from the previous fiscal year, up to 1,838,622 million yen (US $18.6 billion), operating profit rose 14%, up to 555,263 yen (US $5.6 billion), recurring profit saw a small increase, up 1.8% to 448,695 (US $4.5 billion), while net profit rose 8.5% to 279,089 yen (US $2.8 billion).
For the fiscal year that kicked off on April 1, 2009, Nintendo is projecting that it will sell another 26 million Wii systems and 220 million Wii software units, and another 30 million Nintendo DS systems and 180 million pieces of DS software.
Green Lantern, Happy Feet 2, Harold & Kumar and more
With no lead officially cast in Martin (Casino Royale) Campbell's take on the DC Comics superhero Green Lantern, Warner Bros. has decided to push the Emerald Knight's big screen debut back six months to June 17, 2011 from its original scheduled date of December 17, 2010. No word whether this will affect the plans to start shooting in Australia in September or whether the move is to give Campbell more time for post-production and special FX.
At the same time, Campbell's next film, the Mel Gibson-starrer Edge of Darkness, has been given a January 29, 2010 release date by Warner Bros.
The studio has also moved Zack Snyder's next live action film Sucker Punch! from October '10 back to March 25, 2011, and announced a November 18, 2011 release date for George Miller's sequel to the Oscar-winning Happy Feet, simply called Happy Feet 2 in 3D. (That's almost five years to the date after the release of the original movie.)
Lastly, the third buddy comedy movie teaming the pot-smoking characters made famous by John Cho and Kal Penn has also been given a title and a release date, as New Line will be releasing A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas on November 5, 2010, just in time for the holidays.
At the same time, Campbell's next film, the Mel Gibson-starrer Edge of Darkness, has been given a January 29, 2010 release date by Warner Bros.
The studio has also moved Zack Snyder's next live action film Sucker Punch! from October '10 back to March 25, 2011, and announced a November 18, 2011 release date for George Miller's sequel to the Oscar-winning Happy Feet, simply called Happy Feet 2 in 3D. (That's almost five years to the date after the release of the original movie.)
Lastly, the third buddy comedy movie teaming the pot-smoking characters made famous by John Cho and Kal Penn has also been given a title and a release date, as New Line will be releasing A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas on November 5, 2010, just in time for the holidays.
Dwayne Johnson to Move Faster
CBS Films is in final negotiations with Dwayne Johnson to star in Faster, an action drama that will be Johnson's next film, reports Variety.
The movie will be helmed by Phil Joanou, who directed Johnson in Gridiron Gang. Joe and Tony Gayton wrote the script.
Johnson will play an ex-con bent on avenging the death of his brother, murdered 10 years earlier when the two were double-crossed during a heist.
Shooting is set to begin in August.
The movie will be helmed by Phil Joanou, who directed Johnson in Gridiron Gang. Joe and Tony Gayton wrote the script.
Johnson will play an ex-con bent on avenging the death of his brother, murdered 10 years earlier when the two were double-crossed during a heist.
Shooting is set to begin in August.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Family Guy Movie Coming Soon?
Last week, McFarlane’s show American Dad reached a milestone with 100 episodes aired. At the party to celebrate, McFarlane talked to Wired about the possibility of a Family Guy big screen movie and it became clearly that one was not only likely, it was just about inevitable. Quotes beyond the fold.
So here’s McFarlane on the Family Guy movie:
"We want to do it. Fox wants it. We know what we want to do with it. It’s just a question of finding the time. That’s why The Simpsons took so many years to do theirs. It wasn’t because they didn’t know what they wanted to do with it. They just couldn’t fit it into the schedule. There’s so much to do for a weekly animated series — twice as much as you have to do for a live-action show. So, we’re finding time where we can. We’re in the early stages right now."
Inevitable, really, I suppose. There have been feature length Family Guy DVDs before, but to the best of my knowledge they were effectively multiple episodes stitched together, as with the Futurama releases of the last twelve months or so.
Personally, I’m with Cartoon Brew’s Jerry Beck and Amid Amidi on the subject of Family Guy and Seth McFarlane’s other TV shows - basically, that they’re utterly dreadful and that culture would be better served by broadcasting white noise in their place - but I do know they have their fans. Indeed, Family Guy ranks alongside the Snakes on a Plane reshoots and Firefly spin off Serenity as a testament to fan power in action as the show was canceled and then recommissioned after tremendous sales on DVD.
One of the criticism most frequently levelled against Family Guy is that it steals its jokes from other, better shows and that one is pretty much undeniable. Plenty of other animators hate the show too - indeed, there’s a Wikipedia page dedicated to folk’s dislike of Family Guy. You don’t see that for every show now, do you?
So here’s McFarlane on the Family Guy movie:
"We want to do it. Fox wants it. We know what we want to do with it. It’s just a question of finding the time. That’s why The Simpsons took so many years to do theirs. It wasn’t because they didn’t know what they wanted to do with it. They just couldn’t fit it into the schedule. There’s so much to do for a weekly animated series — twice as much as you have to do for a live-action show. So, we’re finding time where we can. We’re in the early stages right now."
Inevitable, really, I suppose. There have been feature length Family Guy DVDs before, but to the best of my knowledge they were effectively multiple episodes stitched together, as with the Futurama releases of the last twelve months or so.
Personally, I’m with Cartoon Brew’s Jerry Beck and Amid Amidi on the subject of Family Guy and Seth McFarlane’s other TV shows - basically, that they’re utterly dreadful and that culture would be better served by broadcasting white noise in their place - but I do know they have their fans. Indeed, Family Guy ranks alongside the Snakes on a Plane reshoots and Firefly spin off Serenity as a testament to fan power in action as the show was canceled and then recommissioned after tremendous sales on DVD.
One of the criticism most frequently levelled against Family Guy is that it steals its jokes from other, better shows and that one is pretty much undeniable. Plenty of other animators hate the show too - indeed, there’s a Wikipedia page dedicated to folk’s dislike of Family Guy. You don’t see that for every show now, do you?
'Deadpool' spinoff in works at Fox
Ryan Reynolds to reprise role in "Wolverine" spinoff
Fresh off the muscular performance of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" at the boxoffice, Fox has thrown into development a spinoff featuring Deadpool, the wise-cracking mercenary played in the film by Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds is attached to reprise the character for what for now is simply being called "Deadpool." Lauren Shuler Donner and Marvel Studios would act as producers.
Deadpool is known as "the merc with a mouth," a character that under Reynolds lived up to his billing in "Wolverine" until the end, when the movie deviated from the comic book persona, imbuing him with several superpowers and sewing his mouth shut.
It is understood that Reynolds would regain the ability to mouth off, with the movie going back to the roots of the character known for his slapstick tone and propensity to break the fourth wall. The character also was disfigured in "Wolverine," though it's unclear at this time how much the studio would want to mess with Reynolds' handsome mug.
The project is out to writers.
Fox considered a "Deadpool" spinoff early in "Wolverine's" development process, which is why it cast Reynolds. The actor was brought back in the month before the movie's release to shoot one of two "Easter egg" scenes that appeared after the end credits. The scene showed Deadpool alive, though when last audiences saw him, he appeared to be dead.
UTA-repped Reynolds next stars opposite Sandra Bullock in Disney's romantic comedy "The Proposal."
Fresh off the muscular performance of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" at the boxoffice, Fox has thrown into development a spinoff featuring Deadpool, the wise-cracking mercenary played in the film by Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds is attached to reprise the character for what for now is simply being called "Deadpool." Lauren Shuler Donner and Marvel Studios would act as producers.
Deadpool is known as "the merc with a mouth," a character that under Reynolds lived up to his billing in "Wolverine" until the end, when the movie deviated from the comic book persona, imbuing him with several superpowers and sewing his mouth shut.
It is understood that Reynolds would regain the ability to mouth off, with the movie going back to the roots of the character known for his slapstick tone and propensity to break the fourth wall. The character also was disfigured in "Wolverine," though it's unclear at this time how much the studio would want to mess with Reynolds' handsome mug.
The project is out to writers.
Fox considered a "Deadpool" spinoff early in "Wolverine's" development process, which is why it cast Reynolds. The actor was brought back in the month before the movie's release to shoot one of two "Easter egg" scenes that appeared after the end credits. The scene showed Deadpool alive, though when last audiences saw him, he appeared to be dead.
UTA-repped Reynolds next stars opposite Sandra Bullock in Disney's romantic comedy "The Proposal."
Bradley Cooper Close to Being Cast as The Green Lantern?
Over the last year, many names have been batted around for the title role in The Green Lantern, including Star Trek’s Chris Pine and dorm-poster staple Ryan Gosling. According to a very confident-sounding Drew at HitFix, actor Bradley Cooper is now closer than any other dude to being a lock for the DC superhero and planned film franchise.
Those who pay attention to summer-buzz know that Cooper is lined-up for a breakout performance in June’s The Hangover, an R-rated comedy from Todd Phillips that is testing through the friggin’ roof. We’ve been predicting major things for the film for months. Moreover, a sequel has already been greenlit, which is quite rare for the genre. In the past, Cooper has done a lot of TV work (Alias, Kitchen Confidential, Nip/Tuck) and appeared in films like Yes Man. He’s a likable actor who seems geared for bigger “everyman”-type roles. But is he the ideal choice to play Hal Jordan? Commenters, mount up.
After Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) signed on to direct, Warner Bros. announced a $150 million budget for The Green Lantern, with shooting still set for July in Sydney, Australia. It’s obviously a decisive step for DC/WB coming off The Dark Knight, and it’ll be interesting to see how “serious” they go. With a face that will soon be more associated with comedy than action, we’ll be sure to update if Cooper becomes officially attached.
Those who pay attention to summer-buzz know that Cooper is lined-up for a breakout performance in June’s The Hangover, an R-rated comedy from Todd Phillips that is testing through the friggin’ roof. We’ve been predicting major things for the film for months. Moreover, a sequel has already been greenlit, which is quite rare for the genre. In the past, Cooper has done a lot of TV work (Alias, Kitchen Confidential, Nip/Tuck) and appeared in films like Yes Man. He’s a likable actor who seems geared for bigger “everyman”-type roles. But is he the ideal choice to play Hal Jordan? Commenters, mount up.
After Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) signed on to direct, Warner Bros. announced a $150 million budget for The Green Lantern, with shooting still set for July in Sydney, Australia. It’s obviously a decisive step for DC/WB coming off The Dark Knight, and it’ll be interesting to see how “serious” they go. With a face that will soon be more associated with comedy than action, we’ll be sure to update if Cooper becomes officially attached.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Hugh Jackman is Officially Developing Wolverine 2
Variety has confirmed that Hugh Jackman is already developing a sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This comes as no surprise, especially considering the film grossed over $158 million worldwide on opening weekend. No writer has been hired but the sequel is expected the focus on the Logan in Japan samurai storyline from the comic book series. The storyline was also hinted at in one of the film’s after-credits easter egg endings which showed Logan drinking in a Japanese bar. Seed Productions is producing with Jackman, who would also star again as Wolverine.
It makes sense that Jackman wants to explore Wolverine’s Japanese saga, because it would truly bring a superhero story someplace we haven’t seen before on the big screen. Jackman is enthusiastic of seeing his “anarchic character, the outsider, being in this world — I can see it aesthetically, too — full of honor and tradition and customs and someone who’s really anti-all of that, and trying to negotiate his way.” And lets not forget the Samurai fights.
Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy had mentioned during an appearance at the Bradford International Film Festival that he had been approached to pen a second film, but no deal was reportedly made. Jackman also recently confessed to MTV that he’s been talking to writers about a storyline for the second film, although it was never made clear who these writers were.
It makes sense that Jackman wants to explore Wolverine’s Japanese saga, because it would truly bring a superhero story someplace we haven’t seen before on the big screen. Jackman is enthusiastic of seeing his “anarchic character, the outsider, being in this world — I can see it aesthetically, too — full of honor and tradition and customs and someone who’s really anti-all of that, and trying to negotiate his way.” And lets not forget the Samurai fights.
Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy had mentioned during an appearance at the Bradford International Film Festival that he had been approached to pen a second film, but no deal was reportedly made. Jackman also recently confessed to MTV that he’s been talking to writers about a storyline for the second film, although it was never made clear who these writers were.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Fringe Renewed for Second Season
Fox has renewed Fringe for a second season, the network announced Monday.
The renewal isn't exactly a surprise. Fringe has consistently posted decent ratings, and Fox boasts that it's the No. 1 new series among the prized adults 18-to-49 demographic.
Other developments pointed to a renewal. In recent weeks, Star Trek vet Leonard Nimoy was cast as weird scientist Dr. William Bell, a character who will first appear in the season finale, but who is scheduled to recur in Season 2. Plus, network sources indicated that the series, unable to renew tax incentives in New York City for a second season, might relocate to Vancouver.
In a statement, series creator J.J. Abrams said, "Fringe continues to gain momentum, creatively and with viewers. We couldn't be more thrilled that Fringe will continue to freak people out for at least another season!"
Fringe airs on Tuesdays at 9 pm/ET on Fox. The season finale is May 12.
The renewal isn't exactly a surprise. Fringe has consistently posted decent ratings, and Fox boasts that it's the No. 1 new series among the prized adults 18-to-49 demographic.
Other developments pointed to a renewal. In recent weeks, Star Trek vet Leonard Nimoy was cast as weird scientist Dr. William Bell, a character who will first appear in the season finale, but who is scheduled to recur in Season 2. Plus, network sources indicated that the series, unable to renew tax incentives in New York City for a second season, might relocate to Vancouver.
In a statement, series creator J.J. Abrams said, "Fringe continues to gain momentum, creatively and with viewers. We couldn't be more thrilled that Fringe will continue to freak people out for at least another season!"
Fringe airs on Tuesdays at 9 pm/ET on Fox. The season finale is May 12.
Exclusive: NBC Boss Says If Chuck Returns, It May Be on a New Night
NBC's entertainment co-chair Ben Silverman left the options wide open for Chuck's future during the network's presentation of its fall lineup — indicating that Heroes could be paired with a new drama series instead of our favorite spies on Monday nights.
"It could shake out in some way to be a similar lineup, or maybe Chuck would go in a different slot, if we brought it back," he told TVGuide.com. "We haven't locked in [the complete fall schedule], but we like Heroes on Monday. It's established an audience, and we don't want to move it."
Silverman indicated that Heroes could get moved up an hour to 8 pm, where it would be followed by Trauma, a new medical drama, which he says shares a similar "adrenaline."
It's [a matter of] evaluating what works best with what," he said, "and we don't have it all defined yet."
There's not a lot of real estate left, as NBC makes room for Jay Leno's nightly 10 p.m. prime-time show. At least one hour of The Biggest Loser will air on Tuesday, Law & Order: SVU is slotted for Wednesday, Thursday is dedicated to the net's half-hour comedies and Friday is still up in the air. Saturday is populated by new Datelines and crime-show repeats. And on the seventh day, Silverman gives us Sunday Night Football.
Since much of NBC's "infront" presentation dwelled on the synchronization of content and advertising — namely, in cross-promotions and product placement — TVGuide.com asked Silverman about the fact that Chuck sponsor Subway went on to play a central role in the fan campaign directed at saving the series.
"It's amazing," he said, "and that's the goal around those [partnerships]. That is a win-win."
"It could shake out in some way to be a similar lineup, or maybe Chuck would go in a different slot, if we brought it back," he told TVGuide.com. "We haven't locked in [the complete fall schedule], but we like Heroes on Monday. It's established an audience, and we don't want to move it."
Silverman indicated that Heroes could get moved up an hour to 8 pm, where it would be followed by Trauma, a new medical drama, which he says shares a similar "adrenaline."
It's [a matter of] evaluating what works best with what," he said, "and we don't have it all defined yet."
There's not a lot of real estate left, as NBC makes room for Jay Leno's nightly 10 p.m. prime-time show. At least one hour of The Biggest Loser will air on Tuesday, Law & Order: SVU is slotted for Wednesday, Thursday is dedicated to the net's half-hour comedies and Friday is still up in the air. Saturday is populated by new Datelines and crime-show repeats. And on the seventh day, Silverman gives us Sunday Night Football.
Since much of NBC's "infront" presentation dwelled on the synchronization of content and advertising — namely, in cross-promotions and product placement — TVGuide.com asked Silverman about the fact that Chuck sponsor Subway went on to play a central role in the fan campaign directed at saving the series.
"It's amazing," he said, "and that's the goal around those [partnerships]. That is a win-win."
Sugar Ray Returns With 'Music For Cougars'
Sugar Ray, the band formed in Newport Beach, California and fronted by singer Mark McGrath that was responsible for a string of breezy, reggae-tinged mid-1990s radio hits including the ubiquitous "Fly," will release its first full album of new material in more than six years when "Music For Cougars" comes out July 21 on Pulse/Fontana/Universal. The group will tour clubs and festivals throughout the summer.
"Cougars" sees the band returning to the lazy grooves, easy beats, and catchy harmonies that proved a winning formula and propelled the group to sales of more than 12 million copies over a five album run for Atlantic, plus a "Best of Sugar Ray" release on Rhino, before parting ways with the label in 2006.
But even after the relatively poor showing of 2003's "In the Pursuit of Leisure," the group -- which still has all of its original members including Craig “DJ Homicide” Bullock, drummer Stan Frazier, bassist Murphy Karges and Rodney Sheppard on guitar -- continued to play corporate parties and summer gigs while McGrath also pursued a second career as host of the celebrity news show "Extra."
"Back in 2003, the writing was on the wall for bands like us," McGrath explains in an exclusive interview with Billboard.com. "Radio was changing, music was doing what it does, it was just going through a cycle. We weren't selling a lot of records and we were like 'You know, maybe we should take a break from the grind of recording and touring and see what else is out there.'"
But last year, when producer and Pulse label head Josh Abraham suggested the band record a new album on a small budget with the goal of simply having some fun and seeing what happens, McGrath and his bandmates of more than two decades jumped at the chance. "We got together 21 years ago to make music and have fun and that was always the passion behind the band," McGrath says. "I left 'Extra' in September and focused full time on the band and making this record. Its purely a passion, a labor of love basically making this record.
"We have realistic views of how the music industry is today. I know people aren't sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for a Sugar Ray record. But that wasn't the point. It was purely because we love to make music," he says. "We're not going anywhere. All of us have tried to sabotage the band one way or another. But some divine intervention has kept this band together and I think we all appreciate that. I think the biggest success of Sugar Ray is that after 21 years and all the booze, drugs, women, money, having no money - all those things have come into play and we're still together. That, to me, is the biggest reward."
The tracks on "Music or Cougars" were written during the recording process at Pulse Studios in Los Angeles. Songs on the album include the uptempo dance cut "She’s Got The...(Woo-Hoo)," the mid-tempo romancer "Love is the Answer" and the reggae-influenced remake of Eddie Hodges' "(Girls Girls Girls Are) Made to Love" featuring Collie Buddz. "Cougars" also features guest appearances by Rivers Cuomo, Donovan Frankenreiter, Josh Freese, Dean Butterworth, Wayne Jobson and Tim Pagnotta.
"Boardwalk," the album's first single which is going out to radio in May, is an instantly recognizable summer tune.
"We tried to get away from the Sugar Ray sound on our last record -- we even worked with the Neptunes on a couple of songs -- trying to reinvent ourselves but it didn't really work for us," McGrath admits. "But now we're like 'Let's give them a straight down the center, summer, sunny Sugar Ray song' and I think 'Boardwalk' really embodies that. From the title 'Boardwalk' to the sound of the song, the harmony, the acoustic guitar, the lyrical content -- you're going to hear the song and go 'Wow, that's Sugar Ray for sure.'"
"Cougars" sees the band returning to the lazy grooves, easy beats, and catchy harmonies that proved a winning formula and propelled the group to sales of more than 12 million copies over a five album run for Atlantic, plus a "Best of Sugar Ray" release on Rhino, before parting ways with the label in 2006.
But even after the relatively poor showing of 2003's "In the Pursuit of Leisure," the group -- which still has all of its original members including Craig “DJ Homicide” Bullock, drummer Stan Frazier, bassist Murphy Karges and Rodney Sheppard on guitar -- continued to play corporate parties and summer gigs while McGrath also pursued a second career as host of the celebrity news show "Extra."
"Back in 2003, the writing was on the wall for bands like us," McGrath explains in an exclusive interview with Billboard.com. "Radio was changing, music was doing what it does, it was just going through a cycle. We weren't selling a lot of records and we were like 'You know, maybe we should take a break from the grind of recording and touring and see what else is out there.'"
But last year, when producer and Pulse label head Josh Abraham suggested the band record a new album on a small budget with the goal of simply having some fun and seeing what happens, McGrath and his bandmates of more than two decades jumped at the chance. "We got together 21 years ago to make music and have fun and that was always the passion behind the band," McGrath says. "I left 'Extra' in September and focused full time on the band and making this record. Its purely a passion, a labor of love basically making this record.
"We have realistic views of how the music industry is today. I know people aren't sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for a Sugar Ray record. But that wasn't the point. It was purely because we love to make music," he says. "We're not going anywhere. All of us have tried to sabotage the band one way or another. But some divine intervention has kept this band together and I think we all appreciate that. I think the biggest success of Sugar Ray is that after 21 years and all the booze, drugs, women, money, having no money - all those things have come into play and we're still together. That, to me, is the biggest reward."
The tracks on "Music or Cougars" were written during the recording process at Pulse Studios in Los Angeles. Songs on the album include the uptempo dance cut "She’s Got The...(Woo-Hoo)," the mid-tempo romancer "Love is the Answer" and the reggae-influenced remake of Eddie Hodges' "(Girls Girls Girls Are) Made to Love" featuring Collie Buddz. "Cougars" also features guest appearances by Rivers Cuomo, Donovan Frankenreiter, Josh Freese, Dean Butterworth, Wayne Jobson and Tim Pagnotta.
"Boardwalk," the album's first single which is going out to radio in May, is an instantly recognizable summer tune.
"We tried to get away from the Sugar Ray sound on our last record -- we even worked with the Neptunes on a couple of songs -- trying to reinvent ourselves but it didn't really work for us," McGrath admits. "But now we're like 'Let's give them a straight down the center, summer, sunny Sugar Ray song' and I think 'Boardwalk' really embodies that. From the title 'Boardwalk' to the sound of the song, the harmony, the acoustic guitar, the lyrical content -- you're going to hear the song and go 'Wow, that's Sugar Ray for sure.'"
NBC Unveils Fall Lineup, Including Parenthood, Two Medical Dramas & More Thursday SNLs
NBC has revealed "Part 1" of its plan for the 2009-10 TV season, and it includes a second season of Parks and Recreation, a half-dozen installments of Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday, and four new dramas.
In addition to renewing Parks and Rec, NBC also officially picked up Heroes for a fourth (albeit likely shortened) season. Previously announced returns include The Office, 30 Rock, Law & Order: SVU, Friday Night Lights, The Biggest Loser and Celebrity Apprentice.
Conspicuously missing from NBC's press release is Medium, despite one trade mag's weekend report that it would be back for a fifth season. NBC sources tell TVGuide.com that in fact a decision on Medium has not yet been finalized, but that the network may announce additional pickups on May 19.
New drama series en route to the Peacock's schedule are as follows:
• Parenthood, based on the 1989 film comedy and starring Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Dax Shepard, Erika Christensen and Craig T. Nelson (as the family patriarch).
• Trauma, from Friday Night Lights producer Peter Berg and revolving around first responder paramedics. The cast includes Derek Luke, Anastasia Griffith (Damages) and Jamey Sheridan (Law & Order: CI).
• Mercy, a medical drama told through the eyes of three nurses (played by Michelle Trachtenberg, Jamie Lee Kirchner and Taylor Schilling). The cast also include James Tupper, Diego Klattenhoff (Supernatural) and Guillermo Diaz (Weeds).
• Day One, an "event series" slated to air after the 2010 Winter Olympics wrap, and concerning life on earth in the wake of a global catastrophe. The cast includes Adam Campbell, Carly Pope (Popular) and Catherine Dent (The Shield).
On the comedy front, here is the new fare you can expect:
• Community, set at a community college and starring Chevy Chase and Joel McHale (The Soup).
• 100 Questions, starring Sophie Winkleman (Peep Show) as an unlucky-in-love woman who joins an online dating site.
New reality programming earning a slot on NBC's schedule include Jerry Seinfeld's The Marriage Ref, Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, and Who Do You Think You Are?, in which celebs climb their ancestral trees.
NBC's complete 2009-10 schedule will be announced on May 19.
In addition to renewing Parks and Rec, NBC also officially picked up Heroes for a fourth (albeit likely shortened) season. Previously announced returns include The Office, 30 Rock, Law & Order: SVU, Friday Night Lights, The Biggest Loser and Celebrity Apprentice.
Conspicuously missing from NBC's press release is Medium, despite one trade mag's weekend report that it would be back for a fifth season. NBC sources tell TVGuide.com that in fact a decision on Medium has not yet been finalized, but that the network may announce additional pickups on May 19.
New drama series en route to the Peacock's schedule are as follows:
• Parenthood, based on the 1989 film comedy and starring Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Dax Shepard, Erika Christensen and Craig T. Nelson (as the family patriarch).
• Trauma, from Friday Night Lights producer Peter Berg and revolving around first responder paramedics. The cast includes Derek Luke, Anastasia Griffith (Damages) and Jamey Sheridan (Law & Order: CI).
• Mercy, a medical drama told through the eyes of three nurses (played by Michelle Trachtenberg, Jamie Lee Kirchner and Taylor Schilling). The cast also include James Tupper, Diego Klattenhoff (Supernatural) and Guillermo Diaz (Weeds).
• Day One, an "event series" slated to air after the 2010 Winter Olympics wrap, and concerning life on earth in the wake of a global catastrophe. The cast includes Adam Campbell, Carly Pope (Popular) and Catherine Dent (The Shield).
On the comedy front, here is the new fare you can expect:
• Community, set at a community college and starring Chevy Chase and Joel McHale (The Soup).
• 100 Questions, starring Sophie Winkleman (Peep Show) as an unlucky-in-love woman who joins an online dating site.
New reality programming earning a slot on NBC's schedule include Jerry Seinfeld's The Marriage Ref, Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, and Who Do You Think You Are?, in which celebs climb their ancestral trees.
NBC's complete 2009-10 schedule will be announced on May 19.
Family Guy Spin-Off Renewed for Second Season
Fox has already ordered a second season of the upcoming "Family Guy" spin-off called "Cleveland."
The new 13-episode pickup brings the total order for the show to 35 episodes, months before the series has even premiered.
The animated comedy, centered on the Cleveland Brown character from "Family Guy," was originally targeted for a debut this spring. But in November, the network decided to push the launch to fall 2009 to give the creative team more time for development and production. At the same time, Fox showed its confidence in the project by picking up another nine episodes, bringing the total order to a full season of 22 episodes.
"Cleveland" hails from co-creators/executive producers by Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel and Mike Henry, who voices the title character.
The new 13-episode pickup brings the total order for the show to 35 episodes, months before the series has even premiered.
The animated comedy, centered on the Cleveland Brown character from "Family Guy," was originally targeted for a debut this spring. But in November, the network decided to push the launch to fall 2009 to give the creative team more time for development and production. At the same time, Fox showed its confidence in the project by picking up another nine episodes, bringing the total order to a full season of 22 episodes.
"Cleveland" hails from co-creators/executive producers by Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel and Mike Henry, who voices the title character.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Wolverine Claws to a Savage $87 Million
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend.
Despite worries of a workprint that leaked a month ago and generally weak reviews, 20th Century Fox's prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman, brought in an estimated $87 million its opening weekend in over 4,000 theaters, averaging over $21 thousand per site. It is the third-largest opening for a May/summer kick-off blockbuster, surpassing the opening weekend gross of Bryan Singer's X2 six years back (at least based on estimates), but falling short of the openings for Spider-Man and last year's Iron Man.
The New Line romantic comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, starring Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Michael Douglas, hoped to offer some counter-programming to the superhero prequel, but it only brought in an estimated $15.3 million in 3,175 theatres, settling for second place with slightly more than Sony's Made of Honor grossed opening against Iron Man the same weekend last year.
The Screen Gems thriller Obsessed, starring Idris Elba, Beyoncé Knowles and Ali Larter, plunged 57% in its second weekend to third place with $12.2 million and a ten-day gross of $47 million (Not bad for a movie whose production budget was less than half that amount.)
Meanwhile, the New Line comedy 17 Again starring Zac Efron dropped to fourth place with $6.3 million and $48 million total.
DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens continues to do decently, as the highest-grossing film of the year so far moved past the other three new movies from last week to take 5th place with $5.8 million and a cumulative gross of $185 million.
DreamWorks' The Soloist, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx, held up the best from last week, dropping to sixth with $5.6 million, followed by Disneynature's Earth and Rogue Pictures' Fighting, both with $4.2 million.
Opening outside the Top 10, the independently-produced CG animated film Battle for Terra (Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions), brought in just over a million dollars in 1,162 theaters, averaging less than a thousand dollars per venue.
The Top 10 grossed roughly $148 million, which is down slightly from the summer-opening weekend last May, where Marvel Studios' Iron Man ruled over all with its $100 million opening weekend.
Despite worries of a workprint that leaked a month ago and generally weak reviews, 20th Century Fox's prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman, brought in an estimated $87 million its opening weekend in over 4,000 theaters, averaging over $21 thousand per site. It is the third-largest opening for a May/summer kick-off blockbuster, surpassing the opening weekend gross of Bryan Singer's X2 six years back (at least based on estimates), but falling short of the openings for Spider-Man and last year's Iron Man.
The New Line romantic comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, starring Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Michael Douglas, hoped to offer some counter-programming to the superhero prequel, but it only brought in an estimated $15.3 million in 3,175 theatres, settling for second place with slightly more than Sony's Made of Honor grossed opening against Iron Man the same weekend last year.
The Screen Gems thriller Obsessed, starring Idris Elba, Beyoncé Knowles and Ali Larter, plunged 57% in its second weekend to third place with $12.2 million and a ten-day gross of $47 million (Not bad for a movie whose production budget was less than half that amount.)
Meanwhile, the New Line comedy 17 Again starring Zac Efron dropped to fourth place with $6.3 million and $48 million total.
DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens continues to do decently, as the highest-grossing film of the year so far moved past the other three new movies from last week to take 5th place with $5.8 million and a cumulative gross of $185 million.
DreamWorks' The Soloist, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx, held up the best from last week, dropping to sixth with $5.6 million, followed by Disneynature's Earth and Rogue Pictures' Fighting, both with $4.2 million.
Opening outside the Top 10, the independently-produced CG animated film Battle for Terra (Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions), brought in just over a million dollars in 1,162 theaters, averaging less than a thousand dollars per venue.
The Top 10 grossed roughly $148 million, which is down slightly from the summer-opening weekend last May, where Marvel Studios' Iron Man ruled over all with its $100 million opening weekend.
Weekly Ratings: 4/26 – 5/1
Monday Ratings: Warmer Temps Cool Off TV Viewership
As spied in spades last Thursday, the springing of spring seems to be keeping peeps' peepers away from the tube. This Monday, for example, nary a show showed a significant gain. Here's the recap:
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 19.09 million total viewers, dipping 6 percent week-to-week. House followed with 11.36 mil, down 480K from its last fresh outing. CBS' Big Bang (9.3 mil) and Mother combined for third, though both dropped 700 thou. Chuck's season finale whipped out its kung fu on 6.11 mil, up juuuuust a hair from last week. Gossip Girl sank 340K, to 2.02 mil.
9 pm
Two and a Half Men dropped 700K, to 14.1 mil; lead-out Rules of Engagement (11.3 mil), though, enjoyed a 7 percent gain. 24 (10.56 mil) added 280K, while Heroes' finale was flat at 6.39 mil. One Tree Hill slipped a smidgen, to 2.24 mil.
10 pm
CSI: Miami was No. 1 with 11.96 mil, down 10 percent. Castle held steady at 8.38 mil, while Medium's audience shrank 9 percent, to 6.72 mil.
Tuesday Ratings: 9021-Oh, No! Renewed Show Hits All-Time Low
8 pm/ET
American Idol Rat-Packed in an audience of 22.54 million total viewers, dipping 700K week-to-week. Part 1 of NCIS' spin-off set-up scored second with 16.32 mil, a drop of 7 percent. The Biggest Loser averaged 9.43 mil over its two-hour run, its largest audience since Feb. 3. Lagging far behind ABC's According to Jims, Reaper plunged 26 percent, to 1.82 mil.
9 pm
The Mentalist topped the hour with 16.9 million viewers, up 155 thou from its last fresh outing. Dancing with the Stars' results show followed with14.27 mil. At 10.6 mil, Fringe was up a hair from last week. 90210, meanwhile, sank 19 percent to hit an all-time low of 1.8 mil. That's right, 90210 got a Season 2 pick-up in February, yet Privileged is on the bubble. Join me in some head-scratching.
10 pm
Without a Trace was No. 1 with an audience of 12.35 million (down 800K), but SVU (10.5 mil, surging 16 percent) dominated in the demos. In fact, Stabler and Benson copped their best 18-49 numbers since Jan. 6, and their second-best such demos of the season. ABC's Cupid targeted 6.16 mil, down 440K and suffering significant tune-out over the hour.
Wednesday Ratings: A Nearly Three-Month High Is in Order
8 pm/ET
President Barack Obama's 100-day touch-base drew 19 million total viewers across ABC, CBS and NBC. That's down 39 percent from his previous prime-time address, though one must remember that Fox was not carrying the POTUS this go-round. Fox instead went with Lie to Me, which matched last week's 7.88 mil. Similarly, Top Model held steady at 4 mil.
9 pm
American Idol's reveal of the Top 4 played to 21.85 million viewers, down 6 percent week-to-week. Criminal Minds claimed second with 13.27 mil, dipping 280K. Lost found 8.81 mil celebrating its 100th episode, down 200 thou from its last fresh episode.
10 pm
CSI: NY topped the hour with 12.47 mil, on par with its last new episode. Law & Order followed with 7.7 mil, its largest audience since Feb. 4. ABC's The Unusuals was flat with 5.08 mil.
Thursday Ratings: Smooth Criminal (Repeat) Wins 10 O'Clock Hour
This Thursday's line-up bounced back nicely from that nasty week-ago wane. Here's how each show performed:
8 pm/ET
Survivor topped the hour with 110.73 million total viewers, up 350K week-to-week. Bones places second with 8.83 mil, up 7 percent. Ugly Betty returned to an audience of 6.8 mil, down 10 percent from its last fresh outing. In fourth, NBC's Earl (5.27 mil) dipped 230K, while Parks and Recreation was flat at 5.29 mil. Smallville (3.26 mil) saw a 260K gain.
9 pm
CSI was No. 1 in total viewers (15.3 mil, up 850K), while Grey's Anatomy (13.94 mil, up 740K) dominated the demos. NBC's The Office was up a hair, at 7.3 mil, while lead-out 30 Rock (5.97 mil) dropped 380K. Supernatural scared up 2.96 mil, gaining 200 thou.
10 pm
CBS won the hour with a Criminal Minds repeat, which with an audience of 10.34 million performed 38 percent better than time-slot predecessor Harper's Island (now airing on Saturdays). Private Practice was No. 1 the demos, and wrapped up its second season with 9.85 mil, up 7 percent. (Turn back around, Coop!) NBC's Southland skidded for a third straight week, this time dropping 16 percent (to 6.68 mil).
Friday Ratings for Dollhouse and Other Friday Fare
8 pm/ET
Ghost Whisperer edged out Numbers as the night's most watched program, delivering 9.67 million total viewers (up 6 percent week-to-week). Wife Swap placed second with 4.19 mil, followed by Prison Break (3.2 mil, up 150K). Howie Do It did 3 .01 mil, dropping 10 percent.
9 pm
Flashpoint surged 17 percent week-to-week to win the hour with 9.57 mil. Dateline (5.29 mil) and Supernanny (4.6 mil) followed. The penultimate episode of Dollhouse inched up 100 thou to deliver 3.09 mil.
10 pm
Numbers' celebrated its 100th episode with an audience of 9.64 mil, up 9 percent. 20/20 and Dateline both drew 6.2 mil in the hour.
As spied in spades last Thursday, the springing of spring seems to be keeping peeps' peepers away from the tube. This Monday, for example, nary a show showed a significant gain. Here's the recap:
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 19.09 million total viewers, dipping 6 percent week-to-week. House followed with 11.36 mil, down 480K from its last fresh outing. CBS' Big Bang (9.3 mil) and Mother combined for third, though both dropped 700 thou. Chuck's season finale whipped out its kung fu on 6.11 mil, up juuuuust a hair from last week. Gossip Girl sank 340K, to 2.02 mil.
9 pm
Two and a Half Men dropped 700K, to 14.1 mil; lead-out Rules of Engagement (11.3 mil), though, enjoyed a 7 percent gain. 24 (10.56 mil) added 280K, while Heroes' finale was flat at 6.39 mil. One Tree Hill slipped a smidgen, to 2.24 mil.
10 pm
CSI: Miami was No. 1 with 11.96 mil, down 10 percent. Castle held steady at 8.38 mil, while Medium's audience shrank 9 percent, to 6.72 mil.
Tuesday Ratings: 9021-Oh, No! Renewed Show Hits All-Time Low
8 pm/ET
American Idol Rat-Packed in an audience of 22.54 million total viewers, dipping 700K week-to-week. Part 1 of NCIS' spin-off set-up scored second with 16.32 mil, a drop of 7 percent. The Biggest Loser averaged 9.43 mil over its two-hour run, its largest audience since Feb. 3. Lagging far behind ABC's According to Jims, Reaper plunged 26 percent, to 1.82 mil.
9 pm
The Mentalist topped the hour with 16.9 million viewers, up 155 thou from its last fresh outing. Dancing with the Stars' results show followed with14.27 mil. At 10.6 mil, Fringe was up a hair from last week. 90210, meanwhile, sank 19 percent to hit an all-time low of 1.8 mil. That's right, 90210 got a Season 2 pick-up in February, yet Privileged is on the bubble. Join me in some head-scratching.
10 pm
Without a Trace was No. 1 with an audience of 12.35 million (down 800K), but SVU (10.5 mil, surging 16 percent) dominated in the demos. In fact, Stabler and Benson copped their best 18-49 numbers since Jan. 6, and their second-best such demos of the season. ABC's Cupid targeted 6.16 mil, down 440K and suffering significant tune-out over the hour.
Wednesday Ratings: A Nearly Three-Month High Is in Order
8 pm/ET
President Barack Obama's 100-day touch-base drew 19 million total viewers across ABC, CBS and NBC. That's down 39 percent from his previous prime-time address, though one must remember that Fox was not carrying the POTUS this go-round. Fox instead went with Lie to Me, which matched last week's 7.88 mil. Similarly, Top Model held steady at 4 mil.
9 pm
American Idol's reveal of the Top 4 played to 21.85 million viewers, down 6 percent week-to-week. Criminal Minds claimed second with 13.27 mil, dipping 280K. Lost found 8.81 mil celebrating its 100th episode, down 200 thou from its last fresh episode.
10 pm
CSI: NY topped the hour with 12.47 mil, on par with its last new episode. Law & Order followed with 7.7 mil, its largest audience since Feb. 4. ABC's The Unusuals was flat with 5.08 mil.
Thursday Ratings: Smooth Criminal (Repeat) Wins 10 O'Clock Hour
This Thursday's line-up bounced back nicely from that nasty week-ago wane. Here's how each show performed:
8 pm/ET
Survivor topped the hour with 110.73 million total viewers, up 350K week-to-week. Bones places second with 8.83 mil, up 7 percent. Ugly Betty returned to an audience of 6.8 mil, down 10 percent from its last fresh outing. In fourth, NBC's Earl (5.27 mil) dipped 230K, while Parks and Recreation was flat at 5.29 mil. Smallville (3.26 mil) saw a 260K gain.
9 pm
CSI was No. 1 in total viewers (15.3 mil, up 850K), while Grey's Anatomy (13.94 mil, up 740K) dominated the demos. NBC's The Office was up a hair, at 7.3 mil, while lead-out 30 Rock (5.97 mil) dropped 380K. Supernatural scared up 2.96 mil, gaining 200 thou.
10 pm
CBS won the hour with a Criminal Minds repeat, which with an audience of 10.34 million performed 38 percent better than time-slot predecessor Harper's Island (now airing on Saturdays). Private Practice was No. 1 the demos, and wrapped up its second season with 9.85 mil, up 7 percent. (Turn back around, Coop!) NBC's Southland skidded for a third straight week, this time dropping 16 percent (to 6.68 mil).
Friday Ratings for Dollhouse and Other Friday Fare
8 pm/ET
Ghost Whisperer edged out Numbers as the night's most watched program, delivering 9.67 million total viewers (up 6 percent week-to-week). Wife Swap placed second with 4.19 mil, followed by Prison Break (3.2 mil, up 150K). Howie Do It did 3 .01 mil, dropping 10 percent.
9 pm
Flashpoint surged 17 percent week-to-week to win the hour with 9.57 mil. Dateline (5.29 mil) and Supernanny (4.6 mil) followed. The penultimate episode of Dollhouse inched up 100 thou to deliver 3.09 mil.
10 pm
Numbers' celebrated its 100th episode with an audience of 9.64 mil, up 9 percent. 20/20 and Dateline both drew 6.2 mil in the hour.
Wolverine's Opening Day Brings in $35 Million
20th Century Fox's X-Men Origins: Wolverine kicked-off the summer box office season with a huge opening day of $35 million from 4,099 theaters, including about $5 million from midnight screenings. Among the "X-Men" films, the prequel ranks second behind X-Men: The Last Stand, which grossed $45.1 million on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend of 2006.
One can project that the Wolverine origin story will end up making somewhere between $84 to 86 million in its opening three-day weekend. Last May, Iron Man earned $38.7 million its first day to go on to gross $102.1 million its first weekend.
One can project that the Wolverine origin story will end up making somewhere between $84 to 86 million in its opening three-day weekend. Last May, Iron Man earned $38.7 million its first day to go on to gross $102.1 million its first weekend.
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