Daniel Craig has signed on to star in the Morgan Creek psychological thriller Dream House, it was announced today by James G. Robinson and Rick Nicita, co-chairmen of Morgan Creek Productions.
Craig will play a successful publishing executive who quits his job in New York City to relocate his family and two daughters to a beautiful house in a small New England town. They soon learn their home was once the murder scene of a mother and her children, believed to be at the hands of the husband who survived.
The film will be directed by master storyteller and acclaimed director Jim Sheridan, who has been nominated for six Oscars, two Golden Globes and has directed seven actors into Oscar-nominated roles. His previous works include My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father, and In America. His next film, Brothers, starring Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaall and Natalie Portman, will be released this December 4.
Daniel Craig is currently preparing for his Broadway debut in "A Steady Rain" directly by John Crowley and co-starring Hugh Jackman. His previous theatre credits include "Hurlyburly" with the Peter Hall Company at the Old Vic, "Angels in America" at The National Theatre, and "A Number" at the Royal Court Theatre. In 2006 Daniel made his debut as the sixth 'James Bond' in Casino Royale, for which he received a BAFTA Award nomination (Best Actor). 2008 saw Daniel's second outing as James Bond in Quantum of Solace. He recently finished making Steven Spielberg's new film The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn. Other film credits include Defiance, The Road to Perdition, The Golden Compass, Flashbacks of a Fool, Elizabeth, Love is the Devil, The Mother, Sylvia, The Jacket, Layer Cake, Enduring Love, Munich, and Infamous (Independent Spirit Award nomination). Daniel's television credits include the BBC's adaptation of Michael Frayn's award-winning drama "Copenhagen," "Our Friends in the North," "Sword of Honour," and the two-part BBC film "Archangel," based on Robert Harris' book of the same name.
Dream House will be produced by Morgan Creek's James G. Robinson along with David Robinson and Daniel Bobker & Ehren Krueger. The screenplay was written by David Loucka. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in Toronto on January 25, 2010. Universal Pictures will distribute the film in North America. Universal Pictures and Morgan Creek International will distribute internationally.
Friday, August 28, 2009
A&E Acquires Lifetime in New Joint Venture
A&E Television Networks has officially acquired Lifetime Entertainment Services, but neither network's coverage will be affected, they announced Thursday.
A&E Television Networks is a partnership between Disney/ABC, Hearst Corp. and NBC Universal. The acquisition gives NBC Universal a stake in Lifetime, which was previously a 50-50 partnership between ABC/Disney and Hearst. The merger was first reported earlier in the summer.
A&E will remain the parent company of the combined entity, and Abbe Raven will continue to serve as president and CEO. As a subsidiary, Lifetime will retain its name.
The deal consolidates cable networks such as A&E Network, History, Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Bio, History International, Lifetime Real Women, History en Español, Military History and Crime & Investigation Network all under the A&E Television flag.
The transaction is expected to close later this year.
A&E Television Networks is a partnership between Disney/ABC, Hearst Corp. and NBC Universal. The acquisition gives NBC Universal a stake in Lifetime, which was previously a 50-50 partnership between ABC/Disney and Hearst. The merger was first reported earlier in the summer.
A&E will remain the parent company of the combined entity, and Abbe Raven will continue to serve as president and CEO. As a subsidiary, Lifetime will retain its name.
The deal consolidates cable networks such as A&E Network, History, Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Bio, History International, Lifetime Real Women, History en Español, Military History and Crime & Investigation Network all under the A&E Television flag.
The transaction is expected to close later this year.
Exclusive: Rescue Me to End in 2011
The men of Rescue Me's 62 Truck will answer their last alarm ever in 2011, the year that marks the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that inspired the show, the show's co-creator and executive producer exclusively tells TVGuide.com.
"Within the next couple of weeks, we're going to begin shooting the last 19 episodes, which will be the final two seasons of the show," Peter Tolan said.
Rescue Me's focus has always been on New York City firefighters and the post-9/11 trauma they face. That focus was renewed this season, as one fireman spoke out about the terrorist attacks being a government conspiracy, while another battled cancer believed to have been caused by exposure at the World Trade Center site.
While the final episodes will most likely be produced together, the airing of the episodes will be split to make the end of the show coincide with the year of the 9/11 anniversary. "I think they're stretching the airing of it out until the 10th anniversary," Tolan said. "So if you put 10 episodes on next year and nine the following year, you'll land there."
If you're bummed by the end date announcement, maybe this will cheer you up: Tolan also hinted that recent guest star Maura Tierney could turn up again in the show's final episodes.
"We loved working with her — that was kind of a big deal to get her," Tolan said. "She's got Parenthood, but I think we have a deal where we can use her for four episodes. And since we have that deal, we will take advantage of it."
The show's fifth-season finale airs Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10/9c on FX.
"Within the next couple of weeks, we're going to begin shooting the last 19 episodes, which will be the final two seasons of the show," Peter Tolan said.
Rescue Me's focus has always been on New York City firefighters and the post-9/11 trauma they face. That focus was renewed this season, as one fireman spoke out about the terrorist attacks being a government conspiracy, while another battled cancer believed to have been caused by exposure at the World Trade Center site.
While the final episodes will most likely be produced together, the airing of the episodes will be split to make the end of the show coincide with the year of the 9/11 anniversary. "I think they're stretching the airing of it out until the 10th anniversary," Tolan said. "So if you put 10 episodes on next year and nine the following year, you'll land there."
If you're bummed by the end date announcement, maybe this will cheer you up: Tolan also hinted that recent guest star Maura Tierney could turn up again in the show's final episodes.
"We loved working with her — that was kind of a big deal to get her," Tolan said. "She's got Parenthood, but I think we have a deal where we can use her for four episodes. And since we have that deal, we will take advantage of it."
The show's fifth-season finale airs Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10/9c on FX.
Rob Zombie to Remake The Blob
Just when I was hoping that Rob Zombie would step away from remakes/sequels, and return to direct an original project, we’ve learned that the rock musician turned filmmaker has signed on to write, direct, and produce a remake of the 1958 horror classic The Blob.
Variety reports that funding is in place to make an R-rated $30 million film, and Zombie will complete the script while he’s on tour with his new album this fall. Producers are confident that a distribution deal will be made before the production begins in Spring 2010.
The original film tells the story of people of a small town who refuse to listen to a group of teenagers who witnessed a mysterious creature from another planet land on earth. The ever-growing giant blob of jelly absorbs the humans it contacts and destroys the town.
My immediate reaction is that the story won’t work for audiences today unless you made it a period horror-comedy, something like Mars Attacks or Slither. But that is not in the plans. Zombie says he intends “to make it scary,” and touts the “freedom” he has been given “to take it in any crazy direction.” Zombie was a fan of the original, but has much different plans for the reinvention. So don’t expect a “big red blobby thing” as Zombie says “That gigantic Jello-looking thing might have been scary to audiences in the 1950s, but people would laugh now.” The list of producers includes original Blob producer Jack H. Harris.
I’m a fan of Zombie’s first two films, but pretty much hated his Halloween remake. The sequel, which hits theaters this weekend, doesn’t look any better. I think I’d much rather see him develop an original film than make another remake/sequel.
Variety reports that funding is in place to make an R-rated $30 million film, and Zombie will complete the script while he’s on tour with his new album this fall. Producers are confident that a distribution deal will be made before the production begins in Spring 2010.
The original film tells the story of people of a small town who refuse to listen to a group of teenagers who witnessed a mysterious creature from another planet land on earth. The ever-growing giant blob of jelly absorbs the humans it contacts and destroys the town.
My immediate reaction is that the story won’t work for audiences today unless you made it a period horror-comedy, something like Mars Attacks or Slither. But that is not in the plans. Zombie says he intends “to make it scary,” and touts the “freedom” he has been given “to take it in any crazy direction.” Zombie was a fan of the original, but has much different plans for the reinvention. So don’t expect a “big red blobby thing” as Zombie says “That gigantic Jello-looking thing might have been scary to audiences in the 1950s, but people would laugh now.” The list of producers includes original Blob producer Jack H. Harris.
I’m a fan of Zombie’s first two films, but pretty much hated his Halloween remake. The sequel, which hits theaters this weekend, doesn’t look any better. I think I’d much rather see him develop an original film than make another remake/sequel.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
FX Picks Up Don Cheadle's March to Madness
Variety reports that FX has picked up drama project "March to Madness" from executive producer Don Cheadle. The series chronicles the glory and the seedy side of college basketball.
The project comes from writer Joel Silverman, while Pete Segal (The Longest Yard) is set to direct. Also attached to the project alongside Silverman, Segal and Cheadle are former college basketball coach Dave Miller and Segal's producing partner, Michael Ewing.
"March" will revolve around a corrupt college basketball program that cheats its way to the "March Madness" NCAA basketball tournament. The story will be told through the eyes of the college coach, whose idealistic approach to the job has slowly been eroded by the compromises he's forced to make.
The project comes from writer Joel Silverman, while Pete Segal (The Longest Yard) is set to direct. Also attached to the project alongside Silverman, Segal and Cheadle are former college basketball coach Dave Miller and Segal's producing partner, Michael Ewing.
"March" will revolve around a corrupt college basketball program that cheats its way to the "March Madness" NCAA basketball tournament. The story will be told through the eyes of the college coach, whose idealistic approach to the job has slowly been eroded by the compromises he's forced to make.
Josh Schwartz to Create Comedy Series
Gossip Girl and Chuck executive producer Josh Schwartz is delving into the comedy realm.
Schwartz is teaming up with Chuck producer Matt Miller to create a half-hour scripted comedy for CBS, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The untitled, multicamera project centers on a twentysomething newlywed couple as they go through their married life together. The pilot picks up post-honeymoon and is inspired by Schwartz and Miller's recent marriages.
Schwartz will also write Fox's next X-Men installment, as well as write and direct a second film based on the 1984 novel Bright Lights, Big City. The 1988 film based on the novel starred Michael J. Fox.
Schwartz is teaming up with Chuck producer Matt Miller to create a half-hour scripted comedy for CBS, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The untitled, multicamera project centers on a twentysomething newlywed couple as they go through their married life together. The pilot picks up post-honeymoon and is inspired by Schwartz and Miller's recent marriages.
Schwartz will also write Fox's next X-Men installment, as well as write and direct a second film based on the 1984 novel Bright Lights, Big City. The 1988 film based on the novel starred Michael J. Fox.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage Finds A New Director
Is there really a demand for a second xXx sequel? Last year it was announced that Michael Ferris and John Brancato (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, The Net, Catwoman) were to write the screenplay for XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, the third film in the series which would re-team director Rob Cohen and actor Vin Diesel. But when Cohen dropped out to ruin a possible much better film direct Medieval, we assumed that the film had fallen back into development hell. Not so…
THR reports that Ericson Core has signed on to helm the project. Who is Ericson Core? A USC Film School graduate, who started his career as a Director of Photography on such films as Payback, Mumford, The Fast and the Furious, and Daredevil. He refocused on directing commercials, before making his feature directorial debut with the Disney football film Invincible.
As for the story, all we know is that it involves Cage’s return to the National SecurityAgency after an eight-year absence, and that Richard Wilkes, who wrote the original film, did a recent polish on the Ferris/Brancato draft. Diesel also okayed the new helmer, having worked with him as the DP on the original The Fast and the Furious. Columbia hopes to begin production early 2010.
Ice Cube replaced Diesel in XXX: State of the Union, and no one noticed or cared. Apparently, Diesel wanted too much money, but I’m guessing his outlook has changed some. It’s actually funny, because on the DVD of State of the Union, a short film titled xXx: The Death of Xander Cage was included that was supposed to tie up loose ends between the first and second films, and explain how Vin Diesel’s character met his ultimate demise. The funniest part is the whole thing was shot without Diesel’s involvement. You can watch that short here.
I’m actually one of the few people who believe that Diesel could be good if used right. I enjoyed his supporting performances in Boiler Room and Saving Private Ryan. Unfortunately, Diesel continues to prove me wrong.
THR reports that Ericson Core has signed on to helm the project. Who is Ericson Core? A USC Film School graduate, who started his career as a Director of Photography on such films as Payback, Mumford, The Fast and the Furious, and Daredevil. He refocused on directing commercials, before making his feature directorial debut with the Disney football film Invincible.
As for the story, all we know is that it involves Cage’s return to the National SecurityAgency after an eight-year absence, and that Richard Wilkes, who wrote the original film, did a recent polish on the Ferris/Brancato draft. Diesel also okayed the new helmer, having worked with him as the DP on the original The Fast and the Furious. Columbia hopes to begin production early 2010.
Ice Cube replaced Diesel in XXX: State of the Union, and no one noticed or cared. Apparently, Diesel wanted too much money, but I’m guessing his outlook has changed some. It’s actually funny, because on the DVD of State of the Union, a short film titled xXx: The Death of Xander Cage was included that was supposed to tie up loose ends between the first and second films, and explain how Vin Diesel’s character met his ultimate demise. The funniest part is the whole thing was shot without Diesel’s involvement. You can watch that short here.
I’m actually one of the few people who believe that Diesel could be good if used right. I enjoyed his supporting performances in Boiler Room and Saving Private Ryan. Unfortunately, Diesel continues to prove me wrong.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tarantino's Basterds Dominate World Box Office
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend. Click here for the full box office estimates of the top 12 films and then check back on Monday for the final figures based on actual box office.
Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds dominated the weekend box office, earning an estimated $37.6 million domestically and $27.5 million internationally for a worldwide debut of $65.1 million. It's the biggest Tarantino opening ever at the domestic box office, beating Kill Bill Vol. 2's $25.1 million in 2004. "Basterds," which cost about $70 million to make, provided a much-needed boost for struggling domestic distributor The Weinstein Company, which co-financed the film with international distributor Universal Pictures.
The Neill Blomkamp-directed District 9 dropped 49.4% in its second weekend and to second place with another $18.9 million. Produced by Peter Jackson, the TriStar Pictures release has reached $73.5 million. It was produced for just $30 million.
Also dropping a spot to third was Stephen Sommers' G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which added $12.5 million for a three-week total of $120.5 million. Paramount made the big screen adaptation for about $175 million.
Fourth place belonged to New Line/WB's The Time Traveler's Wife. Starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, the adaptation of the book earned $10 million in its second weekend for a total of $37.4 million.
Columbia Pictures' Julie & Julia, with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, rounded out the top five with $9 million. After three weeks in theaters, the biopic has collected $59.3 million.
The other two new wide releases opened in sixth and 10th place - Robert Rodriguez's Shorts earned $6.6 million from 3,105 theaters, an average of $2,126 per site, while Alexis Bledel-starrer Post Grad earned just $2.8 million from 1,959 theaters, an average of $1,429.
Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds dominated the weekend box office, earning an estimated $37.6 million domestically and $27.5 million internationally for a worldwide debut of $65.1 million. It's the biggest Tarantino opening ever at the domestic box office, beating Kill Bill Vol. 2's $25.1 million in 2004. "Basterds," which cost about $70 million to make, provided a much-needed boost for struggling domestic distributor The Weinstein Company, which co-financed the film with international distributor Universal Pictures.
The Neill Blomkamp-directed District 9 dropped 49.4% in its second weekend and to second place with another $18.9 million. Produced by Peter Jackson, the TriStar Pictures release has reached $73.5 million. It was produced for just $30 million.
Also dropping a spot to third was Stephen Sommers' G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which added $12.5 million for a three-week total of $120.5 million. Paramount made the big screen adaptation for about $175 million.
Fourth place belonged to New Line/WB's The Time Traveler's Wife. Starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, the adaptation of the book earned $10 million in its second weekend for a total of $37.4 million.
Columbia Pictures' Julie & Julia, with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, rounded out the top five with $9 million. After three weeks in theaters, the biopic has collected $59.3 million.
The other two new wide releases opened in sixth and 10th place - Robert Rodriguez's Shorts earned $6.6 million from 3,105 theaters, an average of $2,126 per site, while Alexis Bledel-starrer Post Grad earned just $2.8 million from 1,959 theaters, an average of $1,429.
McFarlane Starts Writing New Spawn Movie
"Spawn" creator Todd McFarlane has announced that he has officially begun writing the screenplay for a new movie based on the character.
"The story has been in my head for 7 or 8 years," McFarlane said. "The movie idea is neither a recap or continuation. It is a standalone story that will be R-rated. Creepy and scary."
He added that "the tone of this 'Spawn' movie will be for a more older audience. Like the film 'Departed.'"
In August of 1997, New Line released a Spawn movie that grossed $87.8 million worldwide. It starred Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo and Martin Sheen.
"The story has been in my head for 7 or 8 years," McFarlane said. "The movie idea is neither a recap or continuation. It is a standalone story that will be R-rated. Creepy and scary."
He added that "the tone of this 'Spawn' movie will be for a more older audience. Like the film 'Departed.'"
In August of 1997, New Line released a Spawn movie that grossed $87.8 million worldwide. It starred Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo and Martin Sheen.
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