About six months ago, we reported on a rumor that Keanu Reeves might play Spike Spiegel in an upcoming live-action English adaptation of Cowboy Bebop. We’re now hearing confirmation from Variety and THR that Reeves will indeed play Spiegel for Fox’s upcoming film, with a script by Peter Craig.
As Peter Sciretta wrote back in July, Sinichiro Watanabe’s popular Japanese anime is set in the year 2071 A.D. when an cataclysmic astral gate accident has scattered humanity across the solar system. Bebop follows a group of bounty hunters, called “Cowboys”, on the spaceship Bebop. Spiegel is a bounty hunter and a former member of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate, who is haunted by the memory of his time in the organization. The anime has spawned an animated movie, two manga series, and two video games.
The show’s creators will be involved in the creation of the film, with Kenji Uchida and Shinichiro Watanabe (from Bebop’s Japanese animation company Sunrise) associate producing along with series writer Keiko Nobumoto. Masahiko Minami, a producer onCowboy Bebop, has also signed on to the film as a production consultant.
I think Reeves would make for a fine star in the film adaptation, but is it just me or has Hollywood demonstrated an alarming lack of sense for what makes anime successful in the first place, and how to translate that to the big screen?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
NPD: Wii and DS Rule Galaxy as Father and Son
The numbers don't lie. Nintendo's hardware prints money, but so does its software.
The December sales figures are in from the NPD Group and once again Nintendo's two platforms outperformed all competitors by a wide margin. DS was the month's top-seller with 3.04 million units moved. Wii sold to another 2.15 million users. Xbox 360 1.44 million. PSP 1.02 million. PlayStation 3 726,000. And PlayStation 2, 410,000.
The top-selling games for December, as follows:
1. Wii Play w/ Wii Remote -- 1.46 million
2. Call of Duty: World at War (360) -- 1.33 million
3. Wii Fit -- 999,000
4. Mario Kart Wii -- 979,000
5. Guitar Hero World Tour (Wii) -- 850,000
6. Gears of War 2 -- 745,000
7. Left 4 Dead -- 629,000
8. Mario Kart DS -- 540,000
9. Call of Duty: World at War (PS3) -- 533,000
10. Animal Crossing: City Folk -- 497,000
Wii controlled five of the Top 10 slots for the month. Wii Play (which includes a controller) continued its reign at the top. More interestingly is the shelf life of Wii Fit, a $90 game that released last May and still sold almost a million copies in December. Also of note, Guitar Hero World Tour apparently sold 850,000 copies in December, just for Wii. It's clear that the franchise officially performs best on Nintendo's system.
Perhaps most shocking of all are the best-sellers of the year. According to NPD data, Nintendo owned the top four slots in 2008 with Wii Play (5.2 million), Mario Kart Wii (5.0 million), Wii Fit (4.53 million) and Super Smash Bros. Brawl (4.17 million). These titles outsold Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox 360 (3.29 million), Call of Duty 4: World at War 360 (2.75 million), Gears of War 2 (2.31 million), Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 (1.89 million), Madden NFL 09 360 (1.87 million) and finally, Mario Kart Wii (1.65 million).
By the way, Nintendo also sold 865,000 copies of Wii Music in 2008, we're sorry to report.
The December sales figures are in from the NPD Group and once again Nintendo's two platforms outperformed all competitors by a wide margin. DS was the month's top-seller with 3.04 million units moved. Wii sold to another 2.15 million users. Xbox 360 1.44 million. PSP 1.02 million. PlayStation 3 726,000. And PlayStation 2, 410,000.
The top-selling games for December, as follows:
1. Wii Play w/ Wii Remote -- 1.46 million
2. Call of Duty: World at War (360) -- 1.33 million
3. Wii Fit -- 999,000
4. Mario Kart Wii -- 979,000
5. Guitar Hero World Tour (Wii) -- 850,000
6. Gears of War 2 -- 745,000
7. Left 4 Dead -- 629,000
8. Mario Kart DS -- 540,000
9. Call of Duty: World at War (PS3) -- 533,000
10. Animal Crossing: City Folk -- 497,000
Wii controlled five of the Top 10 slots for the month. Wii Play (which includes a controller) continued its reign at the top. More interestingly is the shelf life of Wii Fit, a $90 game that released last May and still sold almost a million copies in December. Also of note, Guitar Hero World Tour apparently sold 850,000 copies in December, just for Wii. It's clear that the franchise officially performs best on Nintendo's system.
Perhaps most shocking of all are the best-sellers of the year. According to NPD data, Nintendo owned the top four slots in 2008 with Wii Play (5.2 million), Mario Kart Wii (5.0 million), Wii Fit (4.53 million) and Super Smash Bros. Brawl (4.17 million). These titles outsold Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox 360 (3.29 million), Call of Duty 4: World at War 360 (2.75 million), Gears of War 2 (2.31 million), Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 (1.89 million), Madden NFL 09 360 (1.87 million) and finally, Mario Kart Wii (1.65 million).
By the way, Nintendo also sold 865,000 copies of Wii Music in 2008, we're sorry to report.
NBC Renews Three Series, Extends ER's Run (a Bit)
Angela Bromstad, NBC's president of primetime entertainment, announced at Thursday's TCA Winter Press Tour that the Peacock has picked up new seasons of The Office, 30 Rock and The Biggest Loser.
NBC's The Office is in its fifth season and will enjoy an hour-long après-Super Bowl showcase on Feb 1, while 30 Rock currently is unspooling its third cycle.
Now in its seventh cycle, The Biggest Loser just last week weighed in with its largest audience ever (11.82 million viewers) for a season opener.
Bromstad also confirmed that ER's final run is being extended by three episodes, so as to allow John Wells a bit more time to ready Southland, his new police drama taking over the Thursdays-at-10 time slot starting April 9. ER will now sign off April 2, with a three-hour "extravaganza" featuring a two-hour retrospective.
We have to wonder: Might the three additional weeks also afford ER's creator more time to woo George Clooney back for a last hurrah? Bromstad told TVGuide.com with a laugh, "I'll let you ask John Wells that!"
NBC's The Office is in its fifth season and will enjoy an hour-long après-Super Bowl showcase on Feb 1, while 30 Rock currently is unspooling its third cycle.
Now in its seventh cycle, The Biggest Loser just last week weighed in with its largest audience ever (11.82 million viewers) for a season opener.
Bromstad also confirmed that ER's final run is being extended by three episodes, so as to allow John Wells a bit more time to ready Southland, his new police drama taking over the Thursdays-at-10 time slot starting April 9. ER will now sign off April 2, with a three-hour "extravaganza" featuring a two-hour retrospective.
We have to wonder: Might the three additional weeks also afford ER's creator more time to woo George Clooney back for a last hurrah? Bromstad told TVGuide.com with a laugh, "I'll let you ask John Wells that!"
CBS Near Deal With Mayer For Variety Show
CBS is nearing a deal with John Mayer for a music-driven variety show, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler told a meeting of the Television Critics Association. No additional details were made available.
Mayer previously made a cameo in a 2006 episode of the hit CBS drama "CSI," and may also perform during the network's Grammy telecast next month.
The artist, who in the past has done unannounced stand-up comedy sets while away from the stage, has become a tabloid fixture in the last year thanks to his relationship with actress Jennifer Aniston.
In November, he wrote on his blog that "I'm working on the next CD, which I'm sure you will immediately hate until you eventually love. I'm basing out of L.A. because I'm working on a side project that is extremely cool (I'll tell you about it soon)."
Mayer's last album, 2006's "Continuum," has sold 2.3 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Mayer previously made a cameo in a 2006 episode of the hit CBS drama "CSI," and may also perform during the network's Grammy telecast next month.
The artist, who in the past has done unannounced stand-up comedy sets while away from the stage, has become a tabloid fixture in the last year thanks to his relationship with actress Jennifer Aniston.
In November, he wrote on his blog that "I'm working on the next CD, which I'm sure you will immediately hate until you eventually love. I'm basing out of L.A. because I'm working on a side project that is extremely cool (I'll tell you about it soon)."
Mayer's last album, 2006's "Continuum," has sold 2.3 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Idris Elba Joins The Office
Idris Elba has been cast on "The Office" as a new rival to Dunder Mifflin regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell), reports Variety.
Elba will appear in six episodes later this season. He'll play a no-nonsense hire at Dunder Mifflin's corporate office who will throw Michael Scott into turmoil.
Elba's credits include Rocknrolla, The Unborn, the upcoming Obsessed and he just filmed the feature Bone Deep.
Elba will appear in six episodes later this season. He'll play a no-nonsense hire at Dunder Mifflin's corporate office who will throw Michael Scott into turmoil.
Elba's credits include Rocknrolla, The Unborn, the upcoming Obsessed and he just filmed the feature Bone Deep.
Chevy Chase to Guest on Three Episodes of Chuck
Spies Like Us' Chevy Chase has been tapped to infiltrate Chuck.
Chevy Chase has signed on for a three-episode arc on NBC's Chuck, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
On the Warner Bros. TV-produced Chuck, Chase will play a mega-billionaire technology mogul who is accused by Chuck's father of stealing his ideas.
The funnyman's latest projects on TV included guest spots on Brothers & Sisters and Law & Order. He will also be appearing in features Not Another Not Another Movie and Stay Cool, both to be released in 2009.
Chevy Chase has signed on for a three-episode arc on NBC's Chuck, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
On the Warner Bros. TV-produced Chuck, Chase will play a mega-billionaire technology mogul who is accused by Chuck's father of stealing his ideas.
The funnyman's latest projects on TV included guest spots on Brothers & Sisters and Law & Order. He will also be appearing in features Not Another Not Another Movie and Stay Cool, both to be released in 2009.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Michael Cera Holding Up Arrested Development Movie
The long-awaited Arrested Development movie is happening — but it's currently arrested in development by one of its own.
Michael Cera, aka George Michael Bluth, is the sole cast member who has yet to sign on to the big-screen feature, E! Online reports.
"I know he's thinking about it," Jason Bateman said while promoting his new animated Fox series, Sit Down, Shut Up (premieres April 19 at 8:30 pm/ET). "And we're all awaiting some finality to all of that so Mitch [Hurwitz] can get writing."
Bateman, who turned 40 on Wednesday, clarified that Cera has not turned down the role reprisal yet, adding that he understands why the Superbad star is super wary about reuniting with the dysfunctional Bluths.
"I think Michael is clearly the guy that has come out of Arrested Development with a very big plate, so I think he's trying to really give some responsible thought to what makes sense for him to do with his career," he said. "The guy is 20 years old and I'm sure he doesn't want to screw up this opportunity."
If Cera does not come back, it will put a damper on Hurwitz's premise for the flick. Although he toyed with the idea of a prequel, featuring a kid CG version of Cera, Hurwitz, also a producer on Sit Down, Shut Up, said his plan now is to jump ahead in time.
"We're going to pick up five years later, and family dynamics change, but they also kind of stay the same," he said. "So hopefully we'll just explore where they are now."
Michael Cera, aka George Michael Bluth, is the sole cast member who has yet to sign on to the big-screen feature, E! Online reports.
"I know he's thinking about it," Jason Bateman said while promoting his new animated Fox series, Sit Down, Shut Up (premieres April 19 at 8:30 pm/ET). "And we're all awaiting some finality to all of that so Mitch [Hurwitz] can get writing."
Bateman, who turned 40 on Wednesday, clarified that Cera has not turned down the role reprisal yet, adding that he understands why the Superbad star is super wary about reuniting with the dysfunctional Bluths.
"I think Michael is clearly the guy that has come out of Arrested Development with a very big plate, so I think he's trying to really give some responsible thought to what makes sense for him to do with his career," he said. "The guy is 20 years old and I'm sure he doesn't want to screw up this opportunity."
If Cera does not come back, it will put a damper on Hurwitz's premise for the flick. Although he toyed with the idea of a prequel, featuring a kid CG version of Cera, Hurwitz, also a producer on Sit Down, Shut Up, said his plan now is to jump ahead in time.
"We're going to pick up five years later, and family dynamics change, but they also kind of stay the same," he said. "So hopefully we'll just explore where they are now."
Rescue Me Returns To FX After Two Years.
Dennis Leary and Peter Tolan are psyched about Season 5.
Rescue Me, a show that brilliantly blends drama and comedy, is making its long awaited return to FX this April. After two years off the air, due largely to the Writer's Strike of '07, Rescue is headed back to TV with a whopping 22 episodes. The time off plus the extended number of episodes for a cable season seemed to have really re-invigorated both Creator/Star Denis Leary and Creator/Writer Peter Tolan who revealed to the TCA at the recent press tour that they are having a blast. Working under the "write as we go" model, Leary and Tolan are usually about "two episodes ahead of what they're filming," Leary confessed. "Because we want to see what the actors are doing," said Leary. Being able to write to his fellow actor's strengths, Leary said that "the stories are bursting at the seams. We have so many stories that could be told."
"We're just full of ideas and energized," said Tolan. "I think we just wanted to come back strong. We told the guys that we've got to hit the ground running at 120 miles per hour. The episodes are very strong." This season boasts both Michael J. Fox and Maura Tierney as guest stars, with Fox appearing in the first five episodes as the wheelchair-bound and troubled Dwight. When asked about what kind of limits they have on a cable show like this, Leary answered comically with "I had a crazy idea of getting paid two hundred thousand dollars an episode and they kind of put a limit on that. That's Kiefer Sutherland money." Dennis was his usual amiable, yet bitterly funny, self during the panel, and even predicted that Michael J. Fox would win an Emmy for his performance while he himself will remain winless. Leary praised Fox for being one of the best guys around, and Tolan said that they were encouraged to dabble in a bit of "stunt casting" but that when they approached a lot of people who had told them that they wanted to do a spot on the show, they declined.
Leary's angry praise continued for his co-star Adam Ferrara. "Adam's a great comedian, but he's pissing me off now because he's become such a great dramatic actor," joked Leary. "Peter and I are like Double Joe Torres. We just have a great team." This season marks a return to the 9/11 theme that seemed to ground the show right at the beginning. The station is visited by a French Female Reporter who's making a coffee table book about 9/11 and wants to hear some on-hand accounts. It creates a bit of a rift among the boys, who think the idea of commercializing the events is terrible, but still want to have their stories told.
Another interesting note for Season 5 is the introduction of a potentially socio-politically controversial topic of "alternate" 9/11 disaster theories. Using their own method of writing for their actors, Leary and Tolan have made Daniel Sunjata's character of Franco believe that the tragic events on 9/11 were caused by an "inside job" due partially to the fact that Sunjata himself believes the very same thing. They wanted to explore the dynamics of a firehouse that's divided in debate over the theories and treat it in a serious way. Sunjata thinks that this move, to show differing opinions on the show is "admirable and should be applauded."
Leary, venting as usual, told the audience the story of how he lost the Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for Recount this past Sunday night – "early, which was good so I could smoke." But then Leary had to head back in and stand in for his Recount co-star Kevin Spacey who was up for Best Actor, but couldn't be there because he was doing a play in London. So Dennis would have had to accept the award if Spacey had won. But Spacey lost, leaving Dennis thinking "I'm losing awards for other people now."
Rescue Me, a show that brilliantly blends drama and comedy, is making its long awaited return to FX this April. After two years off the air, due largely to the Writer's Strike of '07, Rescue is headed back to TV with a whopping 22 episodes. The time off plus the extended number of episodes for a cable season seemed to have really re-invigorated both Creator/Star Denis Leary and Creator/Writer Peter Tolan who revealed to the TCA at the recent press tour that they are having a blast. Working under the "write as we go" model, Leary and Tolan are usually about "two episodes ahead of what they're filming," Leary confessed. "Because we want to see what the actors are doing," said Leary. Being able to write to his fellow actor's strengths, Leary said that "the stories are bursting at the seams. We have so many stories that could be told."
"We're just full of ideas and energized," said Tolan. "I think we just wanted to come back strong. We told the guys that we've got to hit the ground running at 120 miles per hour. The episodes are very strong." This season boasts both Michael J. Fox and Maura Tierney as guest stars, with Fox appearing in the first five episodes as the wheelchair-bound and troubled Dwight. When asked about what kind of limits they have on a cable show like this, Leary answered comically with "I had a crazy idea of getting paid two hundred thousand dollars an episode and they kind of put a limit on that. That's Kiefer Sutherland money." Dennis was his usual amiable, yet bitterly funny, self during the panel, and even predicted that Michael J. Fox would win an Emmy for his performance while he himself will remain winless. Leary praised Fox for being one of the best guys around, and Tolan said that they were encouraged to dabble in a bit of "stunt casting" but that when they approached a lot of people who had told them that they wanted to do a spot on the show, they declined.
Leary's angry praise continued for his co-star Adam Ferrara. "Adam's a great comedian, but he's pissing me off now because he's become such a great dramatic actor," joked Leary. "Peter and I are like Double Joe Torres. We just have a great team." This season marks a return to the 9/11 theme that seemed to ground the show right at the beginning. The station is visited by a French Female Reporter who's making a coffee table book about 9/11 and wants to hear some on-hand accounts. It creates a bit of a rift among the boys, who think the idea of commercializing the events is terrible, but still want to have their stories told.
Another interesting note for Season 5 is the introduction of a potentially socio-politically controversial topic of "alternate" 9/11 disaster theories. Using their own method of writing for their actors, Leary and Tolan have made Daniel Sunjata's character of Franco believe that the tragic events on 9/11 were caused by an "inside job" due partially to the fact that Sunjata himself believes the very same thing. They wanted to explore the dynamics of a firehouse that's divided in debate over the theories and treat it in a serious way. Sunjata thinks that this move, to show differing opinions on the show is "admirable and should be applauded."
Leary, venting as usual, told the audience the story of how he lost the Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for Recount this past Sunday night – "early, which was good so I could smoke." But then Leary had to head back in and stand in for his Recount co-star Kevin Spacey who was up for Best Actor, but couldn't be there because he was doing a play in London. So Dennis would have had to accept the award if Spacey had won. But Spacey lost, leaving Dennis thinking "I'm losing awards for other people now."
Will Linda Hamilton Be Back for Terminator Salvation?
There's been a lot of rumors about the return of the "Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger for McG's upcoming Terminator Salvation, and while McG remained mum about whether these rumors were true at a special Terminator Salvation roadshow event on Monday night, ComingSoon.net did see some cool footage and learned a lot about the plot and the direction for the upcoming franchise relaunch.
We'll save that for our comprehensive write-up of the event which you can read sometime tomorrow, though we may have figured out one of the "secrets" McG alluded to during the presentation. After the presentation was over, we talked with McG at the cocktail reception that followed and asked him whether he planned on doing any sort of recap of the first three movies as an introduction for those who didn't get a chance to see them. He said they were still trying to figure out what to do, but one option they came up with was to have Sarah Connor do a voiceover to open the movie. We didn't press him on this idea he tossed out, but we're now wondering whether maybe he was going to try and convince Linda Hamilton, the original Sarah Connor, to come out of "Terminator" retirement to provide that voiceover or just find a soundalike. The former option certainly would be a nice surprise for longtime fans of the series if they could make it happen.
Earlier in the Q & A segment of the presentation, McG was asked about the plans to shoot two back-to-back sequels to Terminator Salvation and he released another tidbit of what to expect in a fifth movie if it were to happen. He has spent some time with Jonah Nolan arcing out what the story for the next two movies might be and he hinted that "time travel has yet to be explored" in the upcoming movie, and that it would be one of the themes of the next movie. Since the plot of "Salvation" involves Christian Bale's John Connor trying to save Anton Yelchin's Kyle Reese, who would later go back in time and father John, a sequel may deal with some of the things leading up to Kyle going back in time to save Sarah from the original T-800.
We'll save that for our comprehensive write-up of the event which you can read sometime tomorrow, though we may have figured out one of the "secrets" McG alluded to during the presentation. After the presentation was over, we talked with McG at the cocktail reception that followed and asked him whether he planned on doing any sort of recap of the first three movies as an introduction for those who didn't get a chance to see them. He said they were still trying to figure out what to do, but one option they came up with was to have Sarah Connor do a voiceover to open the movie. We didn't press him on this idea he tossed out, but we're now wondering whether maybe he was going to try and convince Linda Hamilton, the original Sarah Connor, to come out of "Terminator" retirement to provide that voiceover or just find a soundalike. The former option certainly would be a nice surprise for longtime fans of the series if they could make it happen.
Earlier in the Q & A segment of the presentation, McG was asked about the plans to shoot two back-to-back sequels to Terminator Salvation and he released another tidbit of what to expect in a fifth movie if it were to happen. He has spent some time with Jonah Nolan arcing out what the story for the next two movies might be and he hinted that "time travel has yet to be explored" in the upcoming movie, and that it would be one of the themes of the next movie. Since the plot of "Salvation" involves Christian Bale's John Connor trying to save Anton Yelchin's Kyle Reese, who would later go back in time and father John, a sequel may deal with some of the things leading up to Kyle going back in time to save Sarah from the original T-800.
Rumor: DSi U.S. Launch Date, Price Revealed
Nintendo's next-generation handheld may be coming to America sooner than you think.
Multiple sources close to Nintendo tell IGN that the company is gearing up to debut the anticipated successor to its DS Lite handheld during the first half of this year in America. More specifically, the company has allegedly relayed to its partners that DSi will ship stateside in early April, most likely on April 4. Insiders assert that they have been told the system will retail for $179.99 when it launches domestically.
Nintendo's DSi handheld looks similar to its predecessor, but boasts a built-in camera, an SD Card slot, internal memory, an improved user interface and access to DSiWare, an ever-expanding list of downloadable DSi games and content available over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
DSi released in Japan last November and presently retails in the homeland for 18,900 yen ($211 USD). More than a million gamers purchased the system through December 2008, according to overseas data tracking services. DS Lite, meanwhile, sells in Japan for 16,800 yen ($188), a cost difference of almost $25. If our sources are to be trusted, the price divide between the two systems in America would be much wider, as DS Lite currently retails for $129.99 stateside, approximately $50 cheaper than DSi's alleged U.S. price point.
In contrast to the Japanese market, where penetration of DS Lite has peaked, Nintendo of America may be planning to market DSi alongside the still-popular DS Lite, which would at least explain the different price points: one version for casuals and another for the core.
Nintendo of America said last October that it did not feel it necessary to release DSi in 2008 because its predecessor continued to sell at a phenomenal rate. Last year, NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime was also quoted as promising that DSi would not debut in America until sometime after the first quarter.
When contacted for comment, a Nintendo representative told us that the company does not comment on rumors and speculation. Although IGN verified today's story through three independent sources, we have filed the information as rumor until Nintendo makes an official announcement.
Multiple sources close to Nintendo tell IGN that the company is gearing up to debut the anticipated successor to its DS Lite handheld during the first half of this year in America. More specifically, the company has allegedly relayed to its partners that DSi will ship stateside in early April, most likely on April 4. Insiders assert that they have been told the system will retail for $179.99 when it launches domestically.
Nintendo's DSi handheld looks similar to its predecessor, but boasts a built-in camera, an SD Card slot, internal memory, an improved user interface and access to DSiWare, an ever-expanding list of downloadable DSi games and content available over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
DSi released in Japan last November and presently retails in the homeland for 18,900 yen ($211 USD). More than a million gamers purchased the system through December 2008, according to overseas data tracking services. DS Lite, meanwhile, sells in Japan for 16,800 yen ($188), a cost difference of almost $25. If our sources are to be trusted, the price divide between the two systems in America would be much wider, as DS Lite currently retails for $129.99 stateside, approximately $50 cheaper than DSi's alleged U.S. price point.
In contrast to the Japanese market, where penetration of DS Lite has peaked, Nintendo of America may be planning to market DSi alongside the still-popular DS Lite, which would at least explain the different price points: one version for casuals and another for the core.
Nintendo of America said last October that it did not feel it necessary to release DSi in 2008 because its predecessor continued to sell at a phenomenal rate. Last year, NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime was also quoted as promising that DSi would not debut in America until sometime after the first quarter.
When contacted for comment, a Nintendo representative told us that the company does not comment on rumors and speculation. Although IGN verified today's story through three independent sources, we have filed the information as rumor until Nintendo makes an official announcement.
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