Director Francis Lawrence confirmed to ShockTillYouDrop.com over the summer that plans were in the work for an I Am Legend Prequel, and now Will Smith is speaking out about the story.
In an interview with Collider, the actor says "It's essentially the fall of the last city – the last stand of Manhattan. The movie would be...within the body of the movie D.C. and then Manhattan would fall as the last city. It's a really cool idea trying to figure it out...there's a reason why we have to take a small band and we have to get into D.C. So we have to make our way from New York to D.C. and then back to New York."
He says they're still working out the narrative kinks. And it will indeed be a prequel, not a sequel as was recently reported elsewhere on the web.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Kanye Edges GNR, Ludacris For No. 1 Debut
Kanye West earns his third straight No. 1 on The Billboard 200 as "808s & Heartbreak" bows in the top slot. The Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam set moved 450,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, the artist's lowest debut sales frame since his first album, "The College Dropout," bowed with 441,000 in 2004.
His last release, "Graduation," began with 957,000 at No. 1 last year, while sophomore set "Late Registration" checked in with 860,000 at No. 1 in 2005.
With the help of Thanksgiving sale prices and a performance from the singer at the Nov. 23 American Music Awards, sales for Taylor Swift's Big Machine album "Fearless" increase 23% to 267,000, pushing the set up 4-2.
At No. 3 with 261,000 is Guns N' Roses' Best Buy exclusive "Chinese Democracy" (Black Frog/Geffen), the first studio album of original material from the group since 1991. GNR's last studio efforts, "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II," debuted at Nos. 2 and 1 respectively, with 685,000 and 770,000 after being released on the same day in 1991.
Since then, the act has charted with a covers set (1993's "The Spaghetti Incident?" with a 190,000 debut), a live effort (1999's "Live Era '87 - '93;" 60,000) and the 2004 "Greatest Hits" package (169,000).
Beyonce's "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" (Music World/Columbia) declines by 47% in its second week, dropping 1-4 with 257,000. Debuting right behind at No. 5 is Ludacris' "Theater of the Mind" (DTP/Def Jam) with 213,000. It's the first time one of the rapper's albums debuted anywhere but No. 1 since 2001's "Word of Mouf" bowed and peaked at No. 3.
The Killers' third album, "Day & Age" (Island) enters at No. 6 with 193,000. Its 2006 predecessor, "Sam's Town," bowed at No. 2 with 315,000.
After debuting at No. 2 last week, Nickelback's "Dark Horse" (Roadrunner) slips to No. 7 on a 46% decline to 178,000. Chop Shop/Atlantic's soundtrack to the runaway hit film "Twilight" falls 6-8 with 162,000 (+29%) while the multi-label "Now 29" hits compilation earns a 26% sales increase to 145,000, slipping 7-9. David Cook's self-titled 19 Recordings/RCA debut rounds out the top tier, descending 3-10 with 112,000 (-60%).
Other debuts this week include Barry Manilow's "Greatest Songs of the Eighties" (Arista) at No. 14 with 78,000, the Coldplay EP "Prospekt's March" (Capitol) at No. 15 with 77,000, Trace Adkins' "X: Ten" (Capitol Nashville) at No. 32 with 37,000, Jeremy Camp's "Speaking Louder Than Words" (Tooth & Nail) at No. 38 with 32,000 and Linkin Park's "Road to Revolution" (Warner Bros.) at No. 41 with 31,000.
At 12.15 million units, sales this week are up 29% compared to last week's sum, but down 0.7% compared to the same sales week last year.
His last release, "Graduation," began with 957,000 at No. 1 last year, while sophomore set "Late Registration" checked in with 860,000 at No. 1 in 2005.
With the help of Thanksgiving sale prices and a performance from the singer at the Nov. 23 American Music Awards, sales for Taylor Swift's Big Machine album "Fearless" increase 23% to 267,000, pushing the set up 4-2.
At No. 3 with 261,000 is Guns N' Roses' Best Buy exclusive "Chinese Democracy" (Black Frog/Geffen), the first studio album of original material from the group since 1991. GNR's last studio efforts, "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II," debuted at Nos. 2 and 1 respectively, with 685,000 and 770,000 after being released on the same day in 1991.
Since then, the act has charted with a covers set (1993's "The Spaghetti Incident?" with a 190,000 debut), a live effort (1999's "Live Era '87 - '93;" 60,000) and the 2004 "Greatest Hits" package (169,000).
Beyonce's "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" (Music World/Columbia) declines by 47% in its second week, dropping 1-4 with 257,000. Debuting right behind at No. 5 is Ludacris' "Theater of the Mind" (DTP/Def Jam) with 213,000. It's the first time one of the rapper's albums debuted anywhere but No. 1 since 2001's "Word of Mouf" bowed and peaked at No. 3.
The Killers' third album, "Day & Age" (Island) enters at No. 6 with 193,000. Its 2006 predecessor, "Sam's Town," bowed at No. 2 with 315,000.
After debuting at No. 2 last week, Nickelback's "Dark Horse" (Roadrunner) slips to No. 7 on a 46% decline to 178,000. Chop Shop/Atlantic's soundtrack to the runaway hit film "Twilight" falls 6-8 with 162,000 (+29%) while the multi-label "Now 29" hits compilation earns a 26% sales increase to 145,000, slipping 7-9. David Cook's self-titled 19 Recordings/RCA debut rounds out the top tier, descending 3-10 with 112,000 (-60%).
Other debuts this week include Barry Manilow's "Greatest Songs of the Eighties" (Arista) at No. 14 with 78,000, the Coldplay EP "Prospekt's March" (Capitol) at No. 15 with 77,000, Trace Adkins' "X: Ten" (Capitol Nashville) at No. 32 with 37,000, Jeremy Camp's "Speaking Louder Than Words" (Tooth & Nail) at No. 38 with 32,000 and Linkin Park's "Road to Revolution" (Warner Bros.) at No. 41 with 31,000.
At 12.15 million units, sales this week are up 29% compared to last week's sum, but down 0.7% compared to the same sales week last year.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hayley Williams Talks New Paramore Album
"I don't want to turn into this dark band," the punk banshee tells SPIN.com of the band's post-Twilight music.
Now that Twilight has conquered America's eyes and ears, Nashville punk band Paramore, who contributed two new songs to the vampire movie's chart-topping soundtrack, is finally ready to return to the studio to record the follow up to 2007's Riot!. But, dear Twilight fans, don't expect a repeat of the goth-ish "Decode."
"I don't want to turn into this dark band," frontwoman Hayley Williams tells SPIN.com. "I don't want that to be us all the time, because I really love our more energetic songs that are poppier and catchier. But I think there'll definitely be some of that sound -- but that's definitely not going to be all of it!"
Currently Paramore are at home in Nashville, taking a break from a long and tumultuous 2007, a year that saw the band tour exhaustively, which resulted in messy band in-fighting and speculation of a split. All the drama, explains Williams, has fueled much of the lyrical content for the forthcoming record.
"It's just been relationships within the band," she says. "We're a bunch of friends that have grown up together playing music, and you get to the point on the road where it's all business. It's a very hard thing to mix. We've learned a lot about friendships, and we've learned a lot about relationships in general, and that'll definitely be a part of the record."
As for the songs, they're still coming together. "Josh [Farro, lead guitarist] and I are getting together and writing. We've had a crazy year. But at the same time, we're really excited to write new material." And when the songs are complete, Paramore -- who traveled to New Jersey to record Riot! -- plan to stay put. "We want to record in Nashville. We've never recorded in our hometown."
Rhythm guitarist Taylor York -- an unofficial, touring member of the band -- will be on in on the sessions too. [Taylor's] definitely going to be working on the record," Williams explains. "He's a great writer and a great performer. But we're trying to be cautious and make sure it's what he wants, and make sure everyone's on the same page before we make it absolutely official."
So when can fans expect new material? We want to get it out by the end of the summer," Williams shouts. "Oh yeah, definitely!"
Now that Twilight has conquered America's eyes and ears, Nashville punk band Paramore, who contributed two new songs to the vampire movie's chart-topping soundtrack, is finally ready to return to the studio to record the follow up to 2007's Riot!. But, dear Twilight fans, don't expect a repeat of the goth-ish "Decode."
"I don't want to turn into this dark band," frontwoman Hayley Williams tells SPIN.com. "I don't want that to be us all the time, because I really love our more energetic songs that are poppier and catchier. But I think there'll definitely be some of that sound -- but that's definitely not going to be all of it!"
Currently Paramore are at home in Nashville, taking a break from a long and tumultuous 2007, a year that saw the band tour exhaustively, which resulted in messy band in-fighting and speculation of a split. All the drama, explains Williams, has fueled much of the lyrical content for the forthcoming record.
"It's just been relationships within the band," she says. "We're a bunch of friends that have grown up together playing music, and you get to the point on the road where it's all business. It's a very hard thing to mix. We've learned a lot about friendships, and we've learned a lot about relationships in general, and that'll definitely be a part of the record."
As for the songs, they're still coming together. "Josh [Farro, lead guitarist] and I are getting together and writing. We've had a crazy year. But at the same time, we're really excited to write new material." And when the songs are complete, Paramore -- who traveled to New Jersey to record Riot! -- plan to stay put. "We want to record in Nashville. We've never recorded in our hometown."
Rhythm guitarist Taylor York -- an unofficial, touring member of the band -- will be on in on the sessions too. [Taylor's] definitely going to be working on the record," Williams explains. "He's a great writer and a great performer. But we're trying to be cautious and make sure it's what he wants, and make sure everyone's on the same page before we make it absolutely official."
So when can fans expect new material? We want to get it out by the end of the summer," Williams shouts. "Oh yeah, definitely!"
Further Adventures in Babysitting Still Happening
In 2007, I told you about Disney’s plan to tant the memory of the now classic 1980’s teen adventure comedy Adventures in Babysitting by casting Raven Symone (That’s So Raven, The Cosby Show) in the part played by Elisabeth Shue in the original film.
Nearly 20 months went by, which gave us a bit of false hope that the remake had fallen into development heck. Not the case. The Chicago Sun Times reports that Miley Cyrus is also set to star in the project, and will begin filming after she films a few more episodes of her Disney cable television show.
The film will be retitled “Further Adventures in Babysitting,” and is currently set for a tentative 2010 release.
Nearly 20 months went by, which gave us a bit of false hope that the remake had fallen into development heck. Not the case. The Chicago Sun Times reports that Miley Cyrus is also set to star in the project, and will begin filming after she films a few more episodes of her Disney cable television show.
The film will be retitled “Further Adventures in Babysitting,” and is currently set for a tentative 2010 release.
Keanu Reeves Says No to Speed 3; Maybe to Bill and Ted 3
Earlier this week, it was reported that Fox has a scriptment for Speed 3, which involves the return of Officer Jack Traven, the lead character played by Keanu Reeves in the original film. Many people just assumed that Keanu would want to return to the down and out action film franchise. But Reeves didn’t return for Speed 2: Cruise Control, so why would he return for this one? Especially since he’s made enough bank from the Matrix sequels to pick and choose his projects. And it looks like I was right. Reeves told IGN UK:
“I don’t know if they are going to make another one, and if they are it won’t be with me… honestly!”
That said, Reeves seemed to entertain the idea of another Bill and Ted movie:
“Maybe we could do it with them both grown up — they haven’t saved the world and they’re just living their lives as middle-aged men. That sound’s quite funny.”
As much as I love the Bill and Ted movies, I think I’d much prefer to see Speed 3 with Keanu in the lead.
“I don’t know if they are going to make another one, and if they are it won’t be with me… honestly!”
That said, Reeves seemed to entertain the idea of another Bill and Ted movie:
“Maybe we could do it with them both grown up — they haven’t saved the world and they’re just living their lives as middle-aged men. That sound’s quite funny.”
As much as I love the Bill and Ted movies, I think I’d much prefer to see Speed 3 with Keanu in the lead.
Will Signourney Weaver Appear In The ‘Ghostbusters’ Sequel? She’s Got Ideas
Should we not want another “Ghostbusters” film? I’m conflicted, are you? Well, how you and I feel is becoming an increasingly moot question because the development of the sequel has certainly gathered steam in the last few months. First it was announced that a pair of “Office” writers were scripting the third adventure. Then Bill Murray spoke with us and others about how intrigued he was about coming back to the franchise at long last. Hell, Murray even had an ide…adding a female Ghostbuster to the fray.
This afternoon I got chance to chat with Dana Barrett herself and yes, Ms. Sigourney Weaver is well aware of the chatter. “I’ve heard about it,” she said, adding “I’m supposed to get in touch with Bill [Murray] next week.”
Weaver called Murray’s potential involvement “great” and said she’s wondering if he thinks Dana ended up with Venkman. “Does he think we got married or something?” she laughed. Weaver wasn’t sure if there was a place for her in the story but she did think someone deserves a spot. “I would hope that my little Oscar would be one of the Ghostbusters even if I’m not in it!”
This afternoon I got chance to chat with Dana Barrett herself and yes, Ms. Sigourney Weaver is well aware of the chatter. “I’ve heard about it,” she said, adding “I’m supposed to get in touch with Bill [Murray] next week.”
Weaver called Murray’s potential involvement “great” and said she’s wondering if he thinks Dana ended up with Venkman. “Does he think we got married or something?” she laughed. Weaver wasn’t sure if there was a place for her in the story but she did think someone deserves a spot. “I would hope that my little Oscar would be one of the Ghostbusters even if I’m not in it!”
J. Michael Straczynski On ‘World War Z’: ‘The Scale Of What We’re Doing Here Is Phenomenal’
When “Quantum of Solace” director Marc Forster was chosen to helm the adaptation of Max Brooks’ “World War Z” zombie-stravaganza, we noted that it was a surprising pairing — but with noted television, movie and comics author J. Michael Straczynski already penning the screenplay and Brad Pitt’s Plan B producing, the project was certainly developing some heat. Now, with “Solace” in its fifth impressive week at the box office, MTV News spoke to Straczynski about the addition of Forster to the already buzzworthy project and how he plans to adapt Brooks’ novel.
“We talk about it as a thriller, the closest comparison being ‘The Bourne Identity,’” explained Straczynski, who’s also penning a “Forbidden Planet” revisiting. “Most zombie movies to this point have been small, focusing on a few people in a house. And this has got real scare. You’re in India with hundreds of boats trying to get out of there with a tidal wave of zombies. The scale of what we’re doing here is phenomenal.”
Straczynski told us the first draft of the screenplay was completed in the Spring, and the “World War Z” team had been waiting for a director for several months before Forster was attached.
“Now that Marc is here, I’m working with his notes to make one final pass on the script,” said Straczynski. “Our hope is to get it moving into production by the first of the year.”
As for how he plans to adapt the novel, which is written from the perspective of a United Nations agent reporting on the events of the zombie outbreak through interviews and eyewitness statements, Straczynski said he plans to preserve that storytelling angle as much as possible. In fact, the movie will serve to show how the book was produced in Brooks’ zombie-infested world.
“The fictional concept of the book is that its written by someone with the UN, so let’s tell that story,” he explained. “Let’s show the book being written. We follow this guy all over the world as he goes on these interviews, and he has his own personal story as well. You’re cutting between the past and the present, how he got to this point.”
“It has that international feel to it, and because it goes backward and forward in time, we can cherry-pick our favorite moments in the book,” continued Straczynski. “Some of it is crazy in scale. It’s huge. It’s as political as the book was. And it ends with that book being completed.”
“We talk about it as a thriller, the closest comparison being ‘The Bourne Identity,’” explained Straczynski, who’s also penning a “Forbidden Planet” revisiting. “Most zombie movies to this point have been small, focusing on a few people in a house. And this has got real scare. You’re in India with hundreds of boats trying to get out of there with a tidal wave of zombies. The scale of what we’re doing here is phenomenal.”
Straczynski told us the first draft of the screenplay was completed in the Spring, and the “World War Z” team had been waiting for a director for several months before Forster was attached.
“Now that Marc is here, I’m working with his notes to make one final pass on the script,” said Straczynski. “Our hope is to get it moving into production by the first of the year.”
As for how he plans to adapt the novel, which is written from the perspective of a United Nations agent reporting on the events of the zombie outbreak through interviews and eyewitness statements, Straczynski said he plans to preserve that storytelling angle as much as possible. In fact, the movie will serve to show how the book was produced in Brooks’ zombie-infested world.
“The fictional concept of the book is that its written by someone with the UN, so let’s tell that story,” he explained. “Let’s show the book being written. We follow this guy all over the world as he goes on these interviews, and he has his own personal story as well. You’re cutting between the past and the present, how he got to this point.”
“It has that international feel to it, and because it goes backward and forward in time, we can cherry-pick our favorite moments in the book,” continued Straczynski. “Some of it is crazy in scale. It’s huge. It’s as political as the book was. And it ends with that book being completed.”
Miller Says Sin City 2 is Getting Closer
IGN UK talked to The Spirit writer/director Frank Miller, who says that he's ready to join up with Robert Rodriguez again for Sin City 2:
"Sin City 2 is written," he told the site. "It's mainly a matter of working out the details of the production. I'm hoping to do it with Robert Rodriguez again in the same circumstances that we did the first one, and we could be shooting as soon as April."
Stay tuned for possible further updates!
"Sin City 2 is written," he told the site. "It's mainly a matter of working out the details of the production. I'm hoping to do it with Robert Rodriguez again in the same circumstances that we did the first one, and we could be shooting as soon as April."
Stay tuned for possible further updates!
Will Smith Confirms Hancock Sequel
Did you enjoy Hancock? Too bad, Will Smith says a sequel is “definitely” happening, telling JoBlo that there are a lot of unexplored characters in the Hancock universe that would be ripe for a sequel. I’m actually one of the few who liked Hancock, or at least the first half of it. But I have absolutely no interest in a sequel. Unfortunately, Hancock grossed over $623 million worldwide, which solidifies the idea to movie studio executives. But the real question is: Will moviegoers pay for a second Hancock film? Answer: Yes, because all Will Smith films make huge bank.
The Dark Knight Returns to Theaters on January 23rd 2009
Warner Bros. will re-release The Dark Knight on January 23 in a nationwide launch, guaranteeing that it will become the fourth film to take in more than $1 billion in worldwide box office, reports Variety.
The film has earned $530.3 million domestically and $465.9 million internationally, leaving it less than $4 million short of the billion-dollar milestone. Only Titanic, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest have topped that mark.
The Dark Knight also is the second-highest domestic grosser of all time, trailing only Titanic.
The re-release will come six weeks after the DVD and Blu-ray Disc launch of The Dark Knight, set for Tuesday.
Dan Fellman, president of Warner's domestic distribution, made the announcement Thursday. "We wanted to provide one more opportunity for moviegoers to experience it on the bigscreen as it was meant to be seen," he added.
The film has earned $530.3 million domestically and $465.9 million internationally, leaving it less than $4 million short of the billion-dollar milestone. Only Titanic, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest have topped that mark.
The Dark Knight also is the second-highest domestic grosser of all time, trailing only Titanic.
The re-release will come six weeks after the DVD and Blu-ray Disc launch of The Dark Knight, set for Tuesday.
Dan Fellman, president of Warner's domestic distribution, made the announcement Thursday. "We wanted to provide one more opportunity for moviegoers to experience it on the bigscreen as it was meant to be seen," he added.
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