MTV was able to get Harold Ramis to talk about the next Ghostbusters movie, which is currently in the development/scripting stage with The Office/Year One scribes Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky working on the script. Ramis has yet to receive a first draft in hand but claims that he has been consulting with the screenwriting duo, along with Dan Aykroyd, Ivan Reitman (who helmed the original film).
The biggest bit of news is that Ramis confirmed that all of the original Ghostbusters will return for the third film if it does happen, and that includes Bill Murray (Dr. Peter Venkman).
“We’re all going to be in it in different kinds of roles,” Ramis said. “We’re going to be the sage mentors. There are going to be young Ghostbusters.”
This confirms previous reports that the original Ghostbusting team would be passing the torch to a new group of scientists turned supernatural exterminators. It will be interesting to see how this develops, and to see if Murray, who Ramis calls “the thorniest of the group”, actually signs on to participate in the new film.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Summit Uncovers The Secret Life of Houdini
Summit Entertainment has bought The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero, picking up feature-film rights to the biography by William Kalush and Larry Sloman.
The comprehensive novel, published in 2006 by Atria Books, became known for insinuating that Harry Houdini acted as a spy for Britain and was asked to be an adviser to Czar Nicholas II's court in prerevolutionary Russia. The book also portrayed the master escape artist and magician as a debunker of con artists who pretended to be spiritualists, leading to the controversial theory that Houdini's death was caused by the spiritual movement as payback.
The studio is not looking to make a biopic but rather an action thriller featuring a character who is part Indiana Jones and part Sherlock Holmes. Summit hopes to cash in on worldwide recognition of Houdini's name while potentially launching a franchise.
The studio is looking for writers to adapt the book.
The comprehensive novel, published in 2006 by Atria Books, became known for insinuating that Harry Houdini acted as a spy for Britain and was asked to be an adviser to Czar Nicholas II's court in prerevolutionary Russia. The book also portrayed the master escape artist and magician as a debunker of con artists who pretended to be spiritualists, leading to the controversial theory that Houdini's death was caused by the spiritual movement as payback.
The studio is not looking to make a biopic but rather an action thriller featuring a character who is part Indiana Jones and part Sherlock Holmes. Summit hopes to cash in on worldwide recognition of Houdini's name while potentially launching a franchise.
The studio is looking for writers to adapt the book.
T.I. Sentenced To A Year And A Day In Prison
MC gets expected sentence on felony weapons charges.
A Northern Georgia District judge sentenced T.I. to one year and one day in prison on felony weapons charges Friday (March 27), calling the rapper's plea deal "experimental" but a success.
Judge Charles Pannell Jr. told the rapper he had more than exceeded the court's expectations, and he hoped his case would inspire similar plea deals.
As a part of the plea deal T.I. (real name: Clifford Harris) struck last March, the year-and-a-day sentence was expected. The rapper is also required to complete 1,000 hours of community service before turning himself in, and another 500 hours after completing his sentence. He also must pay a $100,000 fine.
Tip is scheduled to report to prison voluntarily within the next six to eight weeks. However, the judge acknowledged that the rapper has agreed-upon commitments what will not allow him to enter prison before May 19.
T.I., in a charcoal-grey suit and matching black dress shirt and tie, delivered a sober speech to the judge. His 10-minute speech details his misguided youth, the death of his best friend Philant Johnson in 2006, and his desire to use his mistakes for a positive end.
"Your honor, pehaps if I didn't make the mistakes that I did as a youth, maybe I could have armed myself legally," he said.
T.I. said Johnson's death contributed to impairing his judgment.
A number of supporters spoke before Tip, including church activists Ambassador Andrew Young and Bishop Eddie Long.
Judge Pannell listened to each supporter and graciously thanked T.I. for successfully meeting the terms of his plea deal and the conditions of his bond.
Several times throughout his closing remarks, Judge Pannell called T.I.'s arrangement "experimental." He singled out the U.S. Attorney responsible for the deal and joked, "If this didn't work, I'd send you to jail, Mr. Harris — but the attorney, I'd probably throw him out the 23rd-floor window." The remark drew laughs and Tip smiled as well.
T.I. thanked the government legal team for their "vision" and told the courtroom that pleasing the judge and lawyers makes him as happy as him trying to please his family.
The rapper must agree on meeting a number of conditions after his release. He will be required to submit to an audit, drug counseling and he will be subjected to home confinement for 60 days.
A beaming T.I. celebrated with his family immediately afterward, before court officers ordered people to leave the floor. Tip held a brief press conference after inside the courthouse lobby, thanking his family and supporters.
A Northern Georgia District judge sentenced T.I. to one year and one day in prison on felony weapons charges Friday (March 27), calling the rapper's plea deal "experimental" but a success.
Judge Charles Pannell Jr. told the rapper he had more than exceeded the court's expectations, and he hoped his case would inspire similar plea deals.
As a part of the plea deal T.I. (real name: Clifford Harris) struck last March, the year-and-a-day sentence was expected. The rapper is also required to complete 1,000 hours of community service before turning himself in, and another 500 hours after completing his sentence. He also must pay a $100,000 fine.
Tip is scheduled to report to prison voluntarily within the next six to eight weeks. However, the judge acknowledged that the rapper has agreed-upon commitments what will not allow him to enter prison before May 19.
T.I., in a charcoal-grey suit and matching black dress shirt and tie, delivered a sober speech to the judge. His 10-minute speech details his misguided youth, the death of his best friend Philant Johnson in 2006, and his desire to use his mistakes for a positive end.
"Your honor, pehaps if I didn't make the mistakes that I did as a youth, maybe I could have armed myself legally," he said.
T.I. said Johnson's death contributed to impairing his judgment.
A number of supporters spoke before Tip, including church activists Ambassador Andrew Young and Bishop Eddie Long.
Judge Pannell listened to each supporter and graciously thanked T.I. for successfully meeting the terms of his plea deal and the conditions of his bond.
Several times throughout his closing remarks, Judge Pannell called T.I.'s arrangement "experimental." He singled out the U.S. Attorney responsible for the deal and joked, "If this didn't work, I'd send you to jail, Mr. Harris — but the attorney, I'd probably throw him out the 23rd-floor window." The remark drew laughs and Tip smiled as well.
T.I. thanked the government legal team for their "vision" and told the courtroom that pleasing the judge and lawyers makes him as happy as him trying to please his family.
The rapper must agree on meeting a number of conditions after his release. He will be required to submit to an audit, drug counseling and he will be subjected to home confinement for 60 days.
A beaming T.I. celebrated with his family immediately afterward, before court officers ordered people to leave the floor. Tip held a brief press conference after inside the courthouse lobby, thanking his family and supporters.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Green Day's 'Breakdown' Coming May 15
Green Day will release its eighth studio album, "21st Century Breakdown," on Friday, May 15, the group announced today. The long-awaited album, Green Day's first full length since 2004's "American Idiot," is produced by Butch Vig, known for his work with Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and his own band Garbage.
Like its predecessor, "21st Century Breakdown" has a narrative structure, telling the story of a young couple, Christian and Gloria. The album is divided into three acts -- "Heroes and Cons," "Charlatans and Saints" and "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" -- and includes tracks like "21 Guns," "East Jesus Nowhere," "Before the Lobotomy," and "Restless Heart Syndrome."
The first single, "Know Your Enemy," will go on sale digitally in April.
Last month, Billboard previewed six songs from "Breakdown." "Know Your Enemy" is a sturdy, catchy rock cut demanding "revolution," while "Before the Lobotomy" begins as an acoustic wash before shifting into a heavy three-chord riff and lyrics dripping with antipathy: "I'm not stoned / I'm just f*cked up."
The album's title track, an ultra-melodic midtempo rocker with Green Day's familiar three-chord verses and Billie Joe Armstrong's summation of society: "My generation is zero / I'd never make it as a working class hero."
Green Day will begin a North American arena tour in early July, to be followed by shows in Europe. In 2010, the band will hit Japan, Southeast Asia and South America before returning for more North American shows.
Like its predecessor, "21st Century Breakdown" has a narrative structure, telling the story of a young couple, Christian and Gloria. The album is divided into three acts -- "Heroes and Cons," "Charlatans and Saints" and "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" -- and includes tracks like "21 Guns," "East Jesus Nowhere," "Before the Lobotomy," and "Restless Heart Syndrome."
The first single, "Know Your Enemy," will go on sale digitally in April.
Last month, Billboard previewed six songs from "Breakdown." "Know Your Enemy" is a sturdy, catchy rock cut demanding "revolution," while "Before the Lobotomy" begins as an acoustic wash before shifting into a heavy three-chord riff and lyrics dripping with antipathy: "I'm not stoned / I'm just f*cked up."
The album's title track, an ultra-melodic midtempo rocker with Green Day's familiar three-chord verses and Billie Joe Armstrong's summation of society: "My generation is zero / I'd never make it as a working class hero."
Green Day will begin a North American arena tour in early July, to be followed by shows in Europe. In 2010, the band will hit Japan, Southeast Asia and South America before returning for more North American shows.
Ruben Studdard Reconnects With 'Love Is'
When 2003 "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard returns to the show this week (March 26), he will perform his new song, "Together." The Stargate-produced track is also the lead single from Studdard's fourth album, "Love Is." The set will be released May 19 through Hickory Records/19 Recordings Ltd. and distributed through RED.
Featuring additional production by veteran hitmakers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis -- and writing by the "Velvet Teddy Bear" himself -- the album repairs what Studdard calls a "big disconnect" with his fans.
"All of my fans aren't solely in the urban AC arena," Studdard tells Billboard.com. "People can be quick to put you in a box and then market you that way. But the beauty of 'American Idol' is everybody watches and votes for you; it has such broad appeal. And that's what we wanted to do with this album: record an album of songs that people will remember and has broader appeal. Jimmy and Terry have a knack for connecting with an artist and bringing that artist's personality to the record."
Studdard is currently on tour with a revival of the Fats Waller Broadway musical "Ain't Misbehavin'." Co-starring "American Idol" finalist Frenchie Davis, the musical will wrap its run May 17 at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton, New York. Upcoming stops include Boston (April 10-12); Lincoln, Nebraska (April 18) and Milwaukee (April 24-25).
"I can't lie and say it wasn't a difficult transition," says Studdard of his shift from the concert stage to the theatrical stage. "It's full throttle with eight shows a week. But it's fun and a blessing; I've grown accustomed to it."
Since winning the "American Idol" crown, the Grammy-nominated singer has weathered the bad (financial and health issues) and the good (he married last year). Studdard says the hardest part of his journey was the realization that "everybody you think has your best interests at heart don't. And that's a hard pill to swallow. But it's taught me some valuable lessons. I have a new lease on life."
Studdard released three albums during his tenure with J Records: 2003's "Soulful," 2004's "I Need an Angel" and 2006's "The Return." According to Nielsen SoundScan, the albums have sold 1.8 million, 483,000 and 238,000 units, respectively.
Featuring additional production by veteran hitmakers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis -- and writing by the "Velvet Teddy Bear" himself -- the album repairs what Studdard calls a "big disconnect" with his fans.
"All of my fans aren't solely in the urban AC arena," Studdard tells Billboard.com. "People can be quick to put you in a box and then market you that way. But the beauty of 'American Idol' is everybody watches and votes for you; it has such broad appeal. And that's what we wanted to do with this album: record an album of songs that people will remember and has broader appeal. Jimmy and Terry have a knack for connecting with an artist and bringing that artist's personality to the record."
Studdard is currently on tour with a revival of the Fats Waller Broadway musical "Ain't Misbehavin'." Co-starring "American Idol" finalist Frenchie Davis, the musical will wrap its run May 17 at the Forum Theatre in Binghamton, New York. Upcoming stops include Boston (April 10-12); Lincoln, Nebraska (April 18) and Milwaukee (April 24-25).
"I can't lie and say it wasn't a difficult transition," says Studdard of his shift from the concert stage to the theatrical stage. "It's full throttle with eight shows a week. But it's fun and a blessing; I've grown accustomed to it."
Since winning the "American Idol" crown, the Grammy-nominated singer has weathered the bad (financial and health issues) and the good (he married last year). Studdard says the hardest part of his journey was the realization that "everybody you think has your best interests at heart don't. And that's a hard pill to swallow. But it's taught me some valuable lessons. I have a new lease on life."
Studdard released three albums during his tenure with J Records: 2003's "Soulful," 2004's "I Need an Angel" and 2006's "The Return." According to Nielsen SoundScan, the albums have sold 1.8 million, 483,000 and 238,000 units, respectively.
John C. McGinley Goes Back
"Scrubs'" John C. McGinley is switching genres with a co-starring role on CBS' drama pilot "Back," says The Hollywood Reporter.
The project, from CBS Paramount, centers on Richard (Skeet Ulrich), who returns home to discover he was reported missing eight years earlier, after Sept. 11.
McGinley will play Tom, a firefighter who is now married to Richard's former wife (Sherry Stringfield) and is actively involved in raising her two troubled teenagers.
The project, from CBS Paramount, centers on Richard (Skeet Ulrich), who returns home to discover he was reported missing eight years earlier, after Sept. 11.
McGinley will play Tom, a firefighter who is now married to Richard's former wife (Sherry Stringfield) and is actively involved in raising her two troubled teenagers.
Seth Rogen on The Green Hornet
Seth Rogen is having a great year, to say the least. Not only does he have two huge movies hitting theatres this month--DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens and Warner Bros.' Observe and Report--he's also getting ready to shoot The Green Hornet. We talked to the in-demand actor on Tuesday at the press day for Observe and Report about the superhero film.
Q: When does "The Green Hornet" start shooting?
Seth Rogen: Right now the end of June. That is our tentative start date.
Q: What is Stephen Chow's involvement at this point?
Rogen: He's kind of our mascot. (laughs) He may be Kato. I'm not 100% sure if that's the case, but it's a very likely possibility. I'm not sure. Honestly, we're kind of in the very early phases right now. We're just putting those elements in place so I'm being honest. I honestly don't know yet.
Q: Are you going to stick to the original "Green Hornet" concept?
Rogen: He's actually the Lone Ranger's grandnephew. The Lone Ranger is owned by Jerry Bruckheimer so that probably limits the amount of involvement we can actually have in that movie. We were inspired by the original. We kind of took what we thought was good and left what we didn't. Honestly, we didn't feel any real obligation living up to the original because the radio plays totally different than the TV show which is different than the comic book. There is no real set way.
Columbia Pictures has set a June 25, 2010 release date for the Michel Gondry-directed film.
Q: When does "The Green Hornet" start shooting?
Seth Rogen: Right now the end of June. That is our tentative start date.
Q: What is Stephen Chow's involvement at this point?
Rogen: He's kind of our mascot. (laughs) He may be Kato. I'm not 100% sure if that's the case, but it's a very likely possibility. I'm not sure. Honestly, we're kind of in the very early phases right now. We're just putting those elements in place so I'm being honest. I honestly don't know yet.
Q: Are you going to stick to the original "Green Hornet" concept?
Rogen: He's actually the Lone Ranger's grandnephew. The Lone Ranger is owned by Jerry Bruckheimer so that probably limits the amount of involvement we can actually have in that movie. We were inspired by the original. We kind of took what we thought was good and left what we didn't. Honestly, we didn't feel any real obligation living up to the original because the radio plays totally different than the TV show which is different than the comic book. There is no real set way.
Columbia Pictures has set a June 25, 2010 release date for the Michel Gondry-directed film.
Bryan Singer Eyeing Freedom Formula
New Regency has acquired "Freedom Formula: Ghost of the Wasteland," an adaptation of the Radical Publishing comic book series that will be developed as a potential directing vehicle for Bryan Singer, reports Variety. 20th Century Fox will distribute.
The comic book has a futuristic premise in which fighter jets have been replaced by pilots who battle in racing exo-suits. The protagonist is a genetically engineered racer who learns his bloodline has the power to change society.
Michael Finch has been hired to write the script.
The comic book has a futuristic premise in which fighter jets have been replaced by pilots who battle in racing exo-suits. The protagonist is a genetically engineered racer who learns his bloodline has the power to change society.
Michael Finch has been hired to write the script.
Tom Hanks is Major Matt Mason
Universal will develop Major Matt Mason, a live-action feature based on the vintage Mattel action figure, reports Variety. The film will be developed as a star vehicle for Tom Hanks, and Graham Yost will write the script.
Playtone partners Hanks and Gary Goetzman will produce.
The toy line originated in 1966; Mason led an astronaut team that worked on the moon and lived in a space station. The toy was a hit in the buildup to the first manned moon mission. Mattel retired the line in the 1970s.
Playtone partners Hanks and Gary Goetzman will produce.
The toy line originated in 1966; Mason led an astronaut team that worked on the moon and lived in a space station. The toy was a hit in the buildup to the first manned moon mission. Mattel retired the line in the 1970s.
Pilot News: Tambor Joins Gilmore Gal's New Show, and More
Jeffrey Tambor will reunite with the creator of Arrested Development as a cast member of The Bridget Show, a Mitchell Hurwitz-produced comedy pilot for ABC.
The Bridget Show stars Gilmore gal Lauren Graham as a former talk-show queen attempting a comeback after a disastrous romance. Tambor will play Bridget's business manager.
In other ABC pilot news, Kyle Bornheimer's Worst Week may very well be over, now that he has landed a lead — playing Eric Christian' Olsen's needy buddy — on an untitled comedy from Ricky Blitt.
Also, Amanda Bynes (What I Like About You) is one of the Canned employees in a comedy about a corporate shake-up, while Lourdes Benedicto (The Nine) and Laura Vandervoort (Smallville) have boarded ABC's V reboot, playing Morris Chestnut's love interest and a Visitor, respectively.
The Bridget Show stars Gilmore gal Lauren Graham as a former talk-show queen attempting a comeback after a disastrous romance. Tambor will play Bridget's business manager.
In other ABC pilot news, Kyle Bornheimer's Worst Week may very well be over, now that he has landed a lead — playing Eric Christian' Olsen's needy buddy — on an untitled comedy from Ricky Blitt.
Also, Amanda Bynes (What I Like About You) is one of the Canned employees in a comedy about a corporate shake-up, while Lourdes Benedicto (The Nine) and Laura Vandervoort (Smallville) have boarded ABC's V reboot, playing Morris Chestnut's love interest and a Visitor, respectively.
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