Snipes loses bid to postpone start of prison sentence

Prison-boundWesley Snipeswill spend the upcoming holidays behind bars after a judge denied his request to delay his surrender date until the New Year.

The Blade star and his lawyers have spent two years fighting his 2008 conviction, which found him guilty of failing to file returns or pay tax on earnings of£25.3 million, dating back to 1999.

He lost his appeal and his battle for a retrial and was recently ordered to turn himself in to Pennsylvania authorities by Thursday to begin his three-year sentence for tax evasion.

His attorney Daniel Meachum made a last-ditch attempt to postpone the surrender date last week by asking a federal judge in Florida to push back the start of Snipes' jail term until 6 January.

The actor cited his"four minor children"for the postponement, claiming he didn't want to leave them"in the middle of the holiday season".

But the judge rejected the motion because Snipes was handed the original punishment over two-and-a-half years ago, therefore giving him"all of that time to place his affairs in order"

In documents detailing the ruling, the judge adds,"The sooner he begins his sentence, the sooner it will end."

Source

Wesley Snipes ordered to prison for tax evasion

Wesley Snipeshas been ordered to surrender at a federal prison in the US state of Pennsylvania to begin a three-year sentence for tax evasion.

The star of the Blade films was ordered to report to a prison in the town of Lewis Run on 9 December.

Snipes asked a judge last week to let him remain free on bail while he appeals to the US Supreme Court to overturn his conviction.

The actor, 48, was convicted in 2008 for failing to file tax returns.

Snipes appealed to a court in Atlanta in the US state of Georgia after being found guilty by a jury in Florida. But the court upheld the conviction and sentence.

The actor's lawyers then argued last month that Snipes had a legal right to remain on bail while they prepared a fresh appeal.

Snipes's lawyers also said at hearing in the town of Ocala in Florida last month that jurors should be interviewed about whether they had perjured themselves by stating during jury selection that they did not have preconceived opinions about the actor.

His lawyer, Daniel Meachum, said he had received e-mails from multiple jurors, who claimed others in the jury believed the actor was guilty before the trial began.

At the time of his conviction in April 2008, prosecutors said Snipes had earned more than $37m (£24m) in gross income between 1999 and 2004, but had not filed tax returns or paid any federal taxes.

Source

Nolan confirms 'Batman' departure

Christopher Nolanhas confirmed that The Dark Knight Rises will be his last Batman film.

The upcoming movie will bring an end to the trilogy of Christian Bale-starring films helmed by the Inception director.

"I must say that I'm glad - I'm very, very glad - to be embarking on the last chapter of our Batman saga without any sense of obligation or duty to the studio,"Nolan told Entertainment Weekly.

"They did very well with Inception. So I'm able to go into finishing our story in a very enthusiastic way."

He added:"I feel very glad that I'm doing another Batman film. I think it would have been daunting to sit down and write an original script after Inception."

"I love working within the realm and rules of our Batman world. It's kind of nice to have someplace to go that I'm super-excited about."

The Warner Bros and DC Entertainment movie is due for release in summer 2012.

Source

Johnny Depp: 'Disney hated Jack Sparrow'

Johnny Depphas revealed that Disney bosses initially“couldn’t stand” his flamboyant portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actor said former chief executive Michael Eisner"couldn't stand"the way he interpreted the role.

However, studio execs didn’t always recognise the genius of the actor's out-of-leftfield take on the beloved antihero.

Depp went on to earn an Oscar nomination for his performance.

A Disney spokesman said the company"could not be happier"with his work.

"The entire team at Disney could not be happier with Johnny Depp's performances in the Pirates trilogy which is why we are so excited to be bringing back a fourth installment to audiences next summer,"he added.

"I think it was Michael Eisner, the head of Disney at the time, who was quoted as saying, 'he's ruining the movie',"Depp said.

One suit, says the actor, even asked him if Captain Jack was"gay."

Depp recalls:"And so I actually told this woman who was the Disney-ite... 'But didn’t you know that all my characters are gay?' Which really made her nervous."

The actor also revealed that Mr Eisner had questioned whether he was"some kind of simpleton"or even drunk when acting in the movie.

Depp famously based the character on the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who appeared in At World's End, the third film in the series, following Dead Man's Chest, which also starred Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom.

Depp is currently filming a fourth installment - On Stranger Tides - which is due out next year.

Depp will next be seen opposite Angelina Jolie in The Tourist, which opens December 10.

Source

James Franco and Anne Hathaway to host Oscars

ActorsJames FrancoandAnne Hathawaywill cohost this season’s Oscar ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced.

Telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer have decided to continue the two-host trend from last year’s show, when Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin shared emceeing duties. But they clearly seem to be courting a different generation: Franco and Hathaway’s combined age (61) is less than Steve Martin’s.

According to Deadline, an offer has been made to James Franco and Anne Hathaway to co-host this years' Oscars. According to the same source, it"looks like"both actors will accept.

Both are highly talented and I'm sure would do a fine job, though this is a pretty radical departure from the Oscar host line-up going all the way back to before I was born. Since the mid-seventies, the overwhelming majority of hosts have been either comedians or comic actors, and only a few times (Hugh Jackman) has this parade been broken.

Now, Franco and Hathaway are both technically comedic actors as well, as both have appeared in a number of very funny films, but they would be a far cry from the Billy Crystal/Whoopi Goldberg/Steve Martin rotation that was going on for fifteen years. Same goes for Jon Stewart, Ellen Degeneres and Chris Rock, who are funny yes, but a different class of actors than Franco or Hathaway who are actively headlining movies.

The 83rd Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC on February 27, 2011.

Source

Leslie Nielsen dies, aged 84

Veteran comic actor Leslie Nielsen, star of Airplane! and The Naked Gun, has died at the age of 84.

The comic actor, best known for his roles in Airplane! and The Naked Gun, passed away at a hospital near his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he was being treated for pneumonia.

Nielsen's nephew Doug announced the news on Canadian radio station CJOB, saying:"Just in this last 48 hours, the infection has gotten too much and today at 5.30am, with his friends and his wife by his side, he just fell asleep and passed away."

Nielsen's agent John S. Kelly later confirmed the news.

In all, he appeared in more than 100 films and had a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Born in the Canadian city of Regina in 1926, Leslie Nielsen enjoyed an acting career which spanned six decades.

He started as a television actor in New York in 1950, performing in about 150 live dramas.

Moving to Hollywood in the mid-1950s, he initially carved out a film career as a leading man, capitalising on his craggy good looks and 6ft 2in (187cm) height.

In 1980, however, his deadpan delivery in comedy disaster movie Airplane! marked him out as a gifted clown.

It was in this role that he became known for the line:"Don't call me Shirley."

The success of Airplane! led to another TV role in spoof crime show Police Squad, where he first played accident-prone detective Frank Drebin.

He went on to make three films as the character in the Naked Gun series, starring opposite Priscilla Presley.

Nearly two weeks ago - at the age of 84 - Nielsen was taken into hospital in Florida where he lived, suffering from pneumonia.

His condition worsened over the last two days and relatives said he passed away peacefully.

Source

Emma Stone's Spider-Man classes

Emma Stonehas revealed she andAndrew Garfieldhave had to go back to school in preparation for the new Spider-Man movie.

Emma, who plays Peter Parker's love interest Gwen Stacy in the new film, told MTV she was home schooled so she had never had a proper science class like the ones she has been experiencing in rehearsals for the film.

Emma said:"Andrew and I went and learned about science yesterday. Gwen really likes science, so we learned about science. I was home-schooled, so I never went to chemistry class in a traditional setting like Gwen is into. That was really beneficial."

The 22-year-old actress is excited about going back to her roots for the role.

She revealed:"I went and did hair tests, because I have blonde hair now since Gwen has blonde hair. My natural hair is blonde, so it's kind of nice. I looked in the mirror and said, 'Oh my god, it's me again, it's been so long!'"

Emma admitted there was pressure on the Spider-Man reboot because of the huge fan base the comic character and film trilogy has - but she is trying not to think about it.

She said:"The way I have to approach it, and I think Andrew would agree, is just like any other movie."

It just happens to be an exponentially bigger budget. And there are harnesses I'm going to have to use in this one. That's the only difference. Just the harnesses.

"I'm sure it's a different story for Andrew, because Spider-Man is so iconic, which is not to take anything away from Gwen, but for the most part, the approach I'm trying to take so I won't psych myself out is to approach it like anything else."

Source

DiCaprio says"Inception" script was"confusing"

The making ofInception (2010)presented an immense technical challenge for the cast and crew, starting with comprehending director Christopher Nolan's complex dream-caper script.

StarLeonardo DiCapriotold The Hollywood Reporter that even he needed time to figure out the many layers of the story.

"I needed to know implicitly where we were,"he said."It got incredibly confusing at certain points in the beginning, but the more we talked, the more I understood."

DiCaprio, who played the lead role of Dominic Cobb, spent weeks combing through the script with Nolan.

"The work (DiCaprio) did on his character with Chris made the movie less of a puzzle and more of a story of a character audiences could relate to,"said Emma Thomas, Nolan's wife and producing partner.

Other technical people on the film had their own puzzles to figure out when they had the first view of the top-secret script. Each were locked in a room on the Warners lot where the script was sealed for their first view.

Visual effects supervisor Paul Franklin recalled the note in the script which called for the entire city of Paris collapsing and folding up. The note on the script for that scene simply said:"The city begins to fold in half."

"Working with Chris is absolutely great, but he's very challenging, too,"Franklin said.

The film, which grossed $823 million (£618 million) at the worldwide box office, comes out on DVD on December 7.

Source

Clooney 'set for U.N.C.L.E. Film'

George Clooneyis in talks to star in a big screen version of cult 1960s TV show Man from U.N.C.L.E., reports say.

The actor has met directorSteven Soderberghabout starring as Napoleon Solo in film about two crime-fighting secret agents, Hollywood Reporter said.

Still in early development, it is thought the film will retain its 1960s setting.

The original TV series, which ran from 1964 to 1968, starred Robert Vaughn in the lead role of Napoleon Solo.

British actor David McCallum also starred as Illya Illya Kuryakin, working as part of the United Network Command for Law Enforcement, fighting the evil organisation Thrush.

Clooney is a long-time collaborator with Soderbergh, the pair working together previously on films including Out of Sight, the Ocean's Eleven series and Syriana, for which Clooney won an Oscar.

But with Soderbergh and Clooney busy with their own projects, it may be some time before the project comes together.

Soderbergh is shooting thriller Contagion starringMatt Damon,Jude LawandMarion Cotillard, while Clooney is working on The Ides of March which he is directing and starring in alongsideRyan Gosling,Paul GiamattiandMarisa Tomei.

Source

John Travolta and Kelly Preston Welcome a Son

John Travoltaand wifeKelly Prestonare parents to son Benjamin, who was born Tuesday in a Florida hospital.

The baby weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.

"John, Kelly and their daughter Ella Bleu are ecstatic and very happy about the newest member of the family,"they say in a statement."Both mother and baby are healthy and doing beautifully."

Preston, 48, said recently that the entire family was in major preparation mode for their new addition as her pregnancy neared its end.

"I've been cleaning out everything in the house,"Preston said in September."Ella has been helping too. She's looking forward to being a big sister."

Travolta, 56, and 48-year-old Preston confirmed last month they were having a boy, and had already decided on the name Benjamin before the birth.

Speaking about the pregnancy earlier this year, Preston said: 'It's been very easy and so wonderful.

'I've had no morning sickness and the pregnancy has gone by so quickly. I feel terrific.

'I can't wait for the day to come.'

The pair have welcomed their new son into the world less than two years after their son Jett, 16, suffered a fatal seizure in January 2009 during a family holiday in the Bahamas.

Confirming Preston's pregnancy in May, the couple said: 'It's impossible to keep a secret - especially one as wonderful as this.

'We want to be the first to share this great news with everyone that we are expecting a new addition to our family.

'We tried for several years, and we didn't think it was going to happen for us. This is a miracle, and we feel blessed.'

Source

Harry Potter film takes $330m in more than 50 countries

The latest Harry Potter movie has beaten the previous opening record for the franchise in the US and Canada.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010)took $125.1m (£77.9m) at the weekend box office, taking it straight to the top of the chart.

The previous best weekend debut in the series was $102.7m (£64m) forHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)in 2005.

The latest Potter movie, the first of two final films, has now made $330m (£205.5m) in global ticket sales.

The film also looks set to smash UK cinema box office records, according to studio estimates.

Warner Bros said Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 took£5.9m on Friday and £6.6m on Saturday.

This already breaks previous records of biggest Friday, biggest Saturday and biggest single day.

With Sunday estimates of£4.9m it is on course to beat the previous record of £15.3m for a three-day opening, held by the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010)is the penultimate instalment in the fantasy film franchise.

The books' creator JK Rowling said David Yates' film - the seventh in the series - was her favourite so far.

Source

Radcliffe jokes about 'Potter ego trip'

Daniel Radcliffehas joked that seeing seven versions of himself in the new Harry Potter movie was a"big ego trip".

The upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I features a scene in which multiple versions of the actor, who plays the title hero, appear on screen at the same time after other characters adopt his appearance.

"There are seven of me. It's a big ego trip!"he joked during an appearance on yesterday's Live! With Regis And Kelly.

He went on to discuss the shoot, saying:"It was 95 takes and not just because I was terrible! We had to do the same shot and then I would get into all the other characters' costumes one by one and play the shot again with me standing in their positions and then they overlay it."

When asked if the other actors were also present during the day, he said:"Not really. They sort of turned up early, did one rehearsal so I could see what they were all doing and could copy them and left!"

Radcliffe previously revealed that he hadn't minded wearing a bra during the scene, which happens after a female character transforms into him, joking:"It was better than if I had worn stockings and a corset, that's for sure."

Source

Watson almost dropped out of Potter for university

Emma Watsonis"very grateful"Harry Potter bosses re-scheduled shooting to accommodate her exams - because she would have been"public enemy number one"if she had been forced to pull out of the franchise.

The beauty sparked speculation she was set to quit the hugely successful series in 2006 when she was studying for her school qualifications, as she wouldn't have time to fit in reading for her university entry exams if she shot the wizard tale.

However chiefs at the Warner Bros. Studios ensured Watson would be able to study by moving back her filming commitments - and the star admits she was relieved she didn't have to upset Potter devotees by dropping out.

She tells MTV.com,"I would have been public enemy number one, I think, if I hadn't continued (with filming). I did think about that."

"I always try and make decisions in my life based on what's right for me and I just try and be true to myself. It was mainly to do with scheduling and I had a real fight on my hands to ensure that I was able to go to university and I was able to sit my (exams) A-levels, because the schedule they handed to me didn't really allow for any of that and I just wasn't prepared to let it go."

"(But) they (Warner Bros.) essentially moved the Harry Potter film schedule around my exam dates, which was amazing. It all worked out. I feel very lucky. Warner Bros. Has been very supportive of me keeping this education thing going. I'm very grateful."

Source

Harry Potter film excerpt leaked

A 36-minute clip of the latest Harry Potter movieHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010)has been leaked online ahead of its international release.

Warner Bros said it was"working actively"to remove the video, which it said was"stolen and illegally posted"on file-sharing websites on Tuesday.

"We are vigorously investigating this matter and will prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law,"it added in a statement.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 opens in the UK on Friday.

It is one of two films to be adapted from the final book in JK Rowling's best-selling series.

It is not yet known how the first 36 minutes of Deathly Hallows Part 1 came to be posted online.

A studio spokesman said its distribution"constitutes a serious breach of copyright violation and theft of Warner Bros property".

"We are working actively to restrict and/or remove copies that may be available,"its statement added.

Deathly Hallows Part 1 could have the biggest opening weekend so far for the fantasy film franchise, according to industry experts.

They believe it could pass the $100 million (£62.7m) mark in North America in its first three days and take more than $1 billion (£627.5m) in global ticket sales.

According to the Box Office Mojo website, the first six Harry Potter films have earned $5.4bn (£3.4bn) at the worldwide box office.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be released next summer.

Source

Carey Mulligan cast as 'Gatsby's Daisy

Baz Luhrmannhas announced thatCarey Mulliganhas been cast as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby.

Luhrmann spoke to Deadline about the upcoming film, revealing that he is still uncertain if it will be his next project.

"There are a few elements that I feel need to be resolved before I would categorically state that this is my next film,"Luhrmann said.

However, he admitted to having finally cast the role of Daisy Buchanan.

Luhrmann explained:"Regarding the role of Daisy Buchanan... I was thrilled to pick up the phone an hour ago to the young Oscar-nominated British actress Carey Mulligan and say to her, 'Hello, Daisy Buchanan.'"

Mulligan joins Leonardo DiCaprio as the titular Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as the narrator Nick Carraway.

Source

J.K. Rowling: 'I don't know if Potter is over'

J.K Rowlinghas reiterated that there is still a possibility she could write more Harry Potter books.

Rowling recently hinted that she might return to the wizarding series despite always insisting that she would only write seven Potter novels.

The author has again refused to rule out the possibility of more adventures, telling Reuters:"I think it's over but I've always said, 'Never say never,' because I don't know."

"Every time in my life I have said, 'I will never do X,' you can guarantee I will do it within a year. So I've learned I'm not just going to say it's over completely. I don't know."

Rowling went on to say that she enjoyed the newly-released Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 more than any of the previous film adaptations of her books.

"This is my favourite film of the lot,"she revealed.

Source

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows premiere

Emma Watsondazzled fans at the premiere of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by appearing on the red carpet in a skimpy black lace minidress.

She was joined on the red carpet co-starsDaniel RadcliffeandRupert Grint, who both wore smart suits for the launch of the first instalment of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

Watson, who stars as Hermione Grainger in the wizard series, met some of the fans who had camped out in the rain for hours in London's Leicester Square.

In the new film Watson, who plays Hermione Granger, is seen kissing Radcliffe's Harry in a hallucination sequence.

Radcliffe has said he was surprised by how passionate Watson was while filming the scene.

Watson said:"I don't know what to say. I suppose it had to be a kiss that would make Ron really jealous and so I think that's why I was so passionate."

"It was all a bit embarrassing but we just got on with it and had a big laugh about it afterwards."

She said of Daniel and Rupert:"I couldn't choose who was the better kisser. They're both like my brothers."

The film, which tells the story of Harry's final battle against the evil Lord Voldemort, will be followed next July by the concluding chapter in the saga, based on JK Rowling's bestselling books.

Emma - now a student in America and still sporting her new cropped hairstyle - teamed her Rafael Lopez dress with heels by Charlotte Olympia.

Earlier, she had talked about her sense of style. She said:"From around six or seven, my dad would let me choose what I wanted to wear, so I always had my own identity."

Rupert signed autographs for fans and said:"It's quite overwhelming but I love it."

It marks a transition from the previous films and Grint, who plays Ron Weasley, said he thought the new film would shock fans.

He said:"I think they'll be quite shocked. A lot of characters die and it's quite scary. The whole world of Harry Potter is darker."

Actress Helena Bonham Carter - evil Bellatrix Lestrange in the film - arrived in a purple strapless gown.

Potter author JK Rowling was also there - and said the new film was her favourite of the series so far. But star Daniel - who has been playing Harry since he was just 11 - said he would have to"have words"with the multi-millionaire after she hinted there might be more books.

He joked:"I thought we had an understanding that ten years was enough."

Watch Premiere FootageHere

Source

Twilight sequel leads People's Choice nominations

Vampire sequel TheTwilight Saga: Eclipse, The (2010)has received eight nominations for the 2011 People's Choice Awards.

The film is up for favourite movie and favourite drama, while its stars -Robert Pattinson,Kristen StewartandTaylor Lautner- landed acting nods.

Other multiple nominees include the hit US TV show Glee and singer Katy Perry, each of whom are up for five awards.

The prizes will be handed out at a Los Angeles ceremony on 5 January, hosted by rapper and actress Queen Latifah.

Toy Story 3, Alice in Wonderland, Inception and Iron Man 2 will compete against Twilight: Eclipse for the favourite movie honour. Iron Man 2 star Robert Downey Jnr is also nominated for favourite actor, action star and on-screen team with Don Cheadle.

In the TV categories Britney Spears and Neil Patrick Harris were nominated for the TV guest star award for their appearances in Glee.

And in the music categories Eminem, Carrie Underwood and Lady Gaga were also multiple nominees.

As well as Twilight's Pattinson, other British stars to be nominated include Harry Potter star Emma Watson, up for favourite movie star under 25, and Hugh Laurie, who has two nominations for his role in medical drama House.

Source

Radcliffe 'doesn't want to reprise Potter role'

Daniel Radcliffehas admitted that he is unlikely to reprise the role of Harry Potter in the future.

J.K Rowlingrecently confessed to feeling low after she finished writing the series of novels, and insisted that she"could definitely write an eighth, ninth and tenth"book.

However, Radcliffe revealed that the author's admission surprised him, telling Sky News:"Oh God, she promised me categorically that there wouldn't be another book involving Harry."

The actor went on to say that he is"very doubtful"as to whether he would want to be involved if a future Potter film should arise.

"I think ten years is a long time to spend with one character,"he added.

The first instalment of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows opens on November 19.

Source

Harrison Ford wants to do 'Indiana Jones 5'

Harrison Fordhas revealed that he is ready to do another Indiana Jones film.

The actor spoke to Access Hollywood in advance of the premiere of his new movie Morning Glory, declaring that he hopes to make a fifth Indiana Jones instalment.

"Oh sure, I'd love to do it,"he said.

Ford admitted that he and producers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg would need to sit down to discuss where they could take the franchise next before making a sequel.

He explained:"If there’s something that the three of us can agree on then I'd love to do it."

Meanwhile, Ford recently finished filming Cowboys and Aliens with Daniel Craig and Olivia Wilde.

"It's a real cowboy movie, looks like a cowboy movie, feels like a classic cowboy movie, and then things happen, and then it goes back to being a cowboy movie with this added element,"Ford said."And I think it's the kind of film that there's a real broad audience for. I'm very excited for it. I think it's going to be good."

Source

Jackman 'turns down offer to host Oscars'

Hugh Jackmanhas reportedly announced that he will not be hosting the 83rd Academy Awards.

Jackman, who led the ceremony in 2009, turned down an offer to host again after the awards show conflicted with his shooting schedule for X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2, writes Deadline.

This year’s Oscars will be held on February 27, 2011. Shooting for the highly-anticipated X-Men sequel begins in late February or early March, which prevents Jackman from hosting.

Jackman was also asked to present the 2010 show, but declined as he did not want to take on the honour twice in a row. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin shared the job instead.

The Academy has yet to announce this year’s host, though Betty White is allegedly a top-runner. Nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards will be announced on January 25, 2011.

Source

New Bond arriving November 2012

The 23rd James Bond movie has reportedly been scheduled for a cinema release in November 2012.

According to Bloomberg, studio MGM - which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this week after rejecting a takeover bid from Lionsgate - is close to a buy-out from Spyglass Entertainment.

Under the proposed agreement, MGM's $4 billion debt will be extinguished and production on The Hobbit and the 007 series will continue. The studio is looking for a partner to split production costs on the next Bond before eventually retaking full ownership of the property.

From 2012, the spy series is expected to release new instalments every two years.

Daniel Craigis likely to return as the British secret agent, while it is unknown if director Sam Mendes will come back to the project.

Source

Narnia: Regent Street lights announcement

British stars from the Hollywood blockbusterTHE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER- BEN BARNES, GEORGIE HENLEY and WILL POULTER join forces with X-Factor winner JOE MCELDERRY to light up the skies at this year’s world famous Regent Street Christmas lights event on 9 November.

This year’s Narnian-themed Regent Street Christmas lights will have a blockbuster beginning as stars from the 3-D family movieTHE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADERcome to London’s West End to start the festive season.

From 5:15pm, Heart 106.2’s Jamie Theakston&Harriet Scott will be on stage introducing musical performances from stars of stage and screen to entertain the crowds while the excitement builds to the big switch-on moment.

As part of the evening's entertainment, X Factor winner Joe McElderry will exclusively perform his new single‘Someone Wake me up’ and‘There’s a place for us,’ a title song from the film.

Rounding off the entertainment on the stage at the junction of Regent Street and New Burlington Street will be singer Alexis Jordan, the cast of Jersey Boys and the West End Gospel Choir.

After the event shoppers can take time to experience the recently opened flagship shops along Regent Street; Gant, National Geographic, Ferrari, Banana Republic, Armani Exchange and Anthropologie next to British heritage brands, Jaeger, Aquascutum, Liberty, Burberry and Penhaligon’s. For a relaxed lunch or post switch-on drinks why not visit the Regent Street food quarters in Swallow Street and Heddon Street? Enjoy lunch or dinner whilst taking in a roof top view book a table at Aqua and experience either Japanese (Aqua Kyoto) or Spanish (Aqua Nueva) cuisine.

Released on 9 December 2010 and for the first time in digital 3D, the magic and adventure of Narnia returns to the big screen with THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER. Directed by Michael Apted, this exciting new chapter in the Narnia saga reunites Georgie Henley and Skandar Keynes with Ben Barnes (Dorian Gray). Joining them on their fantastical journey is Will Poulter (Son of Rambo). Liam Neeson (The A-Team) plays the voice of Aslan, while Simon Pegg (Star Trek) voices the valiant‘warrior mouse’ Reepicheep.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER will be released in cinemas in digital 3D and 2D nationwide by Twentieth Century Fox and Walden Media on 9 December, 2010

Source

Actor Kevin Spacey receives CBE

Hollywood royaltyKevin Spaceywas honoured by the real aristocracy on Wednesday when Prince Charles presented him with an award for his services to drama.

The Oscar-winning star was named an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition for his work at London's Old Vic theatre, where he has been artistic director since 2003.

The heir to the throne presented the award, which is only given to foreign nationals in case of exceptional service to Britain, at a private ceremony in his official London residence, Clarence House.

"I was hugely, hugely delighted that Prince Charles has awarded me the CBE, which the Queen has so generously given to me for my services to theatre,"the 51-year-old"American Beauty"star said after the ceremony.

"I am so honoured to live and work in Britain on behalf of the Old Vic Theatre."

Spacey has attracted fellow Hollywood heavyweights to tread the boards during his seven-year tenure at the historic theatre and frequently appears in plays himself.

The theatre, which is in south London, opened in 1818 and has showcased performances by legendary actors Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench and Peter O'Toole.

Source

Nesbitt to appear in The Hobbit

Last month, the adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's"The Hobbit"was finally given the go-ahead to begin filming next year. And while a number of primary roles have already been cast, director Peter Jackson has found two additional actors for his company of dwarves.

James Nesbitt will play Bofur and Adam Brown will portray Ori, according to TheOneRing.net.

The 45-year-old Cold Feet star will play Bofur,"a disarmingly forthright, funny and occasionally brave dwarf".

Director Peter Jackson said“James’ charm, warmth and wit are legendary as is his range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic roles. We feel very lucky to be able to welcome him as one of our cast.” said Jackson. He also added “Adam is a wonderfully expressive actor and has a unique screen presence. I look forward to seeing him bring Ori to life.”

Jackson said he felt"very lucky to be able to welcome"Nesbitt.

Other cast members confirmed include former EastEnder Rob Kazinsky and Spooks actor Richard Armitage.

Martin Freeman will star in the title role as Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who reluctantly joins the dwarves on their adventure.

Although Ian McKellen is widely expected to reprise his role as the wizard Gandolf, McKellen recently told Broadway World that he is not under contract to appear in"The Hobbit"and he refused to elaborate on any details beyond that.

Last week, New Zealand's parliament passed legislation amending labour laws to keep the production on the huge budget movies.

The change was part of a deal with Warner Bros who had threatened to move elsewhere because of a dispute with acting unions.

"The Hobbit"is scheduled to hit theaters in December 2012.

Source

Leonardo DiCaprio to play serial killer

Leonardo DiCapriohas revealed that he will star in the upcoming movie adaptation of non-fiction story The Devil in the White City.

The Oscar-nominated"Inception"star will play Dr. HH Holmes, America's first serial killer, in the big screen adaptation of Erik Larson's 2003 non-fiction book"The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America,"it was announced on Monday.

The story tells the tale of two men, Daniel H. Burnham and Dr H.H. Holmes. Burnham was the architect behind the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Meanwhile, Holmes was a serial killer pretending to be a doctor. Holmes used the fair to slaughter his victims in his 'Murder Castle', a structure containing a gas chamber, dissection table and a crematorium.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, DiCaprio will play the homicidal Dr Holmes in the movie. He will also produce the project with his partner Jennifer Killoran through his production company Appian Way.

"I think that a guy who is that intelligent and that charismatic is nothing less than complex, and it's that complexity that DiCaprio is drawn to,"Killoran said of DiCaprio's decision to star in the project.

"And because people don't know much about Holmes, it makes it even more interesting."

Holmes is believed to have killed anywhere from 27-200 people in Chicago while the city played host to the World's Fair of 1893. While local authorities concerned themselves with more pressing matters, Holmes operated The World's Fair Hotel, a Bates Motel of sorts where the doctor lured young women in order to murder and mutilate them.

The role represents a welcome change of pace for DiCaprio, who has never really played a villain. The actor has long been interested in playing Holmes, having set up a rival project based on public domain materials after Tom Cruise pounced on Larson's book back in 2003.

Source

Mission: Impossible 4 gets new title

The fourth Mission: Impossible film, which sees Tom Cruise return as secret agent Ethan Hunt, will now be called Ghost Protocol, it has been announced.

For months, industry scuttlebutt has had it that Mission: Impossible 4 would be getting a new title, presumably to minimize its potential Tom Cruise problem.

Today, though, Cruise revealed the entire title at a press conference in Dubai, and it's a doozy that will make you think you're playing a Tom Clancy game on your Xbox:"One of the things I always wanted for the franchise was for it not to have a number afterwards,"

"I've never done sequels to films and I never thought of these films as sequels,"the actor said.

"I always felt it should have a title,"he told reporters in Dubai.

British actor Simon Pegg, Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner and Lost's Josh Holloway co-star in the film, to be released on 16 December 2011.

The production has moved to Dubai to film at the world's tallest building, the 828m (2,716ft) Burj Khalifa.

"'I'll be spending many days, many hours on the side of this building,"Cruise told the Associated Press.

"I can't give you details, but I will be up there."

Brad Bird, the Oscar-winning maker of animated adventure The Incredibles, will direct the film.

The Mission: Impossible series has earned nearly $1.5bn (£938m) at the worldwide box office.

Source

Avatar sequels get confirmed

The first sequel to blockbuster hit Avatar will be released in December 2014 with a second to follow 12 months later, 20th Century Fox has announced.

James Cameron will start writing the scripts early next year and said the films will be"self-contained stories that also fulfil a greater story arc".

"We will not back off the throttle of Avatar's visual and emotional horse-power,"the director continued.

Avatar has earned $2.77 billion (£1.76 billion) at the global box office.

It holds for the record for the highest-grossing film ever, having exceeded Titanic's international takings of $1.84bn (£1.16bn) in January.

Like the first film, the Avatar sequels will be set on the distant moon of Pandora and will be shot in 3D.

Cameron, 56, has yet to decide whether he will make the films separately or back to back.

In a news release, the Oscar-winning director said the Avatar sequels would"continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world".

He said he was"looking forward to returning to Pandora, a world where our imaginations can run wild."

Source

Batman 3 Has A Title

Chris Nolan has announced that the next Batman movie will be titled‘The Dark Knight Rises’. It won’t be shot in 3D and The Riddler will NOT be the villain.

During an interview just published on Hero Complex, Chris Nolan has revealed the title of Batman 3: it will be called“The Dark Knight Rises and it WON’T be shot in 3D (they’ll shoot in IMAX format instead).

In the same interview, Nolan announced something that Batman movie fans have been debating and speculating about, ever since the end credits rolled on The Dark Knight: Nolan has stated that The Riddler will NOT be the villain featured in The Dark Knight Rises.

Nolan didn’t reveal much else to Hero Complex, opting instead to play things close to the vest as usual, but did give the following vague and cryptic piece of information:

"We’ll use many of the same characters as we have all along, and we’ll be introducing some new ones,"

As for the more recent rumors of female leads being auditioned for Batman 3, Tom Hardy joining the cast and Killer Croc being the possible villain?

Source

Hobbit films to stay in New Zealand

The Hobbit movies will be made in New Zealand after the government reached a deal with studio giant Warner Bros.

New Zealand prime minister John Key announced Wednesday that production of"The Hobbit"will stay in-country, local broadcast outlet TVNZ reports.

Agreement to keep the Peter Jackson-directed film in Kiwi country follows face-to-face negotiations between high-level local government officials and co-producer/distributor Warner Bros.

The deal includes introducing legislation to clarify the difference between independent contractors and employees in the film production industry in New Zealand.

The government has also offered Warner Bros bigger subsidies to make The Hobbit films in New Zealand. They will be directed byPeter Jackson.

Key said at a press conference that the government would move quickly to introduce legislation clarifying the distinction between independent contractors and employees as it related to the film production industry.

"It is this clarification that will guarantee the movies are made in New Zealand,"he said.

He said industrial issues which had arisen in the past several weeks had highlighted concerns over the way in which the international film industry operated here.

Key said the Government had also moved to widen the qualifying criteria for the large budget screen production fund to improve New Zealand's competitiveness for big budget films.

That meant the two Hobbit movies, to be directed by Sir Peter Jackson, would get additional rebates of up to 7.5 million U.S. Dollars per picture, subject to their success.

Key also said New Zealand would host one of the world premieres of The Hobbit.

Source

Lindsay: Back To Rehab

Lindsay Lohanwill spend the next few months in rehab, not jail.

This follows a court hearing on Friday in Los Angeles where Judge Elden Fox ordered the star to stay at the Betty Ford Clinic until January 2011.

However, questions have arisen as to whether or not Lindsay can afford her rehab stint.

According to People, her probation report states:"She indicates she can not afford to continue to pay for the treatment program and she needs to work."

"(Lohan says) her clothing line is falling apart because she is not available to monitor the product."

She did request to be an outpatient, but this was denied by the judge. The star failed a mandatory drug test in September and was initially sent back to jail without bail.

However, only hours later she was released after posting the $300,000 bail.

Shortly before that court appearance she admitted she was struggling via her Twitter page. She wrote:"Regrettably, I did in fact fail my most recent drug test and if I am asked, I am prepared to appear before Judge Fox ... As a result."

"Substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn't go away over night. I am working hard to overcome it and am taking positive steps forward every day."

Source

Quaid and wife request asylum in Canada

Randy Quaidand his wife Evi are seeking asylum in Canada, claiming they are being persecuted in the US.

The couple were arrested in Vancouver on Thursday on US warrants related to vandalism charges, issued last week after they missed a court appearance.

"We feel our lives are in danger,"Evi Quaid told an immigration adjudicator.

Their lawyer showed the media a handwritten statement, in which the Quaids said they were"requesting asylum from Hollywood 'star whackers'."

Last month the Quaids were charged by US police with illegal occupation of their former home in Santa Barbara, California.

When they failed to show up in court to answer those charges last Monday, a warrant was issued for their arrest.

The Quaids have been released from custody in Canada and are expected to attend a hearing later in the next week.

Quaid, 60, is best known for his roles in The Last Picture Show, Independence Day and National Lampoon's Vacation, and for being the older brother of actor Dennis.

Source

The Hobbit Gets Its Bilbo

The studios behind The Hobbit officially confirmed Thursday that British actor Martin Freeman will be playing the titular Shire hero, Bilbo Baggins, in Jackson's two-part Lord of the Rings prequel.

But Bilbo isn't going it alone in today's casting news. MGM, New Line and Warner Bros. Also rolled out a roster of actors who will be playing the hobbit's comrades in treasure hunting and Smaug slaying...

Spooks star Armitage has landed the role of Thorin Oakenshield, the Company of Dwarves' leader who attempts to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon.

"Despite the various rumours and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us,"Jackson said in a statement.

"There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo - and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit."

On Armitage, Jackson added:"Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakensheild. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle-earth is in such good hands."

Being Human's Aidan Turner and Rob Kazinsky, who played Sean Slater in EastEnders, complete the Company of Dwarves as Kili and Fili respectively.

"Adian is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland,"Jackson added."I'm sure he will bring enormous heart and humour to the role of Kili.

"Rob is an extremely talented young actor with a huge career in front of him. I'm thrilled that he has agreed to take on the role of Fili. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter - I'm looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding goblins!"

The films, to be produced by Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham, are scheduled for release in December 2012 and December 2013.

Source

Brody sues film-makers for $2m

Oscar-winning actorAdrien Brodyhas sued the makers of a thriller for more than $2m (£1.3m), claiming he has not been fully paid for the project.

Brody, 37, says he is owed $640,000 (£407,000) for Turin-set film Giallo and that it was released on DVD in the US on Tuesday without his permission.

A judge in Los Angeles said Brody could seek an injunction against the sale.

Brody says Hannibal Pictures, the makers of the film, lied to him about the financing and that his contract gives him the right to block the film's release in U.S. until he is paid his salary plus additional damages.

Coincidentally, the film's director, Dario Argento, has distanced himself from the movie, saying the producers' cut is a far cry from his original vision.

Brody, who won the best actor Oscar in 2003 for The Pianist, sued the film's makers in federal court on Thursday but a last-minute petition to stop the DVD release was denied.

He can still seek an injunction but must first inform the film-makers of his intentions, the judge said.

The actor says Giallo's producers lied to him about financing, grossly over-exaggerating the value of the movie's Italian distribution rights.

Brody contend that the terms of his contract allow him to withhold his likeness from the film until he is paid, but that producers have ignored his demands.

Source

Paltrow to sing at country awards

Gwyneth Paltrowwill sing at next month's Country Music Association Awards.

The star will sing the title track of her new movieCountry Strong (2010)and will be joined by Vince Gill.

Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban are also set to perform at the ceremony, which takes place at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on 10 November.

Paltrow, 39, has also landed a guest role in the TV musical comedy Glee.

The actress, who is married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will play a supply teacher who falls for high school choir leader Will Schuester.

It is thought she will perform three or four solo songs in the episode, which is scheduled to go out next month.

In her new movie, Oscar-winner Paltrow plays a fallen country singer, who tries to resurrect her career by going on tour.

In a recent interview with news agency the Associated Press, Paltrow said she researched the history of country music when she accepted the role.

"I sort of started at the beginning with Hank Williams Sr. And Johnny Cash and really studied Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn."

"I had never really known very much about country music, and I now am very into it. I know a lot more about it than I did."

The film is released in the US on 22 December and in the UK on 7 January.

Source

Hobbit to begin filming next year

Filming on The Hobbit is set to begin in February after it was finally given the go-ahead by film studio bosses.

Warner Bros also announced thatPeter Jackson, who directed the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy, would helm the two-part prequel.

The films, based on JRR Tolkien's book, had been delayed for months due to MGM Studios' - which owns half the project - ongoing financial woes.

No release dates for the movies have been given.

According to industry paper Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros and MGM reached a deal allowing MGM to cover its half of the production, estimated to cost a total of $500m (£313m).

Jackson, who co-wrote the screenplays and is also producing the films, originally hired Mexican-born Guillermo Del Toro to direct, but he pulled out in June citing almost two years of delays.

Last month, the project was threatened further after Jackson warned production could cease or be moved from its location in New Zealand over a pay wrangle with acting unions.

The two movies will be shot back to back using digital 3D cameras.

In a statement, Jackson said:"Exploring Tolkien's Middle-earth goes way beyond a normal film-making experience."

"It's an all-immersive journey into a very special place of imagination, beauty and drama. We're looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo."

The Lord of the Rings trilogy grossed nearly $3bn (£1.88bn) at box offices worldwide and in 2003 the final chapter, Return of the King, dominated the Oscars, winning in all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including best film.

Source

Quaid and wife issued with arrest warrant

An arrest warrant has been issued for actor Randy Quaid and his wife Evi after they failed to show up at a court for squatting at a California home.

Police arrested the couple last month, who claimed the Santa Barbara property still belonged to them.

It is also alleged The Quaids caused more than $5,000 (£3,158) in damage.

A Santa Barbara official said the couple may turn themselves in sooner, but their case will be called again on 26 October.

Randy and Evi Quaid each face tresspass and vandalism charges.

After the couple's arrest, the property's owners produced documents showing they had purchased the house in 2007 from a man who had bought it from the Quaids several years before.

The pair frequently missed court appearances in an earlier case involving charges they defrauded an innkeeper.

That case was resolved in April after Mrs Quaid pleaded no contest and was put on probation for three years. The charges against her husband were dropped.

Randy Quaid, 60, best-known for supporting roles in films such as Independence Day and National Lampoon's Vacation, is the older brother of fellow actor Dennis Quaid.

Their lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Source

Robert Downey Jr's 'lifetime' drugs struggle

'Sherlock Holmes' actor Robert Downey Jr admits the six years he has spent drug-free feel like a ''lifetime'', but that he can't pretend it didn't happen

The Hollywood legend - who has previously claimed to have not touched drugs since July 2003 - admits his battle with illegal substances and alcohol have been a struggle, but he is unable to pretend it didn't happen.

He told America's Playboy magazine:"Not having done drugs for literally five or six years is a lifetime. I think of myself as someone who has no desire, use for or conscious memory of that life. And yet I don't shut the door on it, and I don't pretend it didn't happen."

Robert has spoken candidly about his past addictions, claiming he was a"messed-up kid ... lost, lost in narcotics", who has been fortunate to get through it unscathed.

He explained:"Looking back, I think, 'Oh my God, I could have been done. I could have been so fried and so bad off and, oh my God, such a cautionary tale.' And I still could be."

However, the 45-year-old star - who married movie producer Susan Downey in 2005 - believes that learning to be respectful has helped him combat his demons.

He said:"It's about respect. It's not even about self-respect; it's about respect for life and all it offers."

Robert now believes his years of sobriety - which have seen him appear in movies including 'Iron Man', 'Tropic Thunder' and 'Sherlock Holmes' - have been the best of his life.

He added:"My age and my recent set of experiences ... Have left me feeling I'm in the zone. This is just the sweet spot of my career and my life so far, and strangely, they've come at the same time."

Robert was arrested and attended rehab several times between 1996 and 2001 over his drug problems.

Source

Courteney Cox and David Arquette Separate

After 11 years of marriage,Courteney CoxandDavid Arquetteacknowledge they've hit more than a few rough patches.

Now the Hollywood pair, who are parents to 6-year-old daughter Coco, have"agreed to a trial separation that dates back for some time,"they say in a statement.

"The reason for this separation is to better understand ourselves and the qualities we need in a partner and for our marriage,"they say."We remain best friends and responsible parents to our daughter and we still love each other deeply. As we go though this process we are determined to use kindness and understanding to get through this together."

They add:"We are comfortable with the boundaries that we have established for each other during this separation and we hope that our friends, family, fans and the media also show us respect, dignity, understanding and love at this time as well."

Cox, 46, and Arquette, 39, met in 1996 while filming Scream and were married three years later in San Francisco. Their daughter was born in 2004.

Just last summer In Style magazine reported that Cox showed up for an interview without her wedding ring and candidly said,"We've done couples therapy in the past."

"We're not lazy about our marriage,"Cox said in the August issue."We have the same arguments we've had for years."

Source

Rhys Ifans to play Spider-Man villain

ActorRhys Ifanshas been cast to play the villain in the new Spider-Man film, it has been announced.

Columbia Pictures' Matt Tolmach refused to reveal exactly which character he would play but added"he's the perfect choice to take on this role".

The film, to be shot in 3D, will focus on the formative years of Peter Parker and is set to be released in 2012.

Ifans' breakthrough role came in the 1999 film Notting Hill, where he played Hugh Grant's lazy lodger.

Ifans, currently starring as drug smuggler Howard Marks in Mr Nice, joins a cast that also includes Zombieland'sEmma Stone. Stone will play Gwen Stacy, the love interest for Spider-Man's alter ego, Peter Parker. The new film takes Spidey back to his high school days, and does not focus on his usual girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson. It may be that producers plump for an equally leftfield villain. Studio Sony has not revealed which character Ifans will play. The webslinger's most famous enemies include the Green Goblin, the Lizard, Venom, the Vulture and Doc Oc. Of the above, all but the Lizard and the Vulture featured in the previous trilogy of films directed by Sam Raimi.

Sony's Matt Tolmach said:"We have been very fortunate to attract some of the best actors working today to play the villains in the Spider-Man movies, and it is exciting to see that trend continue with Rhys Ifans. After seeing his performance in our upcoming film Anonymous, we're in awe of his talent and think he's the perfect choice to take on this role."

Source

Harry Potter 3D release cancelled

The 3D version of the next Harry Potter film has been ditched so as not to delay its release in standard 2D, Warner Bros Studios has said.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010)will hit theaters only in two dimensions on November 19, both in regular theaters and IMAX facilities.

“We will not have a completed 3D version of the film within our release date window,” Warner Bros. Announced on Friday.

“Despite everyone’s best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality,” it continues. “We do not want to disappoint fans who have long-anticipated the conclusion of this extraordinary journey.”

“This decision, which we completely support, underscores the fact that Warner Bros. Has always put quality first,” says director David Yates.

This second instalment will now be the first film in the Harry Potter series to be 3D.

In a statement on Friday, the studio said:"Despite everyone's best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality.

"We do not want to disappoint fans who have long anticipated the conclusion of this extraordinary journey.

"We, in alignment with our filmmakers, believe this is the best course to take in order to ensure that our audiences enjoy the consummate Harry Potter experience."

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was expected to be the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series, but in the past week author JK Rowling has revealed she might write more books about the boy wizard.

Rowling told US chat show host Oprah Winfrey that the characters were still in her head and she"could definitely"write several new books about them.

"I'm not going to say I won't,"she said.

Harry Potter's planned conversion to 3D comes amid a growing trend towards making blockbuster films available in both 2D and 3D.

In September the Film Distributors' Association said that 3D films had helped boost UK box office takings by 8% so far this year compared with the similar period of 2009.

It said that£786m had been generated between January and August, and that three of the year's top five films had been in 3D, which had helped to boost revenue as tickets are more expensive.

Source

Brand 'To Avoid Charges Over Airport Scuffle'

British funnyman Russell Brand is set to avoid charges over his recent arrest in Los Angeles.

The comic was detained by police at Los Angeles International Airport last month following an alleged clash with a photographer. He was charged with battery and released on£13,330 bail.

Brand insisted he was defending fiancee Katy Perry from an over-zealous snapper but American immigration officials revealed they were investigating the situation and could revoke his visa over the incident.

But the Get Him To The Greek star looks likely to avoid charges if he attends a court hearing along with the paparazzo on 19 November, to receive a reprimand from a judge.

L.A. City Attorney's Office spokesman Frank Mateljan tells E! News,"This is the only action as of now. Based on the info (information), it has been determined that this is the most appropriate action at this time."

Source

Emma Stone to play Gwen Stacy in 'Spider-Man'

Sony Pictures announced thatEmma Stonewill star alongside Andrew Garfield in Marc Webb's reboot of"Spider-Man."Stone, who is currently appearing in the comedy hit"Easy A,"will play play Gwen Stacy, one of Peter Parker's main love interests in the classic Marvel comic book.

Stone had been rumoured for the part of Mary Jane Watson, but Sony Pictures have revealed that the 21-year-old will instead play Peter Parker's college girlfriend Gwen Stacy.

In a statement, director Marc Webb said that Stone's"stunning"chemistry with Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield made her the clear choice.

"At the heart of the story of Peter Parker is not only the amazing Spider-Man, but also an ordinary teenager who is wondering what he has to do to get the girl,"Webb said."Andrew and Emma will bring everything audiences expect to these roles, but also make them their own."

Most fans first think of redheaded Mary Jane Watson as Peter Parker's love interest. Kirsten Dunst, in fact, died her hair red to play the role in Sam Raimi's first three"Spider-Man"films. However, in"Spider-Man"comic book lore, Stacy was known as Parker's"first love"and was killed early on in the series by the Green Goblin. It's unclear whether this means the Goblin will be the main villain in the new feature. Stacy, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, was previously featured in a secondary storyline in"Spider-Man 3."

Stone is best known for her roles in"Superbad"and"The House Bunny."The 21-year-old has a busy 2011 ahead of her as she's appearing"Crazy, Stupid, Love"alongside Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling and in"The Help."She also has a small role in the comedy"Friends with Benefits"and will voice a role in DreamWorks Animation’s comedy"The Croods."

Production on the new"Spider-Man,"also known as"Spider-Man 4,"is expected to begin early next year for a July 3, 2012 release.

Source

Official 'Transformers 3' title leaks?

The official title of the next Transformers movie is Transformers 3: The Dark of the Moon, according to fansite Sibertron.

Collider reports that sources close to the production on the Michael Bay-directed action sequel have confirmed the name.

It was revealed today because Amazon put up a listing so people could pre-order the movie tie-in books. The information was first posted in a Transformers forum, and then got picked up by a few news sites before Frosty over at Collider verified the title with a source on the film.

I'm sure the title plays directly into the storyline of this third film in the series, which Michael Bay has stated repeatedly is the end of a trilogy. If that's true, then that would indicate he's got plans that wrap up the admittedly loose continuity of the first two films. It also suggests a stronger narrative focus this time out, because there's basically nothing in the second film that indicates that they're building on the first film or expanding any ideas or story themes. Or, to be honest, that they even understand what story themes are. What is obviously their goal with these films is building giant set pieces and showcasing as many robots as possible while Shia LaBeouf and an interchangeable hottie run around. Which is fine... it's worked out well enough for them so far.

I liked the first film and didn't like the second one, so I'm happy to wait and see if this is going to end Bay's run with the property well or not. I do know that when Devin Faraci published a spoiler about the film's cold opening, I thought it was a cool idea, and it seems like a perfect fit considering today's reveal:

"There's a disturbance on the Moon. A robot shaped disturbance. Scientists on Earth see this and the information gets passed up the chain of command. In the White House, men in black suits are breathlessly running through the halls and burst into the Oval Office. The President is behind the desk, back turned to the door, looking out the window. One of the men tells the President, 'Sir, something's happened on the Moon!' The President turns around...

... and it's John F. Kennedy."

Evidently, the Transformers were a big part of the space race in the history of these films, and the new film has something to do with whatever it was that happened on the Moon in the early '60s. The cast includes new and old faces like LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Alan Tudyk, Ken Jeong, Patrick Dempsey, and John Malkovich.

Also, I have no idea who or what a Shockwave is, but if you're a Transformers fan and that name means something to you, he's the bad guy this time. I assume this is good news.

Franchise veteransShia LaBeouf,Josh DuhamelandTyrese Gibsonare starring in the movie along with newcomersRosie Huntington-Whiteley,Alan TudykandJohn Malkovich.

The film is expected to hit US cinemas on July 1, 2011.

Source

Hobbit Workshop Set Destroyed by Fire

The Hobbit prequel has been plagued by financial set-backs, the threat of a union strike, and now a fire has engulfed one of the workshop sets that would have been utilized in making the movie, damaging the facility beyond repair.

According to Deadline, flames engulfed Peter Jackson's Portsmouth Miniatures Studio in New Zealand, which would have been used for the The Hobbit as a specialist miniature shooting facility, one of the few that exist in the world. All that is left of the property is a burned out warehouse. It took more than fifty firefighters to put out the blaze, which lasted for more than three hours.

Officials say the cause of the fire is being investigated,"They have to sift through the rubble and work their way to an area where they believe the fire started,"TVNZ reports.

The shop would have been used in production of The Hobbit films, but no word on how extensive the damage might have been. Setbacks won't stop production, though!

Jackson is determined to get fans back to Middle-earth and is finalizing deals with the studios and unions, and settling problems with author J.R.R. Tolkien's underlying rights.

The (possibly) last obstacle?

Finding a way to finance the two-parter, which will cost half a billion dollars! (Small change, when you consider The Lord of the Rings trilogy raked in $3 billion worldwide.)

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinemas are ready to fork over half of the money, but it's taking a little longer for MGM to commit after struggling with bankruptcy for more than a year. MGM is expected to give the OK within a few days, the Times reports, and a deal with the Screen Actors Guild may also be close.

The prequels have been in preproduction for years, with $45 million already being spent. But if things get moving in January, we may be seeing Gandalf, Bilbo and Gollum back on the screen in time for the 2012 holiday season, and then again in 2013.

Source

Tributes paid to Tony Curtis

Tributes are being paid to Hollywood starTony Curtiswho has died at his US home in Nevada aged 85.

The actor, who starred oppositeMarilyn Monroein Some Like It Hot and was Oscar-nominated for his role in 1958's The Defiant Ones, passed away at home in Henderson, NV on September 29.

Curtis's daughterJamie Lee Curtispraised her father saying he"leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings".

"He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world,"she added.

His widow Jill said:"All Tony ever wanted to be was a movie star. He didn't want to be the most dramatic actor."

"He wanted to be a movie star, ever since he was a little kid."

The Oscar-nominated actor, who starred in Some Like it Hot opposite Marilyn Monroe, passed away peacefully in bed, a family spokesman said.

The star received an Oscar nod in 1959 for The Defiant Ones, in which he starred with Sidney Poitier.

His career spanned six decades and he made more than 120 films including Trapeze, Spartacus and The Vikings.

Veteran chatshow host Michael Parkinson, who interviewed Curtis several times, added that the actor was"a great chatshow host", saying:"Curtis was wonderfully indiscreet but he was very bright and did not take himself too seriously."

Curtis, who was hospitalised after an asthma attack in June, is believed to have died from a heart attack. He is survived by his sixth wife Jill Vandenberg and six children.

Source

Joaquin Phoenix: 'I wanted out'

Joaquin Phoenix has admitted that the strain of performing in I'm Still Here made him want to leave the project.

The film follows actor as he supposedly retires from Hollywood to pursue a hip-hop career. He had to stay in role at all times, even for his controversial appearance on the David Letterman show.

Both Phoenix and Casey Affleck, who made his directorial debut with the movie, continued to claim that the actor's behaviour was not a performance until shortly after the movie's US release.

Phoenix told Extra:"At some point, it became such a public spectacle. To be frank, we were kind of hostage to the process. There were times, honestly, where I wanted out. Even on a conventional film, I'm done after four months. But this went on and on."

However, despite the pressure of maintaining his public performance, Phoenix insisted:"I wanted to make a movie with my friends and make one in a different way. I wanted to have a different experience, and I'm really happy to have done that."

Speaking of the moment when filming began, Phoenix said:"'Is this, like, the moment? Shall I announce my retirement right now?' And Casey said, 'Yes'. It wasn't planned."

The 35-year-old actor added that his infamous appearance on Late Night with David Letterman was never intended to embarrass the TV host."I wasn't on the show to make a fool of him,"Phoenix explained.

"In this film, I think the only person who comes off as a real jerk is me."

Source

Lohan Sent back to Jail

Lindsay Lohanis headed back to jail a third time– and this may be the longest stay – after failing a mandatory drug test.

Judge Fox decided to deny bail for the actress given her past arrests and actions. This will be her third time spending time in jail; the original charges were filed in 2007 for driving drunk as well as multiple drug charges.

Both times she has been given jail time Lohan has been released due to“overcrowding.” The longest she has spent in jail was 14 days, which is not even one quarter of the 90 days she was sentenced to. Earlier this year a judge stated in a hearing that Lohan would receive 1 month in jail for each drug test she skipped or failed. This is her first failed test since then, so it is unknown whether she will actually receive a full month. It is also likely that she will once again be released early due to overcrowding.

Lohan, 24, said nothing and looked stunned as she stood, was handcuffed and led away by sheriff's deputies out a side door. She was crying as she was placed in an unmarked police car and driven toward the women's jail in Lynwood, Calif.

Lohan tested dirty about three weeks after being released early from inpatient rehab at UCLA Medical Center on Aug. 24.

"This was certainly a setback for me but I am taking responsibility for my actions and I'm prepared to face the consequences,"she Tweeted last week.

She previously completed 13 full days of a 30-day sentence in a Lynwood, Calif., jail on Aug. 2 after she violated probation in her DUI case.

Source

Peter Jackson Threatens to Shut Down Hobbit

Peter Jacksonhas warned that production on The Hobbit movies could cease over a pay wrangle with acting unions.

The Lord of the Rings director, who is the films' executive producer, said it faced being shut down or moved from its location in his native New Zealand.

In an open letter, Jackson said shifting the entire project to eastern Europe"could so easily happen".

Unions have urged actors not to work on the films due to the dispute.

A number of organisations based in the UK, Canada, Australia and the US have said the The Hobbit's producers have refused to negotiate a deal with them.

The International Federation of Actors said it was time for performers on The Hobbit to seek union contracts, adding that actors in New Zealand have"struggled on non-union contracts for some time".

Jackson said the wrangle was a"grab for power"and"an attempt by the"Australian bully-boy" to exert influence over New Zealand's film industry."

"It feels as if we have a large Aussie cousin kicking sand in our eyes... Or to put it another way, opportunists exploiting our film for their own political gain."

"Seriously, if the Hobbit goes east (Eastern Europe in fact) - look forward to a long, dry big-budget movie drought in this country,"added the film-maker.

Jackson said that he is not anti-union and"has always attempted to treat my actors and crew with fairness and respect".

He pointed out that Hobbit actors with no union representation are part of a profit-sharing pool.

The director made all three of the Lord of the Rings films and his screen adaptation of The Lovely Bones using New Zealand locations.

Jackson is expected to become the films' director after the departure of Guillermo del Toro due to concerns over delays - although a formal announcement has yet to be made.

Source

Beckinsale Back to 'Underworld 4'

After some talks about her possibility to return to"Underworld"movie franchise, Kate Beckinsale has finally signed up for"Underworld 4". Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment announce, via The Hollywood Reporter, that the actress has sealed a deal to reprise her role as Selene after starring in the first two films.

The movie has also got a start date, being planned to kick off principal photography in March 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. They are currently looking for a director and an actress to portray Selene's daughter. The script was written by John Hlavin before undergoing revisions by J. Michael Straczynski.

"Underworld 4"has been set to come out in the U.S. on January 20, 2012. It was previously reported that Beckinsale's appearance in the movie would be a short one because she will"pass the torch"to one of her daughters. However, the latest official announcement does not mention further detail about her role.

The first"Underworld,"released in 2003, launched a profitable franchise that has grossed more than $300 million worldwide, with the movies each costing less than $35 million to make.

The British actress returned for the sequel, 2006's"Underworld: Evolution,"but did not take part in 2009's"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,"which starred Rhona Mitra.

Kate Beckinsale has appeared in a number of movies such as"Pearl Harbor","Van Helsing"and"The Aviator". Her latest feature films are"Whiteout"and"Everybody's Fine"which both were released in 2009.

Source

Phoenix to Letterman:"I apologise"

Joaquin Phoenixpublicly apologised to US talkshow host David Letterman on Wednesday when he returned to America's Late Show and revealed all about his odd antics on the programme last year.

The Walk The Line star appeared dishevelled and uncomfortable as he attempted to promote what he claimed would be his final film, Two Lovers, on the show in 2009.

He evoked the presenter's wrath by refusing to remove his sunglasses for the studio interview and chewing gum as he spoke.

Phoenix's brother-in-law, director Casey Affleck, has since admitted the appearance was part of an elaborate"social experiment"stunt he had been filming for his new documentary I'm Still Here, about the actor's spoof efforts to become a rapper.

Appearing on the show for the first time since the incident, Phoenix told Letterman that he was sorry for his behaviour, which was since confirmed to be an act for his mock documentaryI'm Still Here (2010).

Phoenix told the host on Wednesday's Late Show:"I think that you've interviewed many, many people, and I assumed that you would know the difference between a character and a real person - but I apologise. I hope I didn't offend you in any way."

"Oh no. Oh no, no, no,"Letterman replied."I'm telling you, it was so much fun. It was batting practice, you know what I mean? Every one of them was a dinger."

The comedian also denied suggestions that he was in on the hoax.

"Was there a script that you and I were working with?"he asked Phoenix, to which the actor responded:"No. We'd hoped to come on a talkshow, and I was looking for a beat down, and I got one... I want to thank you for that."

Source