Save the date: 'Thor 2' will hammer its way to theaters July 26, 2013

Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today that the sequel to the superhero film "Thor" will be released July 26, 2013.

Chris Hemsworth

According to the studios, lead actor Chris Hemsworth (Thor) will return for the sequel but director Kenneth Branagh will not, although he may produce.

"Thor" has picked up $437 million from the worldwide box office so far.

"Thor 2" will Marvel's second feature of summer 2012, with "Iron Man 3" set for release on May 3, 2013.

'The Wolverine' to begin filming in October

The "Wolverine" sequel will begin filming this October and be released sometime next year, according to star Hugh Jackman.

Filming begins in October, Jackman says.

As Digital Spy reports, Jackman broke the news during an interview with Toronto radio station CHFI.

"We shoot in October, so it will probably come out a year after that. That's usually around the timeline," he said.

Earlier this month, Fox signed director James Mangold ("Knight and Day," "3:10 to Yuma" and "Walk the Line") for the project to replace Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan"), who dropped out of the project in March.

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" hit theaters in 2009, spinning off of the successful "X-Men" trilogy, told the backstory of Logan/Wolverine (played by Jackman). That film was expected to be first of a number of films exploring the histories of various X-Men. The next was supposed to be "Magneto," but it was eventually reworked into this month's "X-Men: First Class," a far superior film to "Wolverine."

"The Wolverine," as the sequel has come to be called, has a script from Christopher McQuarrie, whose resume includes "The Usual Suspects" and "Valkyrie," as well as the recently announced Jack Reacher adaptation, "One Shot." The story will be set mostly in Japan.

Matthew Fox, Ed Harris pull out of 'World War Z'

And that's how the zombies win.

According to Digital Spy, "World War Z" has lost two of its actors: Matthew Fox and Ed Harris.

Brad Pitt will star in the film adaptation.

"Lost" alum Fox has pulled out due to a scheduling conflict with "I, Alex Cross." He had signed on earlier this month to play the role of a parajumper.

Meanwhile, Digital Spy said negotiations with Harris have broken down for undisclosed reasons.

The novel "World War Z," written by Max Brooks, is described as a recounting of the "apocalyptic and horrifying years that will make sure we never forget how close we came to total annihilation. Told from the perspective of numerous survivors from all over the world, from Denver to South Africa, Sydney to Yonkers, Malibu to India, 'World War Z' captures the sacrifices and, toward the end, the ingenuity of our race to defend and save our cities, towns, and villages from a plague that seemed virtually impossible to stop."

The movie adaptation stars Brad Pitt ("Ocean's 11," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") as the U.N. worker who collects the accounts. Mireille Enos (AMC's "The Killing") will play Pitt's wife, while James Badge Dale (HBO's "Pacific") will play a soldier who tries to warn everyone of the impending threat. French actress Julia Levy-Boeken ("Entourage," "Road Trip: Beer Pong") is also attached.

T Bone Burnett, Danny Elfman to score 'Hunger Games'

The tributes are chosen by twos to play in "The Hunger Games." The same can now be said for the composers for the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best-selling novels.

Danny Elfman

The Hollywood Reporter broke the story late yesterday that Lionsgate has signed T Bone Burnett and Danny Eflman to score and develop songs for the film.

Burnett, along with Ryan Bingham, won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Crazy Heart" from the film of the same name. He also worked on such movies as "Walk the Line" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

Elfman has been nominated four times for Best Original Score at the Academy Awards, including twice in 1998 when the score categories were split between drama ("Good Will Hunting") and comedy ("Men in Black"). Some of his other memorable scores include "Batman," "Spider-Man," "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Sleepy Hollow."

T Bone Burnett

“The Hunger Games is such a special property,” Lionsgate’s Head of Film Music Tracy McKnight said in a statement. “It has worldwide mass appeal, but it’s also sophisticated, cerebral, soulful and rebellious. We needed a composer who can translate these qualities musically, and we have not one but two incredible artists in an absolutely thrilling first time ever collaboration.”

To date, the cast for "The Hunger Games" includes Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone"), Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia"), Donald Sutherland ("The Mechanic") Lenny Kravitz ("Precious"), Woody Harrelson ("Zombieland"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") is directing based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play"). The film is set for a March 23, 2012, release. 

Save the date: Stephanie Meyer's 'The Host' coming March 29, 2013

The film adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's "The Host" has a U.S. distributor and a release date.

Saoirse Ronan

Open Road Films will release the movie, set to start Saoirse Ronan ("Hanna"), on March 29, 2013.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Andrew Niccol (“Gattaca,” “Lord of War”), who also adapted the screenplay, will begin filming in February 2012 in Louisiana and New Mexico.

Ronan will play Melanie Stryder, who must fight to maintain her own identity when her body is invaded by an alien presence.

Open Road Films is a joint venture of theater chains AMC Entertainment and Regal Entertainment. "The Host" is company's first film to secure a release date.

DJ Cotrona, RZA taking the oath, joining 'G.I. Joe'

More Joes are answering the call to join director Jon M. Chu's "G.I. Joe" sequel, the latest being D.J. Cotrona and rapper RZA.

D.J. Cotrona

According to The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision, Cotrona, who was most recently seen in the ABC police procedural "Detroit 1-8-7," will play Flint.

RZA, who has had roles in "Due Date," "Repo Men" and "Funny People," will play Blind Master, a past trainer of Snake Eyes and Jinx (Elodie Yung).

Although Channing Tatum's Duke is the only character confirmed to be returning from the 2009 original, actress Rachel Nichols, who played Scarlett, posted on her Twitter account that Snake Eyes (Ray Park) and Storm Shadow (Byung-hun Lee) would also be back.

RZA

Chu ("Justin Beiber: Never Say Never") takes over for Stephen Sommers, who directed and helped develop the story for "The Rise of Cobra." The sequel is set for a Aug. 10, 2012 release.

The sequel is rumored to be called "Cobra Strikes," but neither Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sienna Miller or Christopher Eccleston set to return, I'm not sure how they'll pull it off unless they simply recast the characters of Cobra Commander and Destro.

As I've said before, "Rise of Cobra" was also a pretty fun action flick which went on to make $150 million domestically and another $152 million overseas. I don't really see how bringing in an almost entirely new cast is going to help them make more money.

Save the date: 'Fast Six' will be released May 24, 2013

Universal Pictures will release the as-yet-untitled "Fast and Furious 6" over the Memorial Day Weekend in 2013, May 24 to be specific.

"Fast Five" has grossed $596 million.

Almost nothing is known about the sixth installment, but it will presumably build on the surprise extra scene following the credits of April's "Fast Five."

To date the film is the third highest grossing film over the year at the U.S. box office with $207 million and has picked up a total of $596 million worldwide.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, lead actor Vin Diesel said he considers "Fast and Furious," "Fast Five" and the eventual sixth installment a trilogy.

Christopher Meloni promoted from detective to general in 'Man of Steel'

Fresh off the announcement he will not return for the 13th season of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," Christopher Meloni is the latest to be tied to Zack Snyder's Superman film, "Man of Steel."

Christopher Meloni

Although the initial reports had Meloni playing an undisclosed role, New York Magazine's Vulture reported Saturday that his character will be a general and the actor will be filming in Chicago, Vancouver and Edwards Air Force Base.

The news broke earlier in the week that actress Julia Ormond was in talks to play Superman's birth mother Lara Lor-Van. Additionally Russell Crowe is reportedly in negotiations to play Superman's father Jor-El.

Meloni also joins Henry Cavill ("Stardust") as Superman, Amy Adams ("Enchanted") as Lois Lane, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Jonathan and Martha Kent and Michael Shannon (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") as General Zod.

Meloni played Detective Elliot Stabler for all 12 seasons of "Special Victims Unit."

"The Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan is producing and helped develop the story with David S. Goyer, who wrote the screenplay.

Thomas Gibson renews contract to continue run on 'Criminal Minds'

With Thomas Gibson, "Criminal Minds" will have its entire main cast back.

After a rocky season filled with cast shakeups and surprise returns, "Criminal Minds" will officially be bringing back the entire gang next season with the news that Thomas Gibson has renewed his contract.

Deadline is reporting Gibson, who plays Supvisory Special Agent Aaron Hotcher, signed a two-year contract extension just two weeks before filming was set to begin on the series' seventh season.

Gibson was the final regular cast member to sign an extension and will join returning actresses A.J. Cook and Paget Brewster, whose characters were written out of the show last season.

Cook's Special Agent JJ Jareau left the show in the first several episodes when she was transferred to a different agency. She returned in the last scene of the season finale.  Emily Prentiss (Brewster) left following a multi-episode arc in which a killer from her past returns, almost kills her and then escapes. At the end of the season, the rest of the team, minus JJ, believes she is dead.

In April, Cook signed a new two-year contract to return. Then last month, after her pilot "My Life as an Experiment" wasn't picked up, ABC exercised its option on Brewster to bring her back as well. Meanwhile, the studio did not pick up an option for Rachel Nichols, whose Ashley Seaver was introduced this year.

The "Criminal Minds" spin-off "Suspect Behavior" was canceled last month after a lackluster first season in the ratings. Hopefully with the return of the main cast and without the ill-conceived spin-off as a distraction, the series can return to form after a lackluster season six.

'Tudors' Natalie Dormer joins 'Game of Thrones'

The successful first season of HBO's adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones" just wrapped up last weekend, but the news is already leaking over the casting of season two.

Natalie Dormer

Entertainment Weekly broke the news Thursday that Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") will join the fantasy series as Margaery Tyrell, who is betrothed to Renly Baratheon, youngest brother to King Robert. The actress portrayed Anne Boleyn on "The Tudors."

Martin's series--which currently stands at four books with the fifth due out next month--is known for its vast array of characters and Dormer's casting will surely be just the first of many to come.

Last weekend's finale set a ratings high three million viewers for the initial broadcast at 9 p.m. with a total of 3.9 when the second's viewership was added.

Pottermore to serve as 'online reading experience unlike any other'

After a week of speculation, "Harry Potter" author JK Rowling revealed the purpose of the mysterious website Pottermore, which is destined to be "an online reading experience unlike any other."

JK Rowling

Additionally, it will serve as an exclusive store for digital audio books and ebooks, previously unavailable, as well as a source of additional information about the fictional world of Harry Potter.

Rowling appeared in a Youtube video outlining the site's future, thanking Harry Potter readers and calling the new website a chance to give back.

"Thirteen years after the first Harry Potter book was published, I'm still astonished and delighted by the response the story's met," Rowling said in the video.

"Even though the seventh book and eighth film have been completed, I'm still receiving hundreds of letters every week and Harry's fans remain as enthusiastic and inventive as ever," she said. "So I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you because no author could have asked for a more wonderful, diverse and loyal readership."

Everyone will be able to join in October

Despite the announcement, the exact details have yet to be revealed, although a "lucky few" will be able to join early on July 31. It will be open to everyone beginning in October.

"It's the same story, with a few crucial addition, the most important one is you. Just as the experience of reading requires that the imaginations of the author and reader work together to create the story, so Pottermore will be built in part by you, the reader.

"The digital generation will be able to enjoy a safe, unique, online reading experience based around the 'Harry Potter' books. I'll be joining in too because I'll be sharing additional information that I've been hoarding for years about the world of Harry Potter.

Julia Ormond is the mother of Superman?

Deadline is reporting Julia Ormond is in talks to join Zack Snyder's "Man of Steal" as Superman's birth mother Lara Lor-Van.

Julia Ormond

If she does sign, she could be working alongside Russell Crowe, who is reportedly in talks to play Superman's father Jor-El.

Ormond would also join Henry Cavill ("Stardust") as Superman, Amy Adams ("Enchanted") as Lois Lane, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Jonathan and Martha Kent and Michael Shannon (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") as General Zod.

The actress recently had a recurring role on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and appeared in "The Music Never Stopped," which saw a limited release in March.

"The Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan is producing and helped develop the story with David S. Goyer, who wrote the screenplay.

Watchmen scribe to write 'The Crow'; Bradley Cooper confirmed for lead

While Relativity Media's planned remake of "The Crow" has already sparked litigation, the project continues to move forward with screenwriter Alex Tse now being tapped to write the script.

Bradley Cooper

Relativity Media President of Worldwide Production Tucker Tooley and Edward R. Pressman, producer behind the "The Crow" franchise, announced today they have attached Tse ("Watchmen").

Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo ("28 Weeks Later"), "The Crow" adaptation will be a "gritty reboot of the gothic iconic character Eric Draven, who returns from the grave as The Crow on a mission to avenge his wife’s murder, so that his soul can finally rest."

The pair also announced today that Bradley Cooper ("Limitless"), who had been in talks, is now attached to star as Draven.

"The original film is known for its breakthrough visual style as well as its unique production design and cinematography," the studio said in a release. "Fresnadillo and Tse are perfectly suited to bring these beloved characters back to life, and to create a world worthy of this modern classic."

Relativity and Edward R. Pressman Film Corporation will be teaming with Spain-based Apaches Entertainment on the production. The Crow is being produced by Edward R. Pressman, Jeff Most, Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, and Apaches’ Enrique López Lavigne and Belén Atienza. Relativity’s Tooley (The Fighter) and Apaches’ Jesus de la Vega will serve as executive producers. José Ibáñez and Pressman Film Corporation’s Jon Katz will serve as co-producers.

Evangeline Lilly, Barry Humphries latest to join 'The Hobbit'

After remaining quiet for the first half of June, director Peter Jackson was back posting updates on his Facebook page this past weekend, announcing Evangeline Lilly and Barry Humphries as the latest additions to "The Hobbit."

Evangeline Lilly

"Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character--the Woodland Elf, Tauriel," Jackson posted. "Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing! (No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas.) What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life."

Lilly, who will next be seen in the Hugh Jackman-starring "Real Steel" in October, is best known for her portrayal of the enigmatic Kate in ABC's "Lost."

Meanwhile, Humphries will be the Goblin King in "The Hobbit."

"I'm also highly excited that Barry Humphries will be portraying the Goblin King, in much the way Andy Serkis created Gollum," Jackson said. "Barry is perhaps best known for his business and social connections as the long-time manager of Dame Edna Everage. He has also been an ardent supporter of the rather misunderstood and unfairly maligned Australian politician, Sir Les Patterson. However, in his spare time, Barry is also a fine actor, and we're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves."

Humphries has appeared in numerous roles on television and in movies, including providing the voice of Bruce the shark in "Finding Nemo."

"The Hobbit" will be presented at two films. The first, titled “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” will be released on Dec. 14, 2012. The second, titled “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, on Dec. 13, 2013.

Both films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” The adventure of “The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. 

Dead modem = no internet

I apologize for the lack of posts over the past few days. After seven solid years of service, my ISP modem died. Of course it would have to go out on a Friday afternoon. I finally got it replaced yesterday and and now back in business.

Logan Lerman back for 'Percy Jackson' sequel

Although "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" was not a huge hit at the box office or with critics, Fox is moving forward with a sequel.

The first film hit theaters in 2010.

The Los Angeles Times reports the studio has exercised it option on Logan Lerman, who played the title character in the first film, and has hired Thor Freudenthal ("Diary of a Wimpy Kid") to direct.

"The Lightning Thief," based on the book series by Rick Riordan, follows Percy as he discovers he's actually the son of the Greek god Poseidon and meets a number of other teenage demigods. The movie aged Percy from 12 to 17, and injected more teenage humor and the like. Christopher Columbus ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") directed and will stay on board for the sequel in the role of producer, Chris Columbus.

The "Percy Jackson" series includes five books as well as several spin-offs. The second book, which would presumably be the basis for the sequel, is subtitled "The Sea of Monsters," and follows Percy and company as they try to find the Golden Fleece.

The Times reported in March that Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski ("Agent Cody Banks") have been hired to write the script.

The first film has some story and pacing issues, but delivered on the humor and children--it's target audience afterall--seemed to like it. With "Harry Potter" taking his final bow next month, there will be a waiting market for teenage fantasy heroes.

Note: Hat tip to Digital Spy for the link.

What lies at the end of Harry Potter? Is it Pottermore? (UPDATED)

The new website's purpose remains a mystery.

Want more Harry Potter? How about Pottermore?

"Harry Potter" author JK Rowling has revealed a new website whose purpose remains a mystery.

JK Rowling

Fan sites began receiving teasers yesterday which directed curious fans to a serious of coordinates, which when inputed into www.secretstreetview.com, revealed a letter. Put together, they eventually spelled out Pottermore.

In addition to the site, which now only features Rowling's signature and a "coming soon" message (shown above), Pottermore has a Twitter account.

The Leaky Cauldron reported it received a preview of the site and called it "breathtaking."

Next month will mark four years since the seventh and final book in the "Harry Potter" saga was published as well as the final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

UPDATE: The website now features a pair of owls which link to a Youtube channel with a countdown to an announcement from Rowling. According to the countdown, the announcement will come on Thursday, June 23, at 7 a.m. EST.

Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch join 'The Hobbit' as Bard, Smaug

The role of Bard has been cast for Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit," and the news broke somewhere other than Jackson's Facebook page.

Luke Evans

The director has been busy keeping fans up to date on the production, but this time Deadline broke the news that Luke Evans had landed the role.

The site also reported Benedict Cumberbatch will provide the voice of the dragon Smaug.

Evans was Apollo in the "Clash of the Titans" remake and will next be seen as Aramis in Paul W.S. Anderson's "The Three Musketeers," which is due out in October. Cumberbatch portrayed Sherlock Holmes in BBC's modern-day take on the character and will be seen this December in Steven Spielberg's film adaptation of the play "War Horse," which cleaned house at the Tony Awards last weekend.

Benedict Cumberbatch

"The Hobbit" will be presented at two films. The first, titled “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” will be released on Dec. 14, 2012. The second, titled “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” is slated for release the following year, on Dec. 13, 2013.

Both films are set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” The adventure of “The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. 

'The Wolverine' catches a director: James Mangold

The anticipated "Wolverine" sequel has been without someone at the helm since director Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan") dropped out of the project in March.

The first film hit theaters in 2009.

The search for a replacement has included a number of top directors, but Deadline is reporting Fox has settled on James Mangold.

The director's most recent projects have included "Knight and Day," "3:10 to Yuma" and "Walk the Line."

According to the report, negotiations between Mangold and Fox are set to begin soon.

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" hit theaters in 2009, spinning off of the successful "X-Men" trilogy, told the backstory of Logan/Wolverine (played by Hugh Jackman). That film was expected to be first of a number of films exploring the histories of various X-Men. The next was supposed to be "Magneto," but it was eventually reworked into this month's "X-Men: First Class," a far superior film to "Wolverine."

"The Wolverine," as the sequel has come to be called, has a script from Christopher McQuarrie, whose resume includes "The Usual Suspects" and "Valkyrie," as well as the recently announced Jack Reacher adaptation, "One Shot." The story will be set mostly in Japan.

'The Crow' suit heading to arbitration

The lawsuit between The Weinstein Co. and Relativity over "The Crow" remake is heading to arbitration after the judge in the case ruled the contract between the two companies required it.

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo is set to direct.

The Weinstein Co. sued Relativity in April, claiming the company broke an existing contract between the two over the exclusive worldwide distribution rights of the film.

According to the suit, the Weinsteins claim that Relativity owner Ryan Kavanaugh "decided that Relativity would not perform that contract and will purport to sell TWC's distribution rights to others here and overseas in willful breach of the contract."

Relativity in turn rejected the suit and claimed the Weinsteins failed to uphold their distribution agreement for 2009's "Nine," which was partially financed by Relativity.

The lawyers for both sides have been decidedly vocal and following today's ruling was no different with The Hollywood Reporter quoting both sides.

Matthew Fox, Ed Harris in talks for 'World War Z'

The list of zombie survivors grows as Matthew Fox and Ed Harris are the latest to be attached to director Marc Forster's "World War Z."

Matthew Fox

Deadline is reporting both actors are in talks to join, as is French actress Julia Levy-Boeken ("Entourage," "Road Trip: Beer Pong").

Fox, who wrapped up his role as the tortured Jack Shepard on ABC's "Lost" last year, will next be seen in "I, Alex Cross," the adaptation of James Patterson's novel starring Tyler Perry in the title role. Meanwhile Harris' last wide release was the historical drama "The Way Back," although he has several projects already lined up for this year and next.

Ed Harris

The novel "World War Z," written by Max Brooks, is described as a recounting of the "apocalyptic and horrifying years that will make sure we never forget how close we came to total annihilation. Told from the perspective of numerous survivors from all over the world, from Denver to South Africa, Sydney to Yonkers, Malibu to India, 'World War Z' captures the sacrifices and, toward the end, the ingenuity of our race to defend and save our cities, towns, and villages from a plague that seemed virtually impossible to stop."

The movie stars Brad Pitt ("Ocean's 11," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") as the U.N. worker who collects the accounts. Mireille Enos, who is currently playing police officer Sarah Linden in AMC's "The Killing," will play Pitt's wife, while James Badge Dale (HBO's "Pacific") will play a soldier who tries to warn everyone of the impending threat.

Russell Crowe in talks for Jor-El in 'Man of Steel'

Russell Crowe is in talks to play Superman's father Jor-El in the Zack Synder's "Man of Steel."

Variety broke the story, which mirrors the marquee casting of Marlon Brando as Jor-El in 1978's "Superman."

Russell Crowe

If Crowe does take the role, he will join Henry Cavill ("Stardust") as Superman, Amy Adams ("Enchanted") as Lois Lane, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Jonathan and Martha Kent and Michael Shannon (HBO's "Boardwalk Empire") as General Zod.

"The Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan is producing and helped develop the story with David S. Goyer, who wrote the screenplay.

Jor-El is a scientist who discovers his planet Kryton's impending doom and sends his son in a rocket to Earth to save him.

Crowe, who is filming "The Man with the Iron Fists," was last seen in "The Next Three Days" and "Robin Hood," both of which hit theaters last year.

Tom Cruise to take his 'One Shot' as Jack Reacher?

Tom Cruise is Jack Reacher? Perhaps.

Deadline is reporting Cruise is in negotiations with Paramount and Skydance Productions to star in the adaptation of author Lee Child's "One Shot," one of 15 books featuring Jack Reacher.

Tom Cruise

Reacher is a drifter, a former military police officer traveling the country and getting involved in a variety of adventures. Unlike Cruise, Reacher is described as 6'5", 220 to 250 and having dirty blond hair.

Reacher first appeared in 1997's "Killing Floor." "One Shot" is his ninth book, published in 2005.

According to the report, Christopher McQuarrie will write and direct the adaptation. Although his only directing credit to date is 2000's "The Way of the Gun," his writing resume includes "The Usual Suspects," "Valkyrie" and the forthcoming "Jack the Giant Killer."

'American Gods' to become extended series on HBO

Neil Gaiman's novel “American Gods” is set to become an HBO series spanning six seasons totaling as many as 72 episodes.

The series would span six seasons.

The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Playtone Production partner Gary Goetzman recently about the project.

Goetzman and Tom Hanks will executive produce with Bob Richardson and Gaiman writing.

According to the latest report, the series will be six season, with each season containing 10 to 12 hour-long episodes with a budget of around $35 to $40 million. The series could debut on HBO as soon as 2013.

“American Gods” was published in 2001 to critical applause, winning the 2002 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, SFX Magacine and Bram Stoker Awards for Best Novel. The story follows Shadow, a man released from prison only to find his life turned upside down. He is hired by the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, becoming a piece in a larger conflict with the very soul of America on the line.

The country's varied religions and belief systems take center stage with their deities becoming active characters.

“There are some crazy things in there. We’ll probably be doing more effects in there than it’s been done on a television series,” Goetzman told The Hollywood Reporter.

It was first reported in April that the project could be heading to HBO after Gaiman himself broke the news his book's film rights had been sold.

James Badge Dale to fight the good fight in 'World War Z'

Actor James Badge Dale is reportedly in talks to join the fight for humanity's survival against the zombie hordes.

James Badge Dale

According to Variety, Dale is in negotiations for the film adaptation of Max Brooks' "World War Z." The actor, who starred in HBO's "Pacific" as well as "The Departed," will play a soldier who tries to warn everyone of the impending threat.

The book's website describes it a recounting of the "apocalyptic and horrifying years that will make sure we never forget how close we came to total annihilation. Told from the perspective of numerous survivors from all over the world, from Denver to South Africa, Sydney to Yonkers, Malibu to India, 'World War Z' captures the sacrifices and, toward the end, the ingenuity of our race to defend and save our cities, towns, and villages from a plague that seemed virtually impossible to stop."

Brad Pitt ("Ocean's 11," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") is set to play a U.N. worker who collects the accounts. Mireille Enos, who is currently playing police officer Sarah Linden is AMC's "The Killing," will play Pitt's wife.

The movie, to be directed by Marc Forster ("Finding Neverland," "Stranger than Fiction"), is based on a script from J. Michael Straczynski ("Babylon 5," "Jeremiah") and Matt Carnahan ("State of Play," "The Kingdom").

Open casting call for 'The Avengers'

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is advertising an open casting call for the Marvel Comics' "The Avengers."

Those wishing to try out for a part in the film tying together all of Marvel's recent theatrical offerings--"Iron Man," "The Incredible Hulk" and "Thor," along with the forthcoming "Captain America"--are asked to come to the Holiday Inn Independance on July 15 or 16.

The full notice reads:

MARVEL FEATURE FILM ‘THE AVENGERS’ OPEN CASTING CALL
ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS! !

WHEN:	Friday, July 15 Noon – 4 pm Saturday, July 16 10 am to 4 pm
WHERE:	Holiday Inn – Independence 6001 Rockside Road Independence, OH 44131 (map)
NOTES:	Must be 18 years or older Parents can submit current pictures of children under 18 Please come well-groomed and wearing your best business executive outfit Your photo will be taken at no charge Please bring a pen for application Know your clothing sizes!

Note: Hat tip to Comingsoon.net for the link.

Disney sending 'Lost' producer Damon Lindelof back to '1952'

Deadline is reporting "Lost" executive producer Damon Lindelof has signed a seven-figure deal with Disney to write and produce an original sci-fi film suitable for the family.

Damon Lindelof

According to the report, the film has a working title of '1952' and could spread out into other media.

In addition to his work on "Lost," Lindelof partnered with Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman on the screenplay for next month's "Cowboys & Aliens" and they are currently working on the script for the forthcoming "Star Trek" sequel. He also worked on the script for Ridley Scott's planned "Alien" prequel, which is now being considered an original film called "Prometheus."

Screenwriter John Hlavin to take a 'Risk'

Comic books have been getting film aadaptations left and right, so why not board games, right?

Risk was created by Albert Lamorisse

Columbia Pictures announced today its forthcoming adaptation of the board game Risk has a writer, John Hlavin.

The project was first announced in 2009 and is being developed as an action thriller. The board game was first released in 1957 in France by Parker Brothers, now a division of Hasbro. Risk pits players against each other as they strive to conquer the world with their armies.

Hlavin wrote episodes for several television series including "Day Break" and "The Shield," and is among the credited writers for "Underworld: New Dream," due out next year.

Writer hired for possible 'Tron: Legacy' sequel

Disney is prepping a third trip to the grid and has hired David DiGilio ("Traveler") to pen a sequel to last year's "Tron: Legacy."

"Legacy" hit theaters in December.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Legacy" writers Adam Horowitz and Adam Kitsis were on board for the sequel but left to work on "Once Upon a Time" for ABC.

The report goes on to say whether or not the third film gets a green light will be determined by the success of the animated series "Tron Uprising" which is set to debut on Disney XD in 2012.

It is not known whether "Legacy" director Joseph Kosinski will return.

Obviously the first film is a classic. The sequel bowed in December and picked up $172 million domestically and an even $400 million worldwide. It was not a cheap movie to produce though.

Story wise, it definitely left room to continue, though as I mentioned in my review of the film, if they do follow Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) and the plight of the ISOs, they need to be careful not to garner comparisons to "The Matrix" movies.

'Fringe' writer Kane to pen script for 'Daredevil' reboot

In 2003, Ben Affleck put on the costume of Marvel Comics' Daredevil, the blind crime fighter Matt Murdock.

The "Born Again" arc ran in 1986.

Eight years later, Fox is looking to reboot the franchise and has hired "Fringe" writer/producer Brad Caleb Kane to write the script, according to Heat Vision.

The original film was one of a number of comic book adaptations to hit the market following the successes of "X-Men" and "Spider-Man" in 2000 and 2002 respectively. "Daredevil," however, was a disappointment compared to those two, only bringing in $102 million at the domestic box office, and was not well received critically. The film was looked upon in a better light after the atrocious spin-off "Elektra" gave them something for comparison.

The reboot will be Kane's first feature. According to Heat Vision, the film will adapt the 1986 "Born Again" story arc written by Frank Miller in which the crime lord Kingpin (played by Michael Clark Duncan in the original film) learns Daredevil's secret identity and proceeds to ruin his life, driving him into insanity.

Dwayne Johnson suiting up for 'G.I. Joe 2'?

Dwayne Johnson is reportedly in talks to join the as yet untitled "G.I. Joe" sequel.

Dwayne Johnson

Deadline is reporting Johnson, who was most recently seen in "Fast Five," would play Roadblock. If so, he would join actor Channing Tatum, according to the report.

Tatum played Duke in the 2009 live-action adaptation, along side a cast which included Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rachel Nichols, Dennis Quaid and Marlon Wayans.

Earlier reports, however, have hinted that the sequel, which will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") will most likely drop much of the original cast with the exception of Channing.

I'll be honest. The more I hear about this project, the less I like. I have nothing against Johnson and think this is one of the better news items about the film, but there just seems to be so much more going wrong. Which is shame.

The first film was no masterpiece, but it was a sure sight better than "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," which opened earlier the same summer. It was also a pretty fun action flick which went on to make $150 million domestically and another $152 million overseas.

The movie served as an origin story of sorts and original director Stephen Sommers had plans for future installments. I guess we will never know what he had in mind.

Open casting call issued for 'The Dark Knight Rises'

An open casting call has been issued for "Magnus Rex," which appears to be the production title for Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises."

SWD Casting issued the call for Pittsburgh, where "The Dark Knight Rises" is being filmed.

Prisoners, guards, cops sought

According to the casting call, "A Warner Bros. Film requires extras to play as victims and perpetrators within a city besieged by crime and corruption. Take part in the urban action adventure ripping through the streets of Pittsburgh from July 28 through Aug. 21."

Viral videos released on Youtube have suggested a mass breakout from Gotham City's Arkham Asylum.

The full casting is available behind the jump.

Disney shopping for a new 'Pirates' director?

Disney is reportedly shopping around for a new director for a fifth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film.

"On Stranger Tides" opened May 20.

Cinema Blend is reporting "On Stranger Tides" director Rob Marshall has been offered the chance to helm the fifth installment but has not yet signed. Gore Verbinski directed the first three "Pirates of the Carribbean" films.

According to the report, citing "reliable sources," Disney's "dream" choice would be Tim Burton ("Alice in Wonderland"), but they are also looking at Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum"), Sam Raimi ("Spider-Man"), Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass"), and Alfonso Cuaron ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban").

Actor Johnny Depp has said in interviews he is willing to consider another tour as Captain Jack Sparrow, but would like to see some time between movies. He also said the script would have to meet his approval.

Geoffrey Rush, who plays Captain Barbossa, recently said he feels there are plenty of stories left in the franchise.

Although the latest film is trailing its predecessor at the U.S. box office, it continues to break records overseas and to date has amassed $641 million worldwide. Suffice to say, Disney wants more.

I preferred Verbinski's films to Marshall's turn in the franchise, and if Weitz or Cuaron are actually interested, either would be a coup for Disney. As for Burton, he tends to put such a distinctive mark on his films, I don't think it would feel cohesive with the rest of the franchise.

Viral videos tease 'The Dark Knight Rises'

"The Dark Knight Rises" is going viral with a series of Youtube videos depicting chaos and destruction to the tune of strange chanting.

TheFireRises, which is the same moniker of the Twitter user who unveiled the teaser photo of Tom Hardy as Bane, has posted several videos (shown below).

The latest shows footage of Gotham City News anchor Mike Engel (Anthony Michael Hall) covering a break-out at Arkham. The others show anything from hooded prisoners, a burning taxi, an ambulance and a skyscraper on fire.

The chanting is the same that graces the film's official website.



(More videos after the jump.)

Storyboarding underway for 'How to Train Your Dragon 2'

Storyboarding has begun on the sequel to the Academy Award-nominated film "How to Train Your Dragon."

The first film hit theaters March 26, 2010.

The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog quoted writer/director Dean DeBlois talking about the progress made so far on the sequel, which is set for release on June 20, 2014.

“There are certain characters and situations that come into play in the second film that will becomes much more crucial to the story by the third. Other threads from the first will begin to pay themselves off in the second,” DeBlois said. “It's my way of guaranteeing that it is not another adventure that we throw the same five or six characters into, that it feels like part of a larger story.”

He went on to say storyboarding is underway after the completion of several drafts of the script.

The first film was loosely based on the first installment in author Cressida Cowell's nine-book series of the same name. Since the movie departed rather significantly from the book, it's expected the sequel will do as well.

"How To Train Your Dragon" made my top five list films of 2010 list, and remains one of my favorite animated films of recent years. The film went on to earn two Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

'Hunger Games' to become four movies?

While Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" series consists of three books, Lionsgates is preparing for the possibility of converting them into four movies.

As Deadline reports, Lionsgate officials let the news slip while talking to Wall Street analysts this week.

"Mockingjay" was published in 2010.

According to the report, Lionsgate included the possibility in the cast's contracts, unlike those for the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" series, which had to be adjusted after each added a movie by splitting the final installment in two. Both studios are set to bank a lot more money from the decisions, although they ultimately had to to pay their casts prime dollar for the extra film.

To date, the cast for "The Hunger Games" includes Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone"), Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia"), Donald Sutherland ("The Mechanic") Lenny Kravitz ("Precious"), Woody Harrelson ("Zombieland"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

Of course Lionsgate will benefit financially from a fourth film, but I'm not convinced "Mockingjay," the third book in the series, really needs to be spread over two movies. Either way, I doubt a final decision will be made until the studio sees how well the returns are for the first film, which is set to hit theaters March 23, 2012.

Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") is directing based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play").

Donald Sutherland is President Snow in 'The Hunger Games'

Donald Sutherland is the latest to join Lionsgate's "The Hunger Game" film with the announcement he will play President Snow.

Donald Sutherland

Snow is the leader of Panem, which puts on the Hunger Games, an annual fight to death involving two children chosen from each of the 12 districts of the country.

Sutherland, whose career spans almost 50 years, was most recently seen in "The Mechanic" and "The Eagle."

"The Hunger Games" trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins, follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia"), who are the tributes from District 12 in the 74th games.

Sutherland also joins Lenny Kravitz ("Precious"), Woody Harrelson ("Zombieland"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

"The Hunger Games" is being directed by Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play"). It is set for a March 23, 2012, release and is expected to be rated PG-13.