"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' joins $1 billion club

It's official. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" has become the eighth film and second this year to pass the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office.

The film crossed $1 billion in 19 days.

According to Box Office Mojo, the film, the eighth in the "Harry Potter" franchise, broke the barrier on its 19th day of release, tying James Cameron's "Avatar" as the fastest to do so.

Domestically, it finished in fourth place this weekend with $21.9 million, for a four week total of $318 million. That puts it over previous franchise champ, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," with hauled in $317 million during its 2001 release. "Death Hallows Part 2," however, is benefiting from higher ticket prices, including premium 3D and IMAX showings.

Internationally, the film raised $66.4 million over the weekend, bringing its total to $690 million, and with its debut in China set for next weekend, there is more galleons yet to be had.

According to Mojo's tallies, "Deathly Hallows Part 2" now stands at 26th all-time domestically (not taking into account for inflation) and eighth worldwide.

“What’s truly astounding is that these kind of numbers are being achieved so early in the film’s release,” The Hollywood Reporter quoted Warners Bros. president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman and president of international distribution Veronikia Kwan-Rubinek.

Already this summer, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strange Tides" crossed the $1 billion mark, and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is expected to do so soon. Last year, "Alice in Wonderland" and "Toy Story 3" accomplished the feat.

HBO co-president: 'Game of Thrones' will continue as long as Martin keeps writing

HBO issued a resounding commitment to its adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series at the Television Critics Association press tour Thursday.

"Game of Thrones" earned 13 Emmy nods

Speaking about the success of the first season of "Game of Thrones," HBO Co-President Richard Plepler said, "The truth is when you see how thrilled [Martin] is with the production, we know we’ve succeeded partially by his satisfaction. We told George we’d go as long as he kept writing."

HBO renewed the series for a second season after only one episode had aired, and casting has already begun.

To date, the new cast members include Liam Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The fifth novel in Martin's epic series, "A Dance with Dragons," was released earlier this month. Season two of the series will follow the story of "A Clash of Kings," the second novel. At the San Diego Comic Con, producers hinted that the third novel, "A Storm of Swords," would be broken into two seasons.

"Game of Thrones' picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The winners will be announced during the Sunday, Sept. 18, ceremony, which airs on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.

More photos from "The Hunger Games"

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne

In advance of its new issue featuring photos from the upcoming "Hunger Games" adaptation, Entertainment Weekly has released a number of new samples online.

The photos feature lead actors Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone") as Katniss Everdeen, Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song") as Gale Hawthorne and Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia") as Peeta Mellark in costume and on set.

"The Hunger Games," based on the trilogy of novels by Suzanne Collins, follows Katniss and Peeta as they are chosen to participate in an annual fight to death involving two children chosen from each of the 12 districts of Panem. Peeta and Gale ultimately become rivals for Katniss' affections.

"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.

'Star Trek 2' loses its summer 2012 release day to 'G.I. Joe 2'

You win some, you lose some.

As for June 29, 2012, the day lost the followup to J.J. Abram's "Star Trek" and instead won "G.I. Joe 2." Not really an equitable trade, but you play the cards you're dealt.

Chris Pine is set to return at James Kirk

According to Deadline, Abrams is now working with screenwriters Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof on the "Star Trek" sequel, but the project's delays pretty much guaranteed it wouldn't make the planned June 29, 2012, release.

So Paramount officially pulled it off the date, and replaced it with another of its sequels, the as yet untitled "G.I. Joe 2," which will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and had been set for an Aug. 10, 2012, release.

Meanwhile, Abrams hasn't actually signed on to direct "Star Trek 2," although he is producing and as mentioned above, helping with the script. It should only be a matter of time before he makes it official, however, that he will be at the helm of the Enterprise's adventures again.

Entertainment Weekly reveals Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson as Gale and Peeta

Back in May, Entertainment Weekly released the first photos of Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming film adaptation of "The Hunger Games."

Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson

This Friday, they're doing it again, this time with lead actors Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song") as Gale Hawthorne and Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia") as Peeta Mellark.

The actors' castings did not come without controversy among fans of Suzanne Collins' trilogy, especially Hemsworth. Of course there's the obvious in that the blond Hemsworth was cast as the dark-haried Gale and the other way around for Hutcherson and Peeta. From the look of the cover photo (shown above), a little hair dye fixed that problem.

"The Hunger Games" follows Katniss and Peeta as they are chosen to participate in an annual fight to death involving two children chosen from each of the 12 districts of Panem. Peeta and Gale ultimately become rivals for Katniss' affections.

"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.

Elyes Gabel joining 'World War Z'

"Games of Thrones" actor Elyes Gabel is traveling from Westeros to the zombie-infested world of "World War Z."

Heat Vision is reporting the actor will play Fassberch in the adaptation of Max Brooks' novel.

Elyes Gabel

 Gabel played Rakharo in the inaugural season of HBO's "Game of Thrones."

The novel 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.

'Man of Steel' delayed to Summer 2013

Zach Synder's "Man of Steel" will be its time to take flight, hitting theaters in the summer of 2013 rather than the holiday season of 2012.

Henry Cavill

Warner Bros. made the announcement Wednesday, setting the release as June 14, 2013, although filming will still begin later this summer as planned.

"Man of Steel" will feature 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. Harry Lennix ("Dollhouse") will play play Sgt. Stanwick and Christopher Meloni ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") will play a general.

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

With Warner Bros. working on Peter Jackson's two part "Hobbit" adaptation, the first film of which is set for release on Dec. 14, 2012, this move isn't a surprise. Warner Bros. is known for spacing out its tent pole projects, infamously delaying the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" from November 2008 to July 2009 after the massive box office success of "The Dark Knight" the previous summer.

Liam Cunningham is Davos the Onion Knight in 'Game of Thrones'

The Onion Knight has a name and it is Liam Cunningham.

The latest addition to the cast of HBO's second season of "Game of Thrones," Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") will play Davos Seaworth, a knight serving Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, "John Adams"), Entertainment Weekly reports.

Liam Cunningham

A former smuggler, Davos earned his title and his nickname during the war which saw Stannis' brother Robert steal the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Davos was able to get food to Stannis, who was under siege at the castle of Storm's End. After the war, Stannis knighted Davos, but cut the tips of his fingers as punishment for his life as a smuggler.

In the second novel of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "A Clash of Kings," upon which season two will be based, Davos is one of two new point-of-view characters and it is through his eyes that readers get to see much of Stannis.

Cunningham is the fifth major casting announcement for season two after Dillane as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

Mixed signals following collapse of 'Dark Tower' project

The dust is still settling from the collapse of Ron Howard's planned adaptation of Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series, so perhaps it's not surprising there are decidedly mixed signals coming from the wreckage.

Stephen King

Universal Pictures passed on the ambitious project to turn Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series in a trio of films bridges by two television mini-series. Deadline reported Monday that the Universal would only commit to the first film after receiving scripts from Akiva Goldsman ("I Am Legend," "A Beautiful Mind") for the film and television series. This project's backers were not satisfied with the decision and refused to sign on.

King spoke briefly with Entertainment Weekly about the setback, saying he wasn't surprised by the decision but was still hopeful the project can still be made.

“I’m sorry Universal passed, but not really surprised,” he told EW in an email. “As a rule, they’ve been about smaller and less risky pix; maybe they feel it would be better to stick with those fast and furious racing boys. I bear them no ill will, and trust Ron Howard to get Roland and his friends before the camera somewhere else. He’s very committed to the project.”

Ron Howard

Despite King's optimism, Deadline reported Tuesday that Howard will be directing an adaptation of Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven" with a script from Dustin Lance Black ("Milk," "J. Edgar"). According to publisher Random House, the nonfiction book follows "an appalling double murder committed by two Mormon Fundamentalist brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a revelation from God commanding them to kill their blameless victims."

According to Deadline's reports, Warner Bros., which is backing "Under the Banner of Heaven," is a possible partner to revive the "Dark Tower" project, so this could be a double-edged sword, with Howard strengthening his partnership with the studio but also filling up his slate.

As I said Monday, Warner Bros. is sure to be looking for a new franchise now that "Harry Potter" is done, even if they target markets would be decidedly different.

Stannis, Melisandre and Brienne cast for 'Games of Thrones' season two

Three more denizens of Westoros have been cast for season two of HBO's Emmy-nominated series "Game of Thrones."

Gwendoline Christie

Season two, which is set to air on the cable network next spring, will follow "A Clash of Kings," the second book in George R.R. Martin "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.

Up first is Brienne, who will be portrayed by Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"). Brienne is described in the novels as large and unattractive, but strong and a well-versed in sword play. She is sworn to Renly Baratheon, the younger of King Robert's brothers.

Stephen Dilla

Speaking of Robert's brothers, Stannis Baratheon, who was often spoken about during the course of season two but never seen, will be played by British actor Stephen Dillane, according to Entertainment Weekly.

This will not be Dillane's first venture on HBO, as he appeared as Thomas Jefferson in the acclaimed mini-series, "John Adams." He also played Merlin in 2004's "King Arthur," which featured Clive Owen in the title role.

Carice van Houten

Rounding out the new casting from EW is Stannis' advisor, the red priestess Melisandre, who will be played by Carice van Houten. Melisandre rejects the seven gods of Westeros and claims power from the mysterious god of light, who she says gives her the gift of prophecy, which she uses to council Stannis.

The dutch actress has appeared in "Repo Men," "Valkyrie" and "Black Book."

'The Hunger Games' motion poster is on fire

"The Hunger Games" is on fire. Or at least its poster is.

Lionsgate has revealed the first "motion poster" for the adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best selling novel. The story follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone"), who is chosen to take part in the Hunger Games, an annual battle to the death involving two teens chosen from the 12 districts of the fictional nation of Panem.

The poster features Katniss' signature mockingjay pin with the catchphrase, "May the odds be ever in your favor."

To see the poster in all its glory, follow through the cut.

Universal passes on 'The Dark Tower' mega project

Universal Pictures has passed on the ambitious project to turn Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series in a trio of films bridges by two television mini-series.

The 7th book was published in 2004.

Deadline is reporting that the studio would only commit to the first film after receiving scripts from Akiva Goldsman ("I Am Legend," "A Beautiful Mind") for the film and television series. This project's backers were not satisfied with the decision and refused to sign on.

Ron Howard ("A Beautiful Mind") was set to direct at least the first film with Brian Grazer, Goldsman and King producing. Additionally, Javier Bardem ("No Country for Old Men") was in talks to play Roland Deschain.

In May, production was pushed back on the adaptation until at least next year, one week after it was reported last week the studio was questioning the ambitious project's budget.

In September, Universal and NBC Universal Television announced the seven-novel series would be adapted into three movies, with a television miniseries in between each of the films.

"The Dark Tower" series began with the "The Gunslinger" in 1982. The seventh novel was published in 2004, with elements of the series permeating into King's other works and vice versa, such as "Hearts in Atlantis" and "Salem's Lot."

There's no denying this was an ambitious project, especially considering the potential for an R-rating due to the source material. According to Deadline's report, Howard and company may approach Warner Bros. with the project now that Universal has passed on it. With the "Harry Potter" franchise at an end, they may be willing to take a chance on a new franchise. After this past weekend box office grosses, they should have some extra money lying around.

Thorin Oakenshield completes 'Hobbit' dwarves

Richard Armitage as Thrin Oakenshield. Photo by James Fisher.

Thorin Oakenshield is the final dwarf to be revealed from Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit."

I missed a few along the way, but here is the final new dwarf (I'll play catchup soon), revealed to fan site TheOneRing.net.

According to the information released along with the photo: "As a young Dwarf prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing Dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. After slaughtering many of Thorin’s kin, the great serpent, Smaug, entered The Lonely Mountain and took possession of its vast store of gold and jewels. No-one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, and thus, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Through long years of hardship, Thorin grew to be a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader. In his heart a fierce desire grew; a desire to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that had brought such misery upon his people. So when fate offers him an unusual ally, he seizes the chance for revenge."

"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.

Noam Murro to direct '300: Battle of Artemisia'

"Smart People" director Noam Murro has been tapped to direct the "300" spin-off "300: Battle of Artemisia."

Xerxes in 2007's "300."

The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog broke the story Friday. The film, originally called "Xerses," is based on Frank Miller's upcoming graphic novel followup to his "300."

The story follows Xerxes, who led the Persians against the Spartan protagonists of "300," as he battled the Athenian Themistocles, focusing on the battle of Artemisium.

Zack Synder directed "300," which was released in 2007 and went on to gross $456 million worldwide. The movie put Snyder on the map as a director, leading to his adaptation of "Watchmen" and his upcoming Superman film, "Man of Steel."

According to the report, Synder wrote the screnplay for "Battle of Artemisia" with "300" partner Kurt Johnstad.

Balin and Dwalin revealed in latest 'Hobbit' photo

Ken Stott as Balin and Graham McTavish as Dwalin.
Photo by James Fisher

The dwarves of "The Hobbit" are making their rounds across the internet. The latest are Balin (Ken Stott) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish) who appeared at Time.

Five were revealed on Peter Jackson's Facebook page, followed by two more at IGN.

According to the information provided to Time: "Dwarf Lords in their own right, Balin and Dwalin are close relatives of Thorin. Beyond this, these brothers are two of his most loyal and trusted friends. An old warrior, Balin has lived through hard times and fought many battles, yet he harbors doubts about the wisdom of the Quest to retake the Lonely Mountain. Dwalin has no such forebodings--his belief in Thorin’s leadership is unshakeable. A powerful and bruising fighter, with a natural tendency to distrust anyone who is not a Dwarf, particularly anyone who might be an Elf, Dwalin is not someone to cross lightly."

"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.

Tom Cruise will play Jack Reacher in 'One Shot'

It's official. Tom Cruise is Jack Reacher.

Deadline is reporting that Cruise has been signed by 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.

In "One Shot," Reacher investigates a case involving a sniper accused of killing five people. He quickly realizes this isn't the open and shut case everyone else is making it out to be.

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" (which starred Cruise) and the forthcoming "Jack the Giant Killer."

'Evil Dead' to rise again

"Evil Dead" will rise again. A possible remake of director Sam Raimi's cult 1981 horror film has died and been reborn more times than the evil dead themselves.

But now Raimi, Bruce Campbell (who played Ash in all three "Evil Dead" films) and original producer Rob Tapert are partnering to bring the remake to life.

The original was released in 1981.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fede Alvarez (the short film "Panic Attack) will direct based on a script written by Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues. Diablo Cody ("Juno") is currently working on revisions.

"We are committed to making this movie and are inspired by the enduring popularity and enthusiasm for the 'Evil Dead' series," the producing trio said in a statement. "We can't wait to scare a new generation of moviegoers using filmmaking techniques that were not available to us thirty years ago as well as Fede bringing a fresh eye to the film’s original elements."

"Evil Dead" follows five college students who are traveling to an isolated cabin become possessed by evil spirits, leaving Ash alone to battle the dead. "Evil Dead 2," released in 1987, was essentially a remake of the first film, while "Army of Darkness" in 1992 follows Ash to 1300 A.D., where he must battle an army of the dead and retrieve the Necronomicon so he can return home.

It is not clear whether Campbell will return to the role of Ash in the remake.

"Evil Dead" is one of the ultimate horror classics with just the right mix of horror and camp to make it a cult favorite. I'm not a horror fan and even I love the series. I'm concerned by the trio's comment about "film techniques that were not available to us" considering we already have enough movies using the latest special effects for gory horror. Of course, it helps that everyone will be involved, which is better than the last couple of iterations of the remake.

Still, until proven otherwise, I'm going to put this one in the "remakes that aren't needed or wanted" category.

'Hobbit' Dwarves revealed

Jed Brophy as Nori, Adam Brown as Ori and Mark Hadlow
as Dori. Photo by James Fisher

Peter Jackson continues to keep "The Hobbit" up to speed on the production's progress.

Recently he revealed five of the dwarves who will be accompanying Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman, BBC's "Sherlock Holmes") on his journey. IGN revealed three more yesterday.

Shown above are Jed Brophy as Nori, Adam Brown as Ori and Mark Hadlow as Dori.

According to Jackson: "These three brothers, all sons of the same mother, could not be more different from each other. Dori, the oldest, spends much of his time watching out for Ori, the youngest; making sure he’s not caught a chill or got himself killed by Wargs or Goblins. Nobody quite knows what Nori gets up to most of the time, except that it’s guaranteed to be dodgy and quite probably, illegal. Dori, Nori and Ori are intensely loyal to each other – and whilst they are perfectly happy fighting amongst themselves, woe-betide anyone who means harm to one of these brothers."

'Unknown' director Jaume Collet-Serra to take on 'Akira'

The live-action adaptation of "Akira" has a new director: Jaume Collet-Serra.

The director of "Unknown" and "Orphan," Collet-Serra replaces Albert Hughes ("The Book of Eli"), who left the project in May over "amicable creative differences."

Jaume Collet-Serr

Based on the Japanese manga series, the film is said to be moving the action from Neo-Tokyo to New Manhattan based on a script most recently polished by "Harry Potter" screenwriter Steve Kloves. The story follows Kaneda, the leader of a motorcycle gang who tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a military experiment gone awry.

The film project sparked controversy in March when a reportedly shortlist of actors under consideration for the leads was entirely white despite the source material's Japanese origin (an issue I have repeatedly downplayed). Keanu Reeves was offered the role of Kaneda but he ultimately turned it down.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is among the film's producers.

'The Dark Knight Rises' teaser poster debuts online

The first teaser poster for Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises" has hit the net, featuring a crumbling Gotham creating the famed symbol of Batman.

The film will be released July 20, 2012.

It is an interesting motif, and rather reminiscent of limbo in Nolan's "Inception." Other than the fact that we know the third film in the director's Batman trilogy adds Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Anne Hathaway, "Love and Other Drugs") and Bane (Tom Hardy, "Inception") as the major villains, little has been revealed about the story.

An open casting call for the film described "a city besieged by crime and corruption," which could explain a symbolic reason for the crumbling city in the poster. A less likely answer could be that it is referring to the No Man's Land arc in which Gotham is struck by a massive earthquake and left to fend for itself by the federal government.

In the comics, Bane orchestrates a mass breakout of Arkham Asylum as part of his quest to wear down Batman and take him out, a feat he ultimately succeeds at. This would fit the viral marketing which has appeared online describing a prison break.

Spike Lee to remake 'Old Boy'

Director Spike Lee is set to remake the acclaimed South Korean film, "Old Boy."

Spike Lee

According to Heat Vision, the film will be based on a script by Mark Protosevich ("Thor," "I Am Legend," "Poseidon"), who will also co-produce.

Released in 2003, "Old Boy" followed a man who was kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years, only to discover his captor was more insidious plans in store for him.

Rumors of an English-language adaptation have cropped up here and there over the years with such figures as Steven Spielberg and Will Smith purportedly attached at one time or another.

Lee's last feature film was 2008's "Miracle at St. Anna" and his resume includes "Malcolm X," "She Gotta Have It" and "She Hate Me."

Ray Stevenson ups 'G.I. Joe' ninja population as Firefly

The ranks of "G.I. Joe" have been on the rise, so it's only fair COBRA gets some love as well.

Ray Stevenson

Heat Vision is reporting Ray Stevenson ("Thor") will play Firefly in the forthcoming sequel. The character is another ninja, supporting recent assertions by producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura that the story would focus more of the Joes' ninja characters.

In addition to "Thor," Stevenson's resume includes roles in "The Book of Eli," "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant," "Punisher: War Zone" and HBO's "Rome."

Stevenson joins returning cast members Channing Tatum (Duke), Ray Park (Snake Eyes) and Byung-hun Lee (Storm Shadow), along with newcomers Adrianne Palicki (Lady Jane), D.J. Cotrona (Flint), RZA (Blind Master), Elodie Yung (Jinx) and Dwayne Johnson (Roadblock).

The sequel will be directed by Jon M. Chu ("Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and is set for a Aug. 10, 2012, release date. 

Harry Lennix joins 'Man of Steel'

The cast of Zack Synder's "Man of Steel" continues to grow with Harry Lennix joining the project as a high-ranking military officer.

Harry Lennix

According to Heat Vision, Lennix will play Sgt. Stanwick, the second military character cast after the news that Christopher Meloni ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") will play a general.

 Lennix appeared as Boyd Langton in FOX's "Dollhouse" as well as in "State of Play," "Ray" and "The Matrix" sequels.

He 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.

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

Neil Burger to hunt for 'Drake's Fortune' in 'Uncharted' adaptation

"Limitless" director Neil Burger is taking over the film adaptation of the video game "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Burger will replace David O. Russell ("The Fighter") left the project due to "creative differences."

In addition to "Limitless," Burger's resume also includes "The Lucky Ones" and "The Illusionist."

Sony Computer Entertainment describes the game as follows:

A 400-year-old clue in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake sets a modern-day fortune hunter on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The search turns deadly when Nathan Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island.

The Playstation 3 game, which was released during the 2007 holiday season, has spawned two sequels, "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" in 2009 and "Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception," which is set for a Nov. 1 release date in North America.

Burger's "Limitless" was a surprise hit this past spring and, along with "Source Code," proved science fiction-tinged thrillers can be a hit with audiences. Of course, there have been recent success stories in the treasure hunting genre ("National Treasure") as well as failures ("Sahara").

Johnny Depp close to signing for fifth 'Pirates' film

Captain Jack Sparrow may sail again.

The Wrap is reporting "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Johnny Depp is close to a deal to star in a fifth film in the franchise which to date has brought home just shy of $3.7 billion in booty from the worldwide box office and includes two of the eight films to cross the $1 billion mark.

"Pirates" has earned $3.7 billion to date.

According to the report, producer Jerry Bruckheimer is hard at work on a script for the fifth film, a rough draft of which has been completed, and any deal will be contingent on receiving Depp's approval.

The fourth installment, "On Stranger Tides," is still pillaging the box office and is the top grossing film of 2011 so far.

Last month it was reported that "On Stranger Tides" director Rob Marshall had been offered the chance to helm the fifth installment but had not yet signed, leading Disney to begin shopping for a new director. 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").

Don Payne returning to pen 'Thor 2'

Screenwriter Don Payne is returning to Asgard to pen the screen for the recently announced "Thor 2."

"Thor 2" will be released July 26, 2013.

Payne was one of three writers with screenplay credit on the first film, released May 3. Two others were credited with the story.

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

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

Payne's other writing credits include "My Super Ex-Girlfriend," "Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer" and 16 episodes of "The Simpsons."

"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.

Adrianne Palicki is latest to join 'G.I. Joe'

Adrianne Palicki is putting away the lasso and picking up a gun.

Adrianne Palicki

The actress, who played the lead in the "Wonder Woman" pilot passed over by NBC, has been cast as Lady Jane in the "G.I. Joe" sequel.

Palicki's other works in the television series "Friday Night Lights" and the film "Legion." She will also appear in the forthcoming "Red Dawn" remake.

Palicki joins returning cast members Channing Tatum (Duke), Ray Park (Snake Eyes) and Byung-hun Lee (Storm Shadow)--the latter two recently confirmed by producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura--along with newcomers D.J. Cotrona (Flint), RZA (Blind Master), Elodie Yung (Jinx) and Dwayne Johnson (Roadblock).

The sequel will be directed by Jon M. Chu and is set for a Aug. 10, 2012, release date.